Microsoft announced the Xbox One X during its press conference at E3 2017. Since then, gamers worldwide have been wondering what features, specifications, and other goodies Microsoft’s newest gaming console will bring to the table. If you’re looking for a review of the new Xbox One X, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve done an in-depth look at Microsoft’s newest next-gen console: the Xbox One X (formerly known as Project Scorpio) was released and gives you an overview of this legendary installment in the Microsoft gaming franchise.
Xbox One X (Code Name: Project Scorpio)
The Xbox One X, initially unveiled under the codename “Project Scorpio,” is Microsoft’s most powerful iteration of the Xbox One console. Released on November 7, 2017, it features a custom 2.3 GHz 8-core CPU and a 1,172 MHz GPU, delivering 6 teraflops of graphical computing power. This robust hardware enables true 4K gaming experiences, offering enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay
This release came just over a year after the Xbox One S, which launched on August 2, 2016. The Xbox One S introduced a slimmer design, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray support, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) for video streaming. In contrast, the Xbox One X built upon these features, delivering true 4K gaming and enhanced performance. This progression highlights Microsoft’s commitment to providing gamers with increasingly powerful and immersive experiences.
Performance Specifications
The Xbox One X is a significant leap forward in gaming technology. With major upgrades to its GPU, CPU, and memory, it delivers an impressive performance that stands out among consoles. Whether you’re gaming at 4K or experimenting with mods, understanding its specs will help you get the most out of your Xbox One X.
Whether you’re diving into the latest AAA titles or experimenting with Xbox mods, understanding the technical capabilities of the Xbox One X is key to unlocking its full potential. Below is a detailed breakdown of the performance specifications that make this console a true gaming machine.
GPU – A Visual Powerhouse
The AMD Radeon GPU in the Xbox One X offers 6 teraflops of computing power, making it capable of 4K gaming with smoother frame rates and enhanced graphics. This is perfect for gamers looking to run high-quality mods that improve visuals without compromising performance.
With this level of GPU power, you can expect sharper textures, more realistic lighting, and an overall more immersive experience, especially when playing graphically demanding titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Forza Horizon 4. The improved graphical fidelity also makes it ideal for gamers interested in Xbox One X mods that enhance visual effects and add new layers to the gaming experience.
CPU – Fast and Efficient
The 8-core AMD processor in the Xbox One X runs at 2.3 GHz, ensuring faster load times and better game performance. It also helps keep the system responsive during intense gaming sessions. For issues like lag, understanding how this processor works can help with Xbox One X troubleshooting.
This processor can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, making it the best choice for open-world games or multiplayer sessions where performance consistency is crucial. Whether you’re streaming your game or running multiple apps, the Xbox One X’s CPU keeps things running smoothly without noticeable slowdown, even in the most demanding scenarios.
Memory – More Bandwidth, Better Performance
With 12GB of GDDR5 RAM and 326GB/s memory bandwidth, the Xbox One X handles larger games and mods without slowdown. This extra memory makes it a solid choice for running heavy texture mods or adding new content to your games.
The combination of faster memory and higher bandwidth ensures that the console can load assets quicker, reducing in-game stuttering and speeding up texture pop-in times. This also benefits players who use mods that load complex textures or new environments into the game. Whether you’re downloading a custom map or loading new characters, the Xbox One X can keep up without breaking a sweat.
Combined with the Xbox One X’s advanced CPU, you’ll never really feel like you’re waiting for the world to load in front of you.
Storage – Plenty of Space for Games
The Xbox One X comes with a 1TB hard drive, offering enough space for your games, apps, and mods. If you’re running out of space, external storage is an easy solution to keep your favorite games available without the hassle. The 1TB drive allows for the installation of large titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, which can each take up to 100GB or more of storage.
Additionally, the Xbox One X is compatible with external SSDs for faster load times and better performance, so if you’re looking to expand your storage, upgrading to a solid-state drive can significantly reduce loading times and improve your overall gaming experience.
You can check out our guide on 5 Must Have Accessories for Your Xbox One which includes a section on storage hardware and what to look for.
