Microsoft Xbox Series X: An Impressive Console

The newest Xboxes are here, packing plenty of power into boxier frames than ever. Microsoft’s entries into the latest console generation are the Xbox Series X, reviewed here, and the Xbox Series S ($299).

- WILL GREENWALD

The Series X stands at the top of the ladder in terms of power and features, with 4K, HDR graphics, impressive performance, and incredibly fast load times thanks to its Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and SSD storage. It costs $200 more than the Series S, but the extra power and optical drive are well worth it. The Xbox Series X is an excellent game system and stands alongside the Sony PlayStation 5 as the most powerful console for playing games on your TV, earning our Editors’ Choice award.

A BIG, BLACK BOX

The Xbox Series X’s name is perhaps more apt than any other entry in the Xbox line to date. Simply put, it’s a big, black block that features sharp, right-angle corners and measures 12 by 6 by 6 inches (HWD). The sides are smooth, black plastic, with the top featuring a grid-like grille hiding green highlights that evoke the original Xbox’s design. The front of the system holds a slot-loading optical drive that’s vertical when the console is upright, along with a USB port, a controller pairing button, an eject button, and a power button.

The back houses two USB ports, an HDMI output, an Ethernet port, a power cable connector, and a slot for expanding storage. The HDMI input from the Xbox One is missing, which means you can’t use the system as a pass-through for your cable or satellite box.

In addition to standing upright, the Xbox Series X can also rest horizontally on its side. It still needs at least six inches of clearance in this position, so finding enough space in your media center may be tough.

Microsoft Xbox Series X

PROS

Impressive 4K, HDR graphics. Smooth performance. Incredibly fast load times, thanks to SSD. Strong backward compatibility, including accessories.