After sinking hours upon hours into the Xbox Series X, it’s evident Microsoft’s next-gen console is one thing particular. Forget crunching the numbers and pulling up side-by-side comparisons with what it’s competing towards and what the Series S appears like – It’s merely bought some nice concepts constructed into it, and it’s a big step up from what we’re used to. Not all of its strengths can be made obvious instantly, however it’s clear that is the pure evolution for anybody who’s heard the startup sound of the Xbox One each day.

But maybe it’s additionally a sensible subsequent step for anybody who hasn’t traditionally favored the Xbox One. This all comes from somebody who’s performed on a PlayStation Four and PlayStation 4 Pro virtually solely this technology whereas solely returning to the Xbox One for a choose few games. Maybe the PlayStation 5 will match or overtake the strengths of the Series X – it’s inconceivable to say since I haven’t gone hands-on with Sony’s subsequent iteration but – however, if not, it already feels prefer it’ll be exhausting to return.

Reviewing a console is difficult enterprise since there’s a lot to unpack, particularly when you think about how the {hardware} you’re reviewing is actually only a automobile for the larger experiences you’ll create. Console comparisons can and will wait for one more day, although, as a result of there’s a lot to say in regards to the Series X by itself.

The Design and Setup

Design of a console and the setup course of go hand in hand, since these two aspects of the Xbox Series X are what you’ll expertise first. Premium packaging and fridge comparisons apart, the Xbox Series X is nowhere close to as cumbersome as preliminary impressions made it out to be. Different from previous members of the Xbox household, its design means it ought to match snugly into most fashionable setups. Vertical or horizontal, a rectangle is about as unobtrusive because it will get.

The speaking factors of the Series X’s design don’t go a lot additional than that, however it’s general a slick, covert construct that ought to mesh nicely with different consoles. Green splashes inside the highest of the console remind you it’s an Xbox, in case you’d neglect.

As for the precise setup, the method couldn’t have been simpler. With the whole lot plugged in and able to go, the Xbox app was a lifesaver for somebody who hasn’t fired up an Xbox One since Minecraft Dungeons launched in May 2020 and was already getting a headache on the thought of recalling logins and transferring issues over. After just a few easy prompts and an replace or two, you’re a part of the following technology.

The Launch Lineup

After the preliminary pleasure subsides, the following massive resolution to make is a typical afternoon question: what to play? With the Xbox Series X, until you’re planning on selecting up some third-party releases, the reply will seemingly be “what you were already playing.”

Launch lineups are synonymous with console releases, and the Xbox Series X merely doesn’t have one that will sway undecided customers by itself. I’ve completely loved enjoying Yakuza: Like a Dragon on the Xbox Series X and look ahead to persevering with with third-party games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, however it’s a wierd feeling to not have a stand-out, must-play game instantly.

It can be some time earlier than the Series X’s compatibilities and optimizations with next-gen variations of games are absolutely realized anyway, so the sting of a lackluster launch lineup is not as outstanding. Microsoft’s cross-gen champion, the Xbox Game Pass, is there to ease that ache. The time spent increase that catalogue of games unlocked by way of subscription was a bonus earlier than and a buffer now. Between outdated favorites and third-party releases combined with what Xbox Game Studios has coming, there’s nonetheless loads to play.

Load Times and Quick Resume

Things like reaching 8K resolutions and much more attainable targets like 4K at 60FPS for extra intensive games can wait till these optimizations are prepared. For now, we’ve bought the Xbox Series X’s blazing quick load occasions to understand, that are made potential by the console’s SSD we’ve heard a lot about.

Here’s an instance or two of what to anticipate: turning the console on whereas in a powered-down “Instant On” state introduced me to the principle menu in 2.14 seconds ranging from the time I heard the Xbox’s startup sound. After choosing Yakuza: Like a Dragon and ready one other 3.58 seconds, I used to be again within the streets of Yokohama, not simply the game’s fundamental menu. That’s a 5.72-second wait time from a console being off to being within the game, and whereas extra demanding titles will seemingly enhance that wait as builders are in a position to higher make the most of the facility, the loading occasions are exhausting to beat now. You can largely neglect about load occasions between cutscenes and the like, as nicely, as a result of even when they nonetheless exist, they’re up to now improved from the Xbox One you hardly find yourself ready in any respect.

The identical goes for the Quick Resume function. While it couldn’t be examined on each game, leaping forwards and backwards between titles supporting the function was a seamless, fast course of. Moving from the matchmaking menu of Apex Legends to the fields of Minecraft Dungeons took a complete 5.87 seconds earlier than I used to be in management once more. If you’re indecisive and have an unlimited assortment in entrance of you, Quick Resume can be one among your greatest associates.

The Controller

If you’re going from the bottom Xbox Elite controller to the Series X’s, your handheld, next-gen expertise might not be as profound. If you’re making the bounce all the best way from the Xbox One’s base controller to this one, you’re in for a deal with.

The means a controller feels in your fingers is the whole lot, and the brand new Series X controller has that half down with out problem. The texture on the grips is simply tough sufficient to be useful with out being off-putting, and I continuously discovered myself absent-mindedly appreciating the feel throughout cutscenes. The identical goes for the triggers, which reply immediately and have an analogous no-slip grip.

Having a “share” button constructed proper into the face of the console is a pleasant contact, as nicely, and it suits snugly into the “natural evolution” a part of the console general. It captures no matter you want immediately, and also you’ll marvel why it wasn’t all the time there.

The Verdict

I’m certain there’s far more tucked away within the Xbox Series X to understand and extra potentials to unlock, however the time spent with the console up to now has yielded an overwhelmingly constructive expertise. Microsoft’s proudly touted it as essentially the most highly effective Xbox console ever and typically as essentially the most highly effective console usually throughout the highway to launch, and after going hands-on with it, I’m inclined to consider the previous 100% and maybe sometime the latter, too. If you spend time together with your Xbox One even three to 4 days of the week and are in search of a greater expertise, you owe it to your self to get the Xbox Series X. For these on the fence, it’s exhausting to think about you’ll be dissatisfied with what you discover.

An Xbox Series X was offered to ComicBook.com by Microsoft together with games together with Yakuza: Like a Dragon for the needs of this evaluate.