Xbox One X is all about 4K and HDR gaming, but a lot of Xbox fans are still wondering if the $499 price tag is worth it on a 1080p TV. Although the focus of Xbox One X is about delivering native 4K gameplay that is only possible when someone has a 4K TV, Microsoft explains the benefits of the new console without a 4K TV.
The first thing that Microsoft wants to make very clear is that every game and accessory that works on Xbox One will work on Xbox One X.
Then there is the Xbox One X Enhanced, which is a program that allows you to identify that the game has been optimized to take advantage of the console resources for a richer and improved gaming experience. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it includes support for 4K and HDR. Optimized games will appear with the “Enhanced” tag, and there is also a separate logo to identify that the game includes support for 4K and HDR.
Xbox One X games will look better on 1080p TVs
In addition, game developers will be able to use supersampling technology that enables games designed for 4K to run better on a 1080p TV.
Supersampling is a method that scales 4K resolution images down to a 1080p, but in a way that games will offer better image quality, faster frame rates, and improve textures than the original 1080p version of the game.
Microsoft also points out that even those games that are not part of the Enhanced list (especially older games) will run better in the new console.
One thing that the company wants to make super clear is that 4K and HDR are features, which means that developers are the ones who will decide to support one or the other, or both. However, when these features become more in demand, we’re going to see more games taking full advantage of the Xbox One X robust hardware.
Currently, Microsoft has already announced more than 130 enhanced games for its new console, which is a considerable amount, and more titles with be added over time.
If you’re planning to get a new Xbox One X and want games that will use all the capabilities of the console, you want to get Forza Motorsptort 7, Halo 5: Guardians, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and among others.
Also, in the case you already own an Xbox One console, chances are that you already own some of the games that are enhanced for Xbox One X, and when you get the new console you’ll get the new version at no extra cost.
As you can see there are many benefits that make it worth getting an Xbox One X even if you have a 1080p TV, but of course, the gaming experience will always be better with a 4K TV with HDR for those games that support those features.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].