Microsoft Xbox Series X

Ryan McCaffrey from IGN highlights the Xbox Series X as a powerful, thoughtfully designed console that excels in delivering smooth 4K gaming with impressively fast load times thanks to its 1TB NVMe SSD. Praising its minimalist yet bold design, near-silent operation, and seamless backward compatibility, McCaffrey emphasizes the convenience of features like Quick Resume and Smart Delivery. The review appreciates Microsoft’s customer-focused unboxing and setup experience, as well as the value added by Xbox Game Pass and ongoing software updates that enhance accessibility and performance. However, he notes some drawbacks, including the limited internal storage capacity, the removal of certain ports like HDMI in and optical audio, and the relatively slow rollout of next-gen exclusive games compared to competitors. While the interface remains familiar rather than revolutionary, the Series X’s combination of power, quietness, and ecosystem integration makes it a compelling choice—especially for those invested in Xbox’s library and services.

Brian Shea from Game Informer highlights the Microsoft Xbox Series X and Series S as powerful, consumer-friendly consoles that build on the Xbox One’s foundation with meaningful quality-of-life improvements. He praises the Series X’s impressive hardware, including fast load times enabled by the Xbox Velocity Architecture, whisper-quiet operation, and backward compatibility that supports a vast library of games across generations. The new Quick Resume feature and refined controller with a dedicated Share button enhance usability and convenience. However, Shea notes some drawbacks, such as the Series X’s large physical size, limited internal storage on both models, and the absence of an optical audio port. The Series S’s lack of a disc drive may also be a deal-breaker for physical media fans. Despite these caveats, Shea emphasizes that the Xbox Series X/S offers the best way to experience Xbox games today, delivering smooth performance, improved visuals, and a highly accessible ecosystem that respects players’ existing libraries and accessories.

Sam Machkovech from Ars Technica highlights the Xbox Series X as a powerful, sleek, and impressively engineered console that delivers fast load times, whisper-quiet operation, and near-PC-level graphics performance, making it a compelling choice for Xbox fans at launch. He praises the Series X’s ability to run first-party games at up to 4K resolution with rapid loading speeds and lauds the refined user interface and backward compatibility features shared by both Series X and the smaller, more affordable Series S. However, Machkovech expresses reservations about the Series S, noting its limited storage, downgraded graphics fidelity, and uncertain performance parity with the Series X, which complicate its value proposition despite its attractive price and compact design. He also points out the lack of truly next-gen exclusive games at launch, tempering enthusiasm for both consoles. Overall, the review conveys measured excitement for the Series X’s hardware achievements while urging caution about the Series S’s compromises and the current software lineup.

Will Greenwald from PCMag highlights the Microsoft Xbox Series X as a powerful and well-designed console that delivers impressive 4K HDR graphics, fast load times, and strong backward compatibility. Praising its custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and 1TB SSD, he emphasizes the system’s significant performance leap over previous Xbox models and the Series S. The review notes the console’s solid build and functional controller, with thoughtful improvements like the new Capture button and refined D-pad. While the lack of an HDMI input and the large physical size may pose minor inconveniences, these are outweighed by the overall experience. Greenwald also points out the absence of exclusive launch titles compared to the PlayStation 5 but expects this gap to close with upcoming Xbox franchises. He concludes that the Series X is a better value than the Series S and stands as a top-tier contender in the current generation, earning PCMag’s Editors’ Choice award for its combination of power, speed, and backward compatibility.

Roland Moore-Colyer from Tom’s Guide highlights the Xbox Series X as Microsoft’s most powerful and versatile console to date, excelling in backward compatibility and delivering smooth 4K gaming performance. He praises its quiet, efficient cooling system and the refined, comfortable Xbox Wireless Controller, noting thoughtful incremental improvements rather than revolutionary changes. The review emphasizes the value of Xbox Game Pass as an essential complement, vastly expanding the playable library and enhancing the console’s appeal. While the design is described as somewhat bulky and uninspired, it remains functional and unobtrusive. Moore-Colyer acknowledges that the jump in graphics from the Xbox One X is modest rather than groundbreaking, but the Series X’s fast SSD and features like Quick Resume significantly improve the gaming experience. Some minor criticisms include the lack of an optical audio port and the continued use of AA batteries in the controller. Overall, the Xbox Series X is positioned as the definitive Xbox console for both new and legacy games, offering excellent performance and ecosystem integration.

Dan Ackerman from CNET highlights the Xbox Series X as a refined evolution of Microsoft’s console line, emphasizing its polished setup process and seamless continuity with previous Xbox models. He praises the console’s robust ecosystem, including cloud gaming and the Game Pass subscription service, which he calls the “secret weapon” offering excellent value and cross-platform convenience. While the Series X delivers noticeable improvements in load times and graphics, especially with optimized titles like Watch Dogs: Legion, the reviewer notes that the Day 1 game library is limited and largely consists of enhanced older games rather than groundbreaking new releases. The design is minimalist but functional, with effective cooling, though the user interface remains cluttered and less intuitive than desired. Ackerman also positively compares the more affordable Series S, recommending it for casual gamers. Overall, the review conveys a cautiously optimistic tone, appreciating the console’s strengths while acknowledging its current limitations and the evolving nature of next-gen gaming.

Devindra Hardawar from Engadget highlights the Xbox Series X as a powerful and well-built console that still holds up technically in 2024, particularly with its solid hardware and Game Pass support. However, the review conveys a cautiously negative sentiment overall, emphasizing Microsoft’s ongoing struggle with delivering compelling exclusive games—a critical factor where Sony’s PlayStation 5 clearly outshines it. Hardawar notes that despite Microsoft’s massive investments and acquisitions, the Xbox Series X feels like a product stuck in limbo, lacking innovation in both hardware updates and controller design. The review uniquely critiques Microsoft’s pricing strategy and missed opportunities in cloud streaming and hardware refreshes, while also exploring future possibilities for the brand beyond traditional consoles. Ultimately, the Xbox Series X is recommended mainly for existing Xbox fans or those who find it at a bargain, but for most gamers, the PlayStation 5 remains the smarter choice due to its stronger exclusive lineup and innovative features.

Jaina Rodriguez Grey from WIRED highlights the Xbox Series X as a powerful and thoughtfully designed console that elevates gaming with its ability to deliver native 4K resolution at smooth 120 frames per second, offering a visually striking and fluid experience—especially when paired with a high-end 120 Hz TV. She praises its understated, businesslike design and comfortable, familiar controller, as well as the value of Xbox Game Pass. However, Grey tempers enthusiasm with critiques of the limited and uninspiring launch lineup, a still-clunky user interface cluttered with ads, and the high cost of the necessary TV upgrade to fully appreciate the console’s capabilities. While the Series X promises longevity and future-proofing, she suggests that unless gamers are ready to invest in new hardware or crave incremental visual improvements, waiting might be wise. The review balances excitement for the console’s technical achievements with a realistic view of its current ecosystem and practical considerations.

Arthur Gies from Wirecutter praises the Microsoft Xbox Series X as the superior choice for gamers seeking the best graphics and performance, especially on 4K TVs, highlighting its powerful hardware, larger storage, and disc drive compatibility with physical game collections. The review conveys a balanced enthusiasm, emphasizing the Series X’s fast boot times, impressive backward compatibility, and advanced features like Quick Resume and hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which enhance gameplay and visual fidelity. While acknowledging the higher price, the review frames it as justified by the console’s capabilities. Gies also provides a thoughtful comparison with the more affordable Series S, noting its appeal for budget-conscious gamers, younger players, or those without 4K displays, though it lacks a disc drive and has less storage. Unique insights include detailed discussion of storage expansion options, controller improvements, and nuanced Game Pass subscription tiers, reflecting a comprehensive and practical perspective on choosing the right Xbox for different user needs.

Amazon users celebrate the Microsoft Xbox Series X as a powerful next-generation console that significantly outperforms its predecessor, the Xbox One. Gamers highlight its remarkably fast load times and lightning-quick startup, which enhance gameplay fluidity and reduce downtime. The console’s graphics impress players with stunning 4K resolution, smooth frame rates up to 120 FPS, and subtle but effective ray tracing that enriches visual detail without overwhelming the experience. Reviewers also praise the near-silent operation, noting that the fans remain barely audible even during intense gaming sessions. Many appreciate the refined controller design, which retains ergonomic comfort while introducing textured grips and a convenient share button for seamless capturing of gameplay moments. Although some users wish Microsoft had incorporated advanced haptic feedback like competitors, they value the lighter feel and USB-C charging compatibility. The Xbox Series X’s 1TB SSD offers ample space for a moderate game library, and features like Quick Resume allow players to switch between multiple games effortlessly. Amazon reviewers frequently mention the exceptional value delivered through Xbox Game Pass, especially with the addition of EA Access, which broadens the available game catalog without extra cost. While some express mild frustration with the console’s naming conventions, they agree that the Series X delivers a compelling combination of power, speed, and visual fidelity that revitalizes their gaming passion. Overall, the Xbox Series X stands out on Amazon as a robust, quiet, and visually impressive system that meets the demands of both casual and competitive players.

Users on Target overwhelmingly praise the Microsoft Xbox Series X for its blazing-fast load times, impressive 4K graphics, and whisper-quiet operation. Many highlight the console’s superior performance compared to the PlayStation 5, noting smoother gameplay, quicker startup, and a more comfortable, refined controller design. Reviewers appreciate the backward compatibility that breathes new life into older games, with several pointing out how titles from previous Xbox generations run better and look sharper on the Series X. The innovative Quick Resume feature also earns frequent mention for allowing seamless switching between multiple games. Gamers value the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, calling it a game-changer that offers tremendous value and access to a vast library of titles. Some users emphasize the console’s solid build quality and sleek design that fits well into entertainment setups. Unique insights from Target customers include the recommendation to pair the Series X with a 4K TV supporting 120Hz and HDMI 2.1 to fully unlock its potential, as well as the suggestion to invest in the proprietary Seagate expansion SSD due to the limited internal storage. However, a portion of users report hardware reliability issues such as consoles failing to boot or crashing during gameplay, alongside software glitches that occasionally disrupt the experience. A few reviewers express frustration over the lack of compelling launch exclusives and criticize the Xbox’s less futuristic aesthetic compared to the PS5. Despite these concerns, many Target shoppers who own both consoles favor the Series X for its performance and ecosystem benefits. Overall, Target customers find the Xbox Series X to be a powerful, next-generation console that excels in speed, graphics, and game accessibility, making it a highly recommended choice for both longtime Xbox fans and newcomers seeking a robust gaming experience.