Xbox Series X specs, price, games and release date – everything we know so far

0
91

THE new Xbox is right around the corner, and we’ve got all the lowdown on what to expect from Microsoft’s next console.

It’ll go head to head with the PlayStation 5 when the two launch later this year, and here’s everything we know about it so far.

The Series X is a boxy console out later this year

Xbox Series X – What is it?

Microsoft announced the Xbox Series X in November 2019, but the long-awaited console is still shrouded in mystery.

It’s a high-powered machine that promises next gen-graphics and incredible power.

“We know you expect the next generation of consoles to set new standards in graphical power and processing speed, converging together in games that look incredible and feel alive,” Xbox’s Phil Spencer said last year.

“This will be defined by worlds that are visually astounding and immediately immersive, with innovative leaps in CPU, GPU and storage technology to give you frictionless access to new stories and new creators constantly.”

Microsoft is preparing to take on Sony and its upcoming PS5

Xbox Series X specs and features

The Xbox Series X is all about power and performance.

Microsoft recently confirmed that the console would deliver a mammoth 12 teraflops of performance.

That’s a whopping eight times more than the original Xbox One.

Teraflops refers to the number of operations a processor can handle at a given time.

Microsoft recently confirmed that the console would deliver a mammoth 12 teraflops of performance

The new Xbox will be able to have 12trillion “operations” every single second.

For context, that’s twice as powerful as the Xbox One X.

Phil called this a “true generational leap” and promises higher framerates, and “larger, more sophisticated game worlds”.

Microsoft is also pledging to reduce waiting times for gaming generally.

Games should load more quickly due to a faster storage drive.

And there’s a Quick Resume feature that sounds like a hardcore gamer’s dream.

“The new Quick Resume feature lets you continue multiple games from a suspended state almost instantly,” Phil explained.

“Returning you to where you were and what you were doing, without waiting through long loading screens.”

Microsoft is also making the old Xbox games backwards-compatible, describing it as “four generations of gaming”.

You’ll be able to play original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One games on the new console.

And these games should be improved by steadier framerates, faster loading times and improved resolution.

The Xbox Series X still doesn’t have a release date or price

Xbox Series X games

We’re expecting to see a slew of incredible games coming to the Series X.

Microsoft has already confirmed a new Halo title will launch with the console, but here are a few more slated for a Series X release:

  • Halo Infinite

  • Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
  • Outriders
  • Watch Dogs Legion
  • Gods & Monsters
  • Rainbow Six Quarantine
  • The Lord of the Rings: Gollum
  • Starfield
  • Dying Light 2
  • Everwild

Of course, you’ll also be able to play original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One games on the new console.

You’ll be able to play original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One games on the new console

Xbox Series X release date and price

Microsoft has remained pretty secretive about the console’s release date.

All we know is that it’ll hit shelves during the Holidays 2020 season.

That means either October or November later this year.

We’re still in the dark about the console’s price, too.

Analysts reckon the PS5 and Series X could cost as much as £500.

“Both consoles will be a lot more similar to each other in terms of specs, pricing and features when compared to the last generation”, said Katan Games analyst Serkan Toto.

“Microsoft will likely avoid shenanigans like higher price (I expect $499 price tags for both), weaker specs, restrictions to used disc sales etc.

“I also expect no handheld versions, a PSVR 2, and only a single device (instead of a PS5 standard and Pro, for example) for both companies at launch.”

In other news, Sony recently confirmed the PS5 will release in time for Christmas 2020.

A recent “price leak” suggested that the console could cost £250 more than its predecessor.

And we reveal the best PS5 games you can expect to play this year.

Do you plan on splashing out on one of the new consoles? Let us know in the comments!