The next generation of Xbox console (previously known as Project Scarlett) has an official name: “Xbox Series X.” Microsoft unveiled the name of the console as well as its new design during the Game Awards 2019.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the new game console moves away from a traditional set-top box design with its new rectangular prism design that you can position vertically or horizontally. On the front side, you can clearly see an optical drive to insert game discs, and at the top, there is a ventilation with a fan for airflow and keeping the hardware cool.
Inside, the Xbox Series X is expected to sport a custom AMD Zen 2 processor and Radeon RDNA graphics. According to the company, the console will support up to 8K gaming, variable refresh rate (VRR), up to 120fps of frame rate, ray tracing, Microsoft’s patented Variable Rate Shading (VRS) technology that will allow developers to get even more out of the graphics processor. And as for storage, the company is using an NVMe SSD that should help to boost games load times.
Although Microsoft didn’t share many details about graphical power of the Xbox Series X, it’s been known for a while that the console will be capable of 12 teraflops, which is twice as much power than the current Xbox One X.
In addition, the console will support Dynamic Latency Input (DLI) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) to make the Xbox Series X more responsive.
Alongside Xbox Series X, Microsoft also revealed the new Xbox Wireless Controller, which even though looks similar to the previous design, the new controller has a refined size and shape to accommodate an even wider range of people. And it includes a new Share button to make capturing screenshots and game clips easier and an advanced d-pad derived from the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller.
The company says that the new Xbox Wireless Controller will be compatible with Xbox One and Windows 10, and will be included with the Xbox Series X.
While the unveiling, the company didn’t mention about a second model of the Xbox Series X, it’s expected that another cheaper variant will be available, but without an optical drive like the Xbox One S All-digital edition.
Xbox Series X doesn’t have official pricing or release date, but it’s expected that the pricing will be inline with the power that console has to offer, and it’ll be ready for holiday 2020.
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 14 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 20 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].