Xbox Series X Review: A Powerful Console With Room to Grow
The Xbox Series X has been a game-changer since its release, offering cutting-edge features like Quick Resume, Smart Delivery, and the highly praised Xbox Game Pass. While it may not boast as many exclusive titles as its competitors, it excels in performance and value. But with Sony's PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro now on the market, is the Xbox Series X still worth your investment in 2024? Let’s dive into the details.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sleek and premium design: The Xbox Series X looks and feels like a high-end product.
- Xbox Game Pass: Offers unparalleled value with access to a vast library of games.
- Quick Resume: Seamlessly switch between multiple games without losing progress.
- Super-speedy SSD: Drastically reduces loading times for games and apps.
Cons
- Familiar UI: The user interface hasn’t changed significantly from the Xbox One.
- Lack of exclusives: Trails behind the PS5 and Nintendo Switch in high-quality first-party titles.
Key Features
4K Support
The Xbox Series X supports gaming at up to 4K resolution, providing stunning visuals for those with compatible displays. Unlike the Xbox Series S, it’s designed for true 4K gaming.
Ray Tracing
Ray tracing allows for realistic lighting and shadows, enhancing the overall visual fidelity. However, enabling this feature can impact performance in some games.
Quick Resume
This standout feature lets you switch between multiple games instantly, resuming exactly where you left off—even after powering down the console.
Super-Speedy SSD
The custom NVMe SSD drastically reduces loading times, making navigating games and apps a breeze.
Design and Build Quality
The Xbox Series X sports a sleek, monolithic design that resembles a compact PC tower. Measuring 301 x 151 x 151mm and weighing 4.46kg, it feels premium and robust. The minimalist approach ensures it blends seamlessly into any entertainment setup.
One of the design highlights is the top-mounted fan, which keeps the console cool while running quietly. However, this makes ventilation crucial, especially if you prefer to position the console horizontally.
The controller has also seen minor but meaningful upgrades. It features a textured grip for better handling and a dedicated Share button for capturing screenshots and videos. If you’re using rechargeable battery packs, you’ll need a USB-C cable, which unfortunately isn’t included in the box. You can grab a compatible cable here.
Performance and Specs
Under the hood, the Xbox Series X boasts impressive hardware:
– Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU: 8 cores running at 3.8GHz.
– 12 teraflops of GPU power: Based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture.
– 16GB GDDR6 memory: Ensures smooth gameplay and multitasking.
– HDMI 2.1 support: Allows for 4K at 120fps and even 8K output for media playback.
The console excels in backward compatibility, enhancing the performance and visuals of older games. For instance, titles like Final Fantasy XV and Monster Hunter World benefit from faster loading times and smoother frame rates.
If you’re looking to expand storage, the proprietary Seagate Storage Expansion Card is a convenient option. While pricey, it’s plug-and-play. You can find one here.
Game Library and Game Pass
Exclusive Games
Microsoft has struggled to compete with Sony in terms of exclusive titles. While games like Starfield and Forza Horizon 5 are noteworthy, they don’t quite match the critical acclaim of PlayStation exclusives like God of War Ragnarok or Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Game Pass
The real star of the Xbox ecosystem is Xbox Game Pass. For a monthly fee, you gain access to over 100 games, including first-party titles on launch day. The Ultimate tier also includes EA Play, offering even more value.
If you’re new to Game Pass, you can subscribe here.
Quick Resume: A Game-Changer
Quick Resume is arguably the most innovative feature of the Xbox Series X. It allows you to switch between up to six games almost instantly, resuming gameplay exactly where you left off. For anyone who juggles multiple games, this feature is a huge time-saver.
Multimedia Capabilities
The Xbox Series X doubles as a media hub, featuring a 4K Blu-ray player and support for streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. If you’re a cinephile, the console’s ability to play 4K HDR Blu-rays is a major plus. You can pick up a selection of 4K Blu-rays here.
Is It Worth Buying in 2024?
Who Should Buy It?
- Gamers seeking the most powerful Xbox console available.
- Those who value Game Pass and backward compatibility.
- Players who prioritize features like Quick Resume and Smart Delivery.
Who Should Skip It?
- Players who want a robust library of exclusive games.
- Budget-conscious gamers who may find the Xbox Series S a more affordable option. Check out the Series S here.
Final Thoughts
The Xbox Series X remains a powerhouse in 2024, delivering exceptional performance, cutting-edge features, and unparalleled value through Game Pass. However, its lack of exclusive titles and competition from Sony’s upgraded PS5 models make it a tougher sell for some.
If you’re already invested in the Xbox ecosystem or value Game Pass, the Series X is a no-brainer. But if exclusives are your priority, the PS5 might still hold the edge.
Where to Buy
FAQs
1. Is the Xbox Series X 8K-capable?
Yes, but 8K gaming is not yet widely supported. The console’s focus remains on 4K gaming with high frame rates.
2. Is Game Pass worth it?
Absolutely. With access to over 100 games, including day-one releases of Microsoft-published titles, it’s a fantastic deal.
3. Can I use my old Xbox One games?
Yes, the Series X supports backward compatibility for most Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games.
The Xbox Series X is a marvel of engineering, but its full potential is still waiting to be unlocked. Whether it’s the right console for you depends on your gaming preferences and priorities.
