Microsoft just announced their newest gaming console called Xbox One X, which claims to be 40% more powerful than anything else on the market. The $500 all-in-one home entertainment set-top box adds 4K gaming, a built-in 4K Ultra HD Disc Player for Blu-ray X and streamed content, HDR support for gaming and video, and Dolby Atmos surround sound. And it’s completely backward compatible with previous Xbox games and controllers. That means original Xbox and Xbox 360 games can be played with the original controllers for a retro experience. That’s cute, but who’s dying to play 15 year old games? However, I do like the intent.
Like the Xbox One S, it includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray player, built-in power supply, three USB 3.0 ports (one in the front and two in the back), and IR blaster. It can be placed horizontally or vertically with an optional stand. For those who already own an Xbox One S, all the cables you own will transfer over, with port locations designed to be an easy plug-and-play swap in your existing gaming setup.
Xbox One X claims 6-teraflop of processing power thanks to its Scorpio engine and 12GB GDDR5 graphics memory. In addition, built-in supersampling produces more visible detail and smoother edges with more efficient loading times. For true 4K gaming, it combines 2160p frame buffers, 326 GB/sec memory bandwidth, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Color Gamut. Audio is improved with Dolby Atmos that enables a height channel for immersive sound assuming you install extra speakers or use a Dolby Atmos compatible sound bar.
Head of Xbox Phil Spencer said, “Xbox One X was designed to be the best console to create and play games on, putting the greatest graphic fidelity in the hands of the world’s best game creators to create true 4K games. Every game will play great across the Xbox One family, and Xbox One X also makes your existing library even better, with better textures, smoother framerates and faster load times.”
At launch, Microsoft Xbox One X will offer enhanced versions of existing Xbox One games including Gears of War 4, Forza Horizon 3, Minecraft, Resident Evil 7, Final Fantasy 15, Rocket League, each upgraded to take advantage of Xbox One X’s additional performance. In addition, some of this year’s biggest blockbuster will be launching in true 4K including Forza Motorsport 7.
Price and Availability
Xbox One X will be available November 7, 2017 for $499 USD / 449 GBP / 499 EUR / 599 CAD/ 649 AUD. It comes with a 1TB hard drive, a matching Xbox Wireless Controller, HDMI cable, power supply, a 1-month free Xbox Game Pass subscription and a 14-day free Xbox Live Gold membership.
