It’s been almost seven years since the last release of an Xbox console (not counting the Xbox One S and X), so the upcoming Xbox Series X has been a long time coming. With promises of 8k resolution, 120fps, and real-time ray tracing, here’s everything you need to know so far about Microsoft’s next-generation console.
Backward Compatibility
Perhaps the most exciting thing about the Xbox Series X is its backward compatibility feature for games from all previous Xbox consoles. Although Xbox One started playing around with the feature, users weren’t too happy as it didn’t allow classics like Skyrim, Portal 2, and Red Dead Redemption.
Microsoft claims that all their games—from the original Xbox to Xbox One—will be forward compatible with the Series X. Additionally, if you own an Xbox One, you’ll find that its controller will be forward compatible with the Xbox Series X too, and vice versa.
Design
As you can see, the Xbox Series X closely resembles a CPU, with USB Type-A ports, an HDMI port, a power port, an Ethernet port, and an optical audio port. The front has the drive slot, along with another USB slot at the bottom, and the iconic “X” logo on the upper right. Note that the photos you see are just the prototype, so Microsoft can still surprise us with an entirely new design when it launches.
Games
As we’re still months away from the release of the Xbox Series X, Microsoft has been pretty tight-lipped about its launch titles. Among the confirmed games, however, is none other than a new Halo game. Gaming writer Zach Cabading from HP recalls how the introduction of Halo for Xbox led to a banner year for Microsoft. In fact, industry critics credit Halo for making gaming more mainstream, with new customers buying the console just to play it. It’s no surprise to see developer 343 Industries coming up with the new Halo Infinite for release later this year, just in time for the projected launch date for the Xbox Series One.
Some of the other confirmed games include The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Watch Dogs Legion, Rainbow Six Quarantine, Gods, and Monsters. Plus, it’s also worth noting that thanks to the console’s next-generation solid-state drive, loading screens should be a thing of the past (or so they claim).
Price
The Xbox 360 was such a hit when it came out. Tech writer Erik Kain from Forbes reveals that the unit has sold over 84 million copies to date. In comparison, Xbox One’s sales were underwhelming (41 million), and it has a lot to do with its price. Microsoft marketed the Xbox One as an all-in-one entertainment hub and priced it accordingly at $499. On the other hand, the Xbox 360 was just there to be a video game console and was priced at $299.
Fortunately, Microsoft realized their failed strategy and says that it won’t happen again for the Xbox Series X. Partner Director of Program Management Jason Ronald told fans in an interview that they now “understand what reasonable price points are for a console.” If their word is to be followed, the expected price should be around PS5’s current estimate of $400.
Microsoft hasn’t announced an official release date yet, but we at least know it’s coming in late 2020. And since the last three Xbox consoles all launched in November, it wouldn’t be too farfetched to expect the Xbox Series X to come out in the same month.
