MORE INFORMATION FROM GAME INFORMER
The next generation of games begins this holiday season. With Xbox Series X, Microsoft has its sights set on delivering new benchmarks for graphical power and processing speeds. This new console will deliver the latest in visual fidelity and a significant reduction in loading times for games tailor-made for the hardware, but will also be backwards compatible with Microsoft’s previous three generations of games. Existing Xbox One games, including backward-compatible Xbox 360 and Xbox games will work on the Xbox Series X. Your favorite Xbox One controller will also be compatible.
Xbox Series X leverages AMD’s Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures to deliver a stunning 8K resolution, DirectX raytracing, and up to 120 frames-per-second for some games. The graphics processing unit (or GPU) delivers 12 TFLOPS of power, which is eight times greater than an original Xbox One and twice that of an Xbox One X. Using next-generation SSD storage, Microsoft foresees developers creating bigger worlds that load in the blink of an eye and allow for faster fast travel speeds than previously seen in any other generation.
A new Quick Resume function allows for multiple games to be suspended and resumed within just seconds, meaning you don’t have to sit through long boot up sequences as much as you did in the past.
Here’s a breakdown of the features Microsoft has announced thus far (more details will likely be announced at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo):
Next-Generation Processor
Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU
Graphics
12 TF RDNA 2.0
Storage
Next-generation SSD that will allow for faster load times, bigger worlds, and even faster fast travel
HDMI
2.1 innovation with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). ALLM allows Xbox Series X to connect at the lowest latency. VVR syncs with the display to deliver better refresh rates and smoother framerates
Quick Resume
Rather than just being able to resume one game or movie, Microsoft says the enhanced Quick Resume will allow for multiple games to be suspended and resumed
Frame Rates
Xbox Series X supports up to 120 frames per second. Not all games will reach this, but developers have the option to exceed the standard rates of 30 and 60 frames per second
Backwards Compatible
Microsoft says Xbox Series X will support four generations of games. This is games made for Series X, along with all Xbox One titles, and backward-compatible Xbox 360 and Xbox games.
Smart Delivery
According to Microsoft, Smart Delivery “empowers you to buy a game once and know that – whether you are playing it on Xbox One or Xbox Series X – you are getting the right version of that game on whatever Xbox you’re playing on.” Smart Deliver will be used for all Microsoft’s first-party games, like Halo Infinite, and can also be used by third-party developers, should they choose
Launch Games
Along with the back catalogue of titles from previous generations, and Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft has announced Halo Infinite will be a launch title. More games that will be available on day one will be announced soon
