Xbox Series X Everything we know about the next-gen game console

Posted by Romi Terry on March 15th, 2020

What is the Xbox Series X? Consider this: It has been more than six years since the launch of the Xbox One, and Microsoft has changed the platform significantly over that time. With the discontinuation of Kinect, the full redesign of the Xbox One S, and the major enhancements of the Xbox One X, the Xbox One has had quite an incredible run.

But revisions like these can only get a console so far, and it has us thinking about what comes next. Microsoft is working on the next generation of consoles, and quite a few details have emerged about the system, including its final name and a look at its PC-like design.

In a recent interview, Xbox head Phil Spencer said he expects the console will compete favorably with the forthcoming Sony PlayStation 5 on price and power, and some rumors have even pegged down a price for the Xbox Series X: 9. (We think it might be closer to 0.) Will it hit that mark? And when will it arrive? Here’s everything you need to know.

The hardware: A PC-like architecture

Microsoft continues to blur the line between console and PC gaming, and the Xbox Series X certainly reflects that in its physical design. The console resembles a PC tower, and though it can be placed on its side like the current systems, it appears the standard orientation will be vertical. It is substantially larger than the current Xbox One X and Xbox One S systems, though its footprint in an entertainment center shouldn’t be too much greater.

The system will make use of a custom processor that uses Zen 2 and RDNA architecture via AMD, and it will be capable of ray tracing, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Dynamic Latency Input. It will also come with GDDR6 RAM and an NVMe SSD for super-fast loading, and will be capable of 4K gameplay at 60 frames per second, as well as 8K visuals.

We’ve also heard that it could make use of a CFexpress port for expanding storage. However, these cards are still extremely expensive, so it could take a few years for it to be widely adopted.

Despite the 8K capability, head of Xbox Phil Spencer has nevertheless said that the focus for Xbox Series X games will be playability and framerate. This could mean we see a lower resolution when it would otherwise affect a game’s ability to hit 60 frames per second or beyond.

If the information given by Andrew Reiner of Game Informer is accurate, the PS5 system could still end up being more powerful than Xbox Series X. As of now, it is nothing more than a rumor.