4K UHD and HDR – Stunning Visuals
The Xbox One X supports 4K UHD and HDR, giving you sharp, vibrant visuals that enhance your gaming experience. Whether playing games or watching media, this console ensures top-notch quality. If you’re using Kinect setup or modding, the graphics make your interactive experience more immersive. 4K gaming means that you’ll be able to play your favorite titles with greater clarity and depth, making your gaming sessions feel more lifelike.
With HDR10 support, the Xbox One X enhances contrast, offering deeper blacks and brighter whites, which is especially noticeable in darker scenes or environments. If you’re using a 4K TV, the combination of 4K and HDR elevates the experience to a whole new level, making games like Gears 5 or The Witcher 3 visually stunning.
Since HDR gaming is a relatively new feature in the console space, we made an article All About HDR Gaming on the Xbox One to explore what HDR is about and what it means for the future of console entertainment.
I also wrote a piece about a new audio/video feature that’s making it’s rounds called Auto Low Latency Mode (or ALLM, for short). It will help those with premium setups and more expensive or complex gaming setups to take full advantage of the hardware available. Nobody wants lag on their 90 inch OLED TV.
Games for the Xbox One X
The Xbox One X is 100% backward compatible with all Xbox One games, and over 300 Xbox 360 games.
However, Xbox One X also has games that are unique and specific to this console. The Xbox One X Only games offer up an enhanced 4k experience and more.
Some of the games include Forza Motorsport 7, Super Lucky’s Tale, State of Decay 2, Crackdown 3, and Sea of Thieves.
4k Games on Xbox One X
The Xbox One X offers a truly next-gen gaming experience with its backward compatibility, allowing you to play all Xbox One games and over 300 Xbox 360 titles. The console also delivers enhanced load times, higher frame rates, and better graphics, thanks to its upgraded hardware.
Additionally, Microsoft’s newest console features Xbox One X enhanced titles designed to make the most of its power. These Xbox One X Only games provide a 4K experience with improved textures and smoother performance. Below are some standout titles that showcase the console’s capabilities:
- Sea of Thieves (Amazon)
- Forza Motorsport 7 (Amazon)
- Super Lucky’s Tale (Amazon)
- State of Decay 2 (Amazon)
- Crackdown 3 (Amazon)
If you’re big on getting the most out of the gaming experience on the Xbox One X, the enhanced gaming experience of some games might be enough to push some people towards upgrading to the X over and Xbox One or Xbox One S.
With a little bit of ingenuity, you can still use your Xbox One Kinect with the Xbox One X for some enhanced experiences that won’t be available on the older hardware.
But if the games aren’t the sole reason for comparing these two consoles, we have a few more things to look at.
Xbox One X vs. Xbox One S: Side-by-Side Comparison
The Xbox One X may only seem like an Xbox One 2.0 (wait, isn’t that what the Xbox One S was?), but the magnitude of changes in play put the Xbox One X in a next-gen category of its own.
When you think about it, with computers being at the center of the PC vs. console debate, it’s only a matter of time before these two medium converge – the ease of use of a console, and the rapid technological advancements available to PC gamers.
As we see more and more frequent updates from console providers, the question will always be: When is it time to upgrade to a newer, updated console?
Which Xbox One will you get?
If you’re a casual gamer and enjoy the power Xbox One offers, then upgrading probably doesn’t make sense. Your OG Xbox One or Xbox One S will still perform for years to come.
But if you have a 4k TV, want to play HDR-enabled games, and are looking for an improved audio experience with additional entertainment capabilities and performance, buying an Xbox One X makes sense.
The upgraded hardware, future-proofed support for audio and visual technologies, and the fact it’s 100% backward compatible with your Xbox Live account, Xbox One, and Xbox 360 games make it an enticing buy for gamers who want the newest and most cutting-edge video game console on the market.
Is your Xbox acting up? Solve hardware issues with our Repair Guides or check our Tutorials for fixing settings, cable problems, or software tweaks. Not sure what’s wrong? Start with our Troubleshooting guides to narrow down the issue, or visit XboxDIY on YouTube for step-by-step videos.
If you’re still looking for more support or have questions about the Xbox One X, head over to our Contact page and in touch with us. Game on!
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