Xbox Series X recensione
Xbox Series X about to arrive. The 10th November Microsoft's next-generation console will land in stores, online and offline, along with the cheapest Xbox series s. In fact, there are two versions available at the debut: the X Series, more powerful and with Blu-Ray player, and the S Series, more compact, totally digital and with some technical sacrifices. Unlike the Xbox Series X we have in fact half the storage space - 512 GB -, less power and a resolution that stops at 1440p. Basically a QHD that is positioned just below 2K.
All this to meet the needs of all gamers, from the most hardcore to those who want to save something without giving up the advantages of the next-gen.
However, we will have the opportunity to talk about the S Series in the coming weeks. Today is the time to analyze her, the most powerful console on the market: Xbox Series X.
The video review
A discreet and elegant monolith
The Redmond company has chosen discretion. The new console is a black monolith, designed to blend in completely with the environment. Square and compact, the X Series results incredibly elegant and can be positioned both vertically and horizontally. There are no flashy elements, just a few small gems such as the luminous logo, located on the front, and the green details, which can be seen under the upper grille, intended for heat dissipation.
We therefore have no great aesthetic surprises: the power button, the Blu-Ray player, the pairing button and the USB socket are the only components required to move the front plate. On the back, however, we have the input for the power supply, to which you must connect the cable included in the package. No external power supply like the first Xbox One: now it's all integrated into the monolith.
The rear also includes two USB-A ports, HDMI to connect to monitors and televisions, Ethernet to access the Internet via cable and, finally, a slot to expand memory.
Two important pieces of information. First of all we have one HDMI 2.1 and its cable. Together they allow you to enjoy the games in 4K e a 120 fps, provided of course you have a screen that supports the same standard.
Secondly, the storage space can be expanded but no SSDs. Or rather: for Xbox Series X (and so for Series S) you will need an expansion card made by Microsoft and Seagate. It costs 250 euros and offers you 1 TB of space.
But don't throw away the "old" SSDs. They can be used for previous generation games.
Xbox Series X review: the controller
The X Series controller will make you feel at home. The base is in fact the one seen with Xbox One, the same that you have probably also seen on the third-party pads that have depopulated in recent years. The shape, the asymmetry of the sticks, the abundant triggers… There is everything we loved with the last generation.
However, this does not mean that there is no news. The back is knurled, as well as the two lower triggers. A choice that it favors the grip even during the most excited game sessions. On the upper part instead we find one new directional cross 8-way, which incorporates what was seen on the Elite controller, the enhanced and super-customizable version of the Xbox pad. We then a button dedicated to capturing images and videos: just a click to take a screenshot while the long press allows us to export the last seconds of gameplay (minimum 15, maximum 60). Too bad the sharing options have not changed: we would have preferred a faster and more intuitive export and perhaps the possibility of copying our small works of art on a USB support.
The 3,5mm jack and proprietary connector remain identical as well powered by AA batteries. However, you can purchase the rechargeable battery separately, so as to reduce battery consumption. Finally we have the USB-C connector, which replaces the old microUSB and allows you to connect the controller to the console via cable.
But how does all this translate into everyday life? The new controller, with its matte finish, turns out to be pmore comfortable, more responsive and even more premium. In short, we really liked it a lot.
But what if I want to play with a friend? We have good news for you. You can in fact use the Xbox One controllers even on the new generation. All you have to do is press the pairing buttons to configure them and in seconds you will be ready to challenge your opponent locally or complete a cooperative match.
Xbox Series X review: team that wins ...
… You don't change. This is how we can describe the Xbox Series X interface. In fact, there are no changes compared to what is proposed on Xbox One. This does not mean that Microsoft has put on the market a console with the same menus as 7 years ago. The Redmond giant has in fact worked a lot on the user experience of the platform, bringing constant improvements that have made Xbox One easier to manage. That's why the Series X interface has remained unchanged.
Almost.
We find some news in fact in the video settings, where it is possible to activate HDR10, Dolby Vision and much more. So if you have a latest generation TV that supports all these standards, you can enjoy a truly satisfying viewing experience.
The most powerful console on the market
On paper, Xbox Series X is, as we have already said, the most powerful console on the market, PlayStation 5 included. In fact, these are its technical characteristics:
- CPU: Zen 2 a 8 core e 16 thread @3.8 GHz
- GPU: Navi 2X con 52 RDNA 2.0 CUs @1.825 GHz
- RAM: 16GB GDDR6
- Memory: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Video quality: 4K @ 60fps / 8K
- Power: 250-300W
- Optical Player: 4K UHD Blu-ray, BDXL, Blu-ray (BD), DVD
However, all these numbers do not tell us what the new generation can really do. So let's put the specs aside and focus on the technologies that really impact our gaming sessions.
The first is certainly Xbox Velocity Architecture. A complex name that, however, brings enormous benefits to players: the loading times of all titles are in fact reduced to a minimum and switching from one game to another does not require any kind of waiting.
Graphically then we can count on the always appreciated HDR, able to leave you speechless thanks to a wider range of colors and blacks that are perceived as deeper, while maintaining the detail of the intermediate shades.
To this we can add il ray tracing, old acquaintance of PC gamers. It is a general technique of optical geometry that calculates the path made by the light and follows its rays so as to intercept the interaction with the different surfaces. It sounds complicated but it actually means games will now be able to play reflections and shadows like never before.
Optimized games and the power of the Game Pass
To date - the day we publish this review - there are 5 optimized titles we have got our hands on:
- Forza Horizon 4
- Gear 5
- Gears Tactics
- Sea of Thieves
- The Touryst
At launch, however, there will be other games that will allow you to touch the technologies of the Xbox Series X first-hand, including Watch Dogs Legion, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla e Yakuza: Like a Dragon. To find all the others, just consult the official page, constantly updated by the Xbox team.
But what differences should you expect? In short, what does “optimized” mean in practice? Well, the generational leap is quite visible. Take for example Gears 5. Already during the tutorial you can admire the feats of ray tracing. The protagonist is in fact reflected in the metal surfaces, which was previously impossible.
HDR, on the other hand, does an excellent job in Forza Horizon 4, where we can enjoy more defined, brighter and more contrasted images for a truly breathtaking glance.
Sea of Thieves also evolves with the Xbox X Series. The Rare title, despite its cartoonish appearance, features brighter colors, more details and greater clarity, effectively replicating the gaming experience offered on the latest generation PCs.
All this for free.
Xbox Series X, as well as Xbox Series S, uses Smart Delivery, a system that allows consoles to automatically download the most suitable version for the platform in use. At no additional cost. This means that if you already have the aforementioned titles you will not have to buy them again to benefit from the graphical and performance changes.
Of course, this also applies to any securities you purchase in the future as well as those included in the Game Pass di Xbox. We remind you that with 9,99 euros per month (or 12,99 if you opt for the Ultimate version) you can access as many as 100 different titles that will give you hundreds of hours of fun.
But that's not all. In fact, do not forget to Project xCloud. By downloading the Xbox Game Pass app on Android smartphones and tablets, you can also play Microsoft console titles on mobile devices.
Without unloading anything and without spending any more money.
The games are in fact processed in the cloud and then transmitted to your device. Without requiring installation space or computing power. Among other things, you can play with the Xbox controller, connected via Bluetooth to the smartphone or tablet on duty.
Download
QR-Code
Xbox Game Pass
Developer:
Microsoft Corporation
Price:
Free
We conclude the part dedicated to video games by talking about backward compatibility. Yes, because Xbox Series X not only manages optimized titles but all those released on the previous generation and even some video games for Xbox 360.
Xbox Series X review: conclusions
Xbox X Series is undoubtedly a next-generation console. Its design winks at PCs but the user experience remains really simple and immediate. It also has power and potential to sell even if we will have to wait for the launch to see it at work with slightly more demanding titles, such as Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Watch Dogs Legion.
There is also great anticipation for the new Halo, which has been postponed precisely to ensure a true next-gen experience for gamers.
But that doesn't mean you don't have titles to enjoy - the Game Pass includes all kinds of products. You will be spoiled for choice.
Xbox Series X will hit the market November 10 for 499 euros. Simultaneously with the release of the S Series which instead will cost 299 euros. You are therefore still in time to pre-order it. All the details on the MediaWorld website.
