It’s one of the most highly anticipated gaming consoles of 2020, and now Microsoft has revealed new details about the Xbox Series X.
The console is due to launch in Holiday 2020, and will go head-to-head with Sony’s PlayStation 5, which has also been given the same launch window.
Writing in a new blog, Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox, said: “Xbox Series X represents a superior balance of power and speed in console design, advancing on all technological fronts to delivering amazing, dynamic, living worlds and minimise any aspects that can take you out of the experience.
“Our job at Team Xbox is to give teams the tools they need to achieve their ambitions and tap into the console’s power with efficiency, a few of which we’re detailing today.”
The new console will be powered a next generation custom processor that will deliver four times the power of an Xbox One, enabling developers to leverage 12 TFLOPS of GPU performance, according to Mr Spencer.
He explained: “Xbox Series X delivers a true generational leap in processing and graphics power with cutting edge techniques resulting in higher framerates, larger, more sophisticated game worlds, and an immersive experience unlike anything seen in console gaming.”
The Xbox Series X will also have ultra-low latency, meaning there’s more time for playing, and less waiting.
To achieve this, Microsoft has included its next-generation SSD storage and a new ‘Quick Resume’ feature.
Mr Spencer said: “The new Quick Resume feature lets you continue multiple games from a suspended state almost instantly, returning you to where you were and what you were doing, without waiting through long loading screens.”
Other key features include 120 fps Support, as well as Auto Low Latency Mode, and Variable Refresh Rate.
Mr Spencer also shed new light on game compatibility.
He said: “The benefits of the next console generation extend in every direction, bringing greater visual fidelity and improved loading speeds to your existing gaming legacy, in addition to new games.
“We’re continuing our commitment to compatibility with Xbox Series X and investing in technology that makes game ownership easier across generations.”
Thankfully for those with large game collections, the new console will have backward-comparability for original Xbox games, although these will benefit from steadier frame rates, faster load times and improved resolution.
Mr Spencer concluded: “Xbox Series X is our fastest, most powerful console ever, designed for a console generation that has you at its centre. This means a high-fidelity gaming experience enclosed in a quiet and bold design, with the ability to discover thousands of games across four generations, all with more playing and less waiting.
“We can’t wait to share more details about the new Xbox with you in the coming months.”
