At the Game Awards 2019, Microsoft announced the new Xbox Series X, previously known as Project Scarlett. The next-gen console visually resembles a computer and is expected to have very short loading times thanks to a next-gen SSD. We take a look at Microsoft’s competitors for the PlayStation 5 (PS5).
What do we know about the Series X? The new Xbox Series X is said to be able to run games seamlessly in 4K resolution and 60 FPS. Theoretically, it should even support 8K and 120 frames, as explained in a blog post.
The new Xbox Series X supports ray tracing and comes with a fast SSD hard drive that is supposed to ensure minimal loading times. It was already speculated beforehand that AMD Zen 2 processors would be used. This has now been confirmed.
The next-gen console has a very interesting design and resembles a PC case, being usable both upright and horizontally.
The name Series X also suggests that the new console will be available in multiple variants. There were already rumors about project names “Lockhart” and “Anaconda”. Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, denied in June that multiple versions are being worked on.
Xbox Series X will be able to play Xbox One games
Is the Series X backwards compatible? According to Microsoft, the Xbox Series X will also be able to play old games from the last four generations and even carry over save files.
Not every game is expected to be adapted, but “thousands of your favorite titles from four generations of gaming”.
Moreover, all accessories for the Xbox One are said to be compatible with the new console.
When will the Xbox Series X be released? A release of the new console is planned for the Christmas season 2020, just like the PS5.
New Controller with Share Button
What do we know about the new controller? The new controller that will ship with the Xbox Series X is said to be very similar to the existing gamepad for the Xbox One. The main difference seems to be the share button, and otherwise, it will just be slightly smaller and rounder, as Gamepro reports.
The share button is expected to function similarly to the button on the current PS4, allowing you to take and share screenshots and videos.
The new controller is also said to be compatible with PC and current consoles.
Hellblade 2 announced
What else was announced? At the Game Awards, in addition to the new console, the game Hellblade 2 was announced exclusively for the Xbox Series X.
This is the sequel to Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and is supposed to be released together with the new console.
The accompanying trailer is supposed to show scenes that were created using the game’s engines. Whether these are actual in-game contents is unknown.
During the announcement, it was also reported that many exclusive titles for the new console are in development.
If you want to learn more about the new PS5, you can find the information here:
