We delve into whether it's worth it to purchase an Xbox Series X at launch when it's set to debut this holiday season.
The next generation of video game consoles is nearly upon us. This holiday season, we'll be welcoming the Xbox Series X into our living rooms, or at least many of us will be.
The Xbox Series X isn't the only console being introduced this year (the PlayStation 5 is on its way, too), so many gamers will have to make the choice between which system is right for them if they don't buy both.
With that in mind, is the Xbox Series X worth picking up? What's more, is it worth buying at launch? To help you decide, we've put together some data points and information to see if it's worth your while.
Keep in mind, however, that it's still very early in the new system's life cycle, and we're still waiting on some of this information to be released.
What kind of hardware will the Xbox Series X feature?
Source: Microsoft
The Xbox Series X will likely feature a custom AMD Zen 2-based CPU, a custom AMD Navi-based GPU, and 16GB of GDDR6 RAM. It will include 4K Blu-ray capability, an SSD with supposed read speeds up to 2GB/s, and support for 8K and 4K video at 120Hz.
How big will the console be?
The system will remain vertical when standing instead of including a horizontal base like previous Xbox systems. Its dimensions are estimated at 310mm x 160mm x 160mm. That means you'll need to make space for it to stand vertically when figuring out a place to put it.
What games are included in the Xbox Series X's launch lineup?
Source: Sega
There aren't many confirmed Xbox Series X launch games just yet, as Microsoft has kept these titles close to its chest. Previously, Halo Infinite was announced as a launch title, but it has since been delayed. Now, the relatively short list of launch games that we know of so far includes the following:
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon
- Fortnite
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the newest entry in the long-running Yakuza series, and it will focus on turn-based combat instead of brawling for the first time ever. Of course, you all know Fortnite.
Why is the list so short? Microsoft hasn't confirmed much else just yet. We're still waiting for additional announcements on what will be out on Day 1 with the Xbox Series X, but given Microsoft's past with launch titles, we can expect more to come soon.
What games and exclusives will the Xbox Series X have?
Source: 343 Industries
The Xbox Series X is getting a number of Xbox Series X and PC-only titles, but there won't be any Xbox Series X exclusives from first-party studios for the time being or over the first two years after the console debuts.
Microsoft will be releasing all of its games across its currently Xbox family of devices, so that players don't have to jump from the Xbox One to the Xbox Series X if they don't want to right away.
However, there are a variety of first-party games on their way for Xbox Series X, including Fable, State of Decay 3, Avowed, and Forza Motorsport 3. We likely won't see any of these at launch, but they are coming.
Additionally, the Xbox Series X and Xbox ecosystem will be the only place to play Halo Infinite, which is a massive title that will grow and evolve with the system Microsoft has in place. There are also plenty of titles that will be getting next-gen upgrades, like Grand Theft Auto IV, The Outer Worlds, Control, and Grounded.
There will be plenty of first- and third-party titles on the horizon, however, including:
- As Dusk Falls
- Psychonauts 2
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
- Tetris Effect: Connected
- The Gunk
- The Medium
- CrossfireX
- Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
- Scorn
- Gotham Knights
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
- Braid: Anniversary Edition
- Hood: Outlaws and Legends
- Balon Wonderworld
- Far Cry 6
Will the Xbox Series X be backward compatible?
In a nutshell, yes. Microsoft has indicated that the Xbox Series X will feature backward compatibility.
In fact, Microsoft can be quoted as saying that "It's our intent for all Xbox One games that do not require Kinect to play on Xbox Series X at the launch of the console."
Backward compatible games will offer significantly reduced load times, higher frame rates in many situations, and better resolutions. Some will benefit from these changes more than others, obviously.
That means you can pick up the system and play your favorite games from earlier generations on it without too much muss and fuss. That's great news for anyone with larger collections.
How much is the Xbox Series X and when can I preorder it?
Source: Microsoft
Unfortunately, we don't have a price for the Xbox Series X just yet, as Microsoft has not made an announcement about pricing. Previously, the Xbox One X debuted at $499,99 in July 2017, so we may see a higher price point given the Xbox Series X's impressive specs.
Some estimates place the system at $599,99 or higher, but we have no official confirmation on how much cash you'll need to part with to take one home. As we near the launch date (which also has yet to be announced), we should have more information on that as well as potential bundles very soon.
Right now, there are no options to preorder the console.
Should you buy an Xbox Series X at launch?
Source: Microsoft
In the end, whether you purchase an Xbox Series X when it launches is ultimately up to you. By all accounts, it's going to be a powerful system that will feature a wide variety of games to go along with it. Whether you're stoked about its exclusives or you want to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass to have access to new titles when they launch, there's a lot to get excited about.
Ultimately, we believe it's definitely worth buying an Xbox Series X at launch because there will be a wide variety of titles to enjoy on the new hardware as well as an overall improvement on the Xbox ecosystem.
There's still a lot we may not know about the console just yet, however, so be sure to keep checking back for additional information about the Xbox Series X in general. It's early yet, and we're still waiting on Microsoft to spill the beans even further.
We can't wait to welcome the next generation of consoles, and we'll be grabbing our Xbox Series X on day 1, that's for sure.
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