Xbox Series X - All Specs & Features

Behold, the fastest and most powerful Xbox Console yet. This is the next-generation of gaming - The Xbox Series X.

We’ve put together an article with all the announced and confirmed specs. Prepare yourself… they do not disappoint.

Next-Gen Specs Compared to Current-Gen

To help you understand the true power of the Xbox Series X, here are the specs compared to the Xbox One X and Xbox One S

The Power Behind the Next-Gen Xbox

This will be the most powerful Xbox console yet and with all the power it holds, it’ll remain totally quiet. Enjoy more power with no more whirring or humming. We’re going to touch on the confirmed specifications and explain what this means for your games:

Next-Generation Custom Processor

The Xbox Series X specs confirm that the console is powered by the custom-designed AMD processor, utilizing the latest Zen 2 and RDNA 2 Architectures to its maximum potential. The results of this include delivering four times the processing power of the Xbox One.

It supports up to 120 frames per second for players to enjoy smooth gameplay and precise controls during the fast-paced action. This is eight times the original Xbox One and twice of the Xbox One X!

Variable Rate Shading (VRS)

Variable Rate Shading is essentially a way for developers to have greater control over rendering of pixels to make up an image. For example, focusing on important areas of the image, reducing the demand on the graphics processor leading to more stable frame rates in games with higher resolution with no effect on the final image quality.

Hardware-accelerated DirectX Raytracing

Hardware-accelerated DirectX Raytracing simulates light and sound in real-time more accurately than ever before. But what does this mean? Take a look at the Minecraft picture below comparing graphics to Ray Tracing On and Off. The realistic lighting, shadows and warm glow from the fire enhance the visuals of this game. It feels more realistic and much more immersive for any gamer.

Light now passes through objects such as glass and picks up the colour, and water is transparent with the light realistically reflecting as the water sways.

All this combined is a huge leap for the next generation of Xbox. Gaming worlds will be a bigger, sophisticated and incredibly immersive experience, unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Play More and Wait Less with Improved Speed

The Xbox Series X manages to harness so much power without having a negative impact on speed. In fact, this console is much quicker at loading than the current Xbox One, thanks to its NVMe SSD - a first for consoles.

In a video demonstration by Microsoft, loading up State of Decay 2 on the Xbox Series X was 35 seconds quicker than the Xbox One X. Get ready to wait less and play more!

Xbox Velocity Architecture

Huge gaming worlds like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and Red Dead Redemption 2 demand processing power. With Xbox Velocity Architecture, your games will stream whilst you’re playing so cutscenes and loading of expansive worlds are seamless.

Quick Resume

With the new Xbox, you can quickly switch between multiple games from a suspended state almost instantly. You’ll resume exactly where you left off and what you were doing without waiting. With a quick resume, the long loading screens can be left behind.

Dynamic Latency Input (DLI)

Along with all these impressive features, Microsoft is developing innovative technology such as Dynamic Latency Input to help shape the HDMI 2.1 specification. In simple terms, combining DLI, and HDMI 2.1 gaming means your controller actions will be synchronized super-fast between controllers, console and to your TV.

HDMI 2.1 Innovation

Microsoft has been working with TV manufacturers to ensure that the quality gaming experience is available with Auto Low Latency and Variable Refresh Rate. With this innovation, players can expect minimal lag and incredibly responsive gameplay.

Reducing Latency

The Xbox Series X improves the responsiveness of your games with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). As soon as you start playing your games, ALLM will automatically switch to your display’s lowest latency mode. Ultra-low latency is critical for gamers to get the most out of their powerful games. It essentially means the signal from your controller to your console, from your console to your display will be quicker and faster than before.

Design of the new Xbox console

The general look of this console is totally unique, with a sleek, towered appearance - which can also be placed on its side to save some space. With a console that has all the power, it’s no surprise that they have ditched the traditional Xbox shape. You can display the Xbox Series X vertically or horizontally.

Next-Generation Wireless Controller

The new Xbox Wireless Controller is designed to be more inclusive, especially for players who have smaller hands. There is more focuse on improving accessibility and comfort by carefully sculpting elements of the controller including triggers, bumpers and the grips. Tactile dots have been added to triggers and bumpers to improve grip and a stunning matte finish perfectly complements the design of the console.

The D-pad has also been redesigned to boost performance and improve accessibility. The new D-pad is a combination between the old controller and the Elite. It’s slightly deeper in the centre which you can rest your thumb in, and the angles are tuned to provide good movement with minimal effort.

A Share button has also been added to help connect gamers together by quickly sharing gameplay, capturing epic moments or sharing your favourite gaming scenes. It’s easy to share content with friends online.

Games and Accessory Compatibility

This new console is also be backwards compatible, so you can bring all your old favourites to the all-new console - and it doesn’t stop there. Your trusty Xbox One controllers will also be compatible with the Xbox Series X, enabling you to bring your own personalised controllers to the party.

Players can enjoy four generations of gaming on one console – from the original Xbox to the Xbox Series X, all your games and accessories are compatible.

Smart Delivery

With Smart Delivery you can purchase a game on any console and get a free updated version of the game. Cyberpunk 2077, Halo: Infinite and a Series X optimized version of Gears 5 have been confirmed so you don’t need to buy the game twice!

Xbox Game Pass

On top of this, Xbox Game Pass will continue to have first-party games available, including Halo Infinite at launch. This means you can access Gears 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisps and any other first-party games on your Xbox Series X with Xbox Game Pass Subscription.

The Xbox Series X can be in your hands in November 2020. Can't wait to pre-order? Register your interest with GAME here and we’ll send you the latest Xbox news.