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Xbox Series Xis Microsoft’s premier console for the ninth generation, alongside the cheaper alternative, the Xbox Series S. The system is a big technical upgrade to the Xbox One. In fact, it’s the most powerful console in the Xbox family.
This means, in theory, that games look and run better on this system than any of the previous ones. It also boasts a few new features. However, does all of that mean it’s worth forking out your hard-earned money for the console? To answer that, you must look at various different things, such as the price and peoples' opinions on the system. You can find those things here.
Review
Kirk Mckeand was the person responsible forreviewing the Xbox Series X for TheGamer. He did so in 2020 when the system first launched. So, not only did he give his opinion on what the system currently offers, but its future potential.
In regard to the latter, he showcased a lot of belief in the system, predicting that “Xbox will rope-a-dope its way back into the gaming zeitgeist” in this new generation.
If you want hassle-free gaming withshorter load times, crisp textures, smooth frame rates, and a huge library-much of which is included as part of your online subscription- Xbox Series X is impossible to beat.
As for what it offered at the time, he was impressed with how it upped the quality of existing games through enhancement patches. He couldn’t, however, judge what new titles were like on the system, as there weren’t many in 2020.
While that has obviously changed in the three-and-a-half years since Kirk’s review was published, it’s worth noting thatthere haven’t been manyexclusivetitles in particular.If you’re wondering whether to justify a purchase basedchiefly on the games youcan’t find elsewhere,the Series X offers a dicey proposition.
However, Kirk was happy with what he did play in regard to frame rate and resolution. He also praised the console’s speed claiming,“loading screens last seconds and fast travel is actually fast.“He also lauded things such as theQuick Resume featurethat lets you swiftly switch between games and the improvements Microsoft made to the controller.
Cost
The price of the Xbox Series X will slightly depend on your choice of retailer and whether you get a game with it. Also, you’re able to get a refurbished one that will cost a bit less.
However,the standard retail price for a shiny new one with no additions is$499.99. If you don’t want to pay all the money at once, you can purchase it through Xbox All Access, which is$34.99 per month.
Microsoft is typically offering bundles where you get a game with the console. These are typically a bit more expensive, but they’re cheaper than getting the game and console separately. What titles are offered as part of these bundles varies.
What Players Are Saying
Better Than Its Predecessor, But Not A Complete Game-Changer - Ben Jessey
Xbox Series X is an upgrade from the Xbox One. For starters, it’s faster and provides better visuals. But besides its increased power, it isn’t too different from what came before.
So, if you already own an Xbox One or even PS4, and you’re a more casual gamer, the upgrade might not be worth it. However, if you play a lot of games and are interested in many of the big releases in the future, then picking up the Series X is the right choice, as it’ll bring the best out of those titles.
Plus, it’s an all-around good console. If you get Game Pass, too, it’s a better deal than the PS5 unless you’re particularly fond of Sony exclusives.
Paired With Game Pass It Is An Unparalleled Value - James Kennedy
These days, picking between consoles is pretty easy. If you want those Sony exclusives, then the PS5 is the way to go, otherwise, Series X is just an astronomical value. And that is all thanks to Game Pass.
With it, you get every single first-party release on day one. That is every game made by Id Software, Machine Games, Tango Gameworks, Double Fine, and Arkane. All for averyreasonable monthly subscription.
The Xbox Series X itself is an impressive console, with a very solid controller, and some nice features (quick resume is especially nifty), but it is when the console is paired with Game Pass that it becomes the best value in gaming. Ever.
X-Tremely Good - Helen Ashcroft
As a Game Pass diehard fan the Series X was the obvious choice for this generation. However, it is more than just a way to use Game Pass. The console looks great, was easy to set up, and has simple menus to navigate. It’s also great to be able to use the disc drive to play old backward compatible games from our hefty disc collection.
Absolutely Worth The Next-Gen Upgrade - Amanda Hurych
For Game Pass alone, the Xbox Series X is worth it, but there are other features that set it apart from its competitors. Its shape is a tad more convenient than the awkwardly finned PS5, it’s got a superb backwards-compatible library, and the performance it gives you for those games that have the potential tochugis undeniable.
A Great Introduction To The Xbox Ecosystem - Axel Bosso
My first Xbox ever was a Series S. It not only gave me the chance to play new games at much more affordable prices (we have a regional store here in Argentina) when compared to PS, but it also delighted me with the opportunity to try all the big games that I have been missing since the original Xbox.
It was so great that it made me buy a Series X in less than a year. A terrific system that works incredibly well and has one of the best user experiences in the market. Definitely, one of the best purchases in recent memory.
Yes, But… -Quinton O’Connor (Written May 2024)
Most of our above thoughts were written prior to Microsoft’s shuttering of several first-party studios, including Tango Gameworks and one half of Arkane. These closures, which sent shockwaves through the industry in early May 2024, have cast considerable doubt on the prospects of Xbox’s long-term future as acreator of dedicated game hardware.
We can’t speak to what comes in the future, of course. Only the here and now. Right now, plenty of Xbox’s formerly exclusive titles are becoming available on rival console manufacturers. The historic $70 billion (!) purchase of Activision Blizzard might prompt folks to assume that Call of Duty will be on Game Pass from day one, but leadership is allegedly mulling whether to do so.
All of this combines in our minds to tack on some caution tape ahead of our recommendations. Or, at least speaking for myself, I’d be first in line with that tape. Xbox Series X is still a fantastic console - current business issues can’t change that - Game Pass remains an outstanding value proposition, and the system’s performance is superb. Still, you know? Maybe just don’t expect as much exclusive-based value going forward.
