Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s current-generation home gaming console in the Xbox Series X|S family. It plays games from digital downloads, and selected editions also include a 4K UHD Blu-ray disc drive. The available models differ in storage and disc support, so “Xbox Series X” does not describe one identical configuration in every market.
What the Xbox Series X name means
Microsoft launched Xbox Series X at participating retailers on November 10, 2020. It is the higher-performance console in the Xbox Series X|S family, designed around 4K gaming. Its specifications describe what the hardware can support; actual resolution and frame rate depend on the game and display.
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Microsoft’s current US product page lists several Series X configurations, though editions and availability can vary by market. Check the model’s storage capacity and disc-drive status rather than relying on the name alone.
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| Edition listed by Microsoft | Storage | Disc drive |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Black | 1TB custom NVMe SSD | 4K UHD Blu-ray drive |
| Robot White | 1TB custom NVMe SSD | All-digital; no disc drive |
| Galaxy Black Special Edition | 2TB custom NVMe SSD | 4K UHD Blu-ray drive |
| X25 limited edition | Not stated on the product page | Not stated on the product page |
These configurations are listed on Microsoft’s Xbox Series X product and specifications page; listings and availability may differ outside the US or change over time. A disc-drive model can play physical games and UHD Blu-ray discs. The all-digital model requires digital games and other digital media.
#1 Best Overall
- FASTEST, MOST POWERFUL XBOX — Experience next-generation performance with 12 teraflops of processing power, delivering smoother gameplay, richer worlds, and faster responsiveness than any previous XBOX.
- TRUE 4K GAMING UP TO 120 FPS — Enjoy breathtaking visuals with true 4K resolution, HDR, and frame rates up to 120 FPS, plus hardware-accelerated ray tracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 1TB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 1TB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF GAMES — Play thousands of games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX, with many titles enhanced for better visuals and performance on XBOX Series X.
What the hardware can do
Microsoft lists an 8-core custom Zen 2 CPU, a custom RDNA 2 GPU rated at 12 TFLOPS, 16GB of GDDR6 memory, and a model-dependent 1TB or 2TB custom NVMe SSD. Listed connections and networking include HDMI 2.1, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and gigabit Ethernet.
4K, 8K HDR, and frame rates
Microsoft describes Series X as capable of true 4K gaming, up to 8K HDR, and performance up to 120 frames per second. These are supported capabilities, not a promise that every game runs at those resolutions or frame rates. Microsoft’s product-page footnote says 4K at up to 120 FPS requires supported content and a supported display. To use that combination, the game and screen must both support it.
Rank #2
- What's in the box: Xbox Series X console, 1 Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black, Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, Power cord.
- Equipped with AMD's Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, DirectX ray tracing delivers true-to-life lighting, shadows and accurate reflections to create dynamic, living worlds.
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6 w/320 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6 GB @ 336 GB/s; Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: True 4K; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; High Dynamic Range: Up to 8K HDR; Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
- Bundled with HDMI_Cable
How Series X compares with Series S
Microsoft describes Series S as a disc-free console designed for 1440p gaming, with the ability to upscale to 4K. Its listed storage options are 512GB or 1TB, depending on configuration and market. Series X is the family’s 4K-oriented option, with a choice of digital-only or disc-drive editions and listed storage capacities of 1TB or 2TB.
| Comparison | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| Disc support | Disc drive on listed Carbon Black and Galaxy Black models; Robot White is all-digital | Disc-free, according to Microsoft’s description |
| Storage options listed | 1TB or 2TB custom NVMe SSD | 512GB or 1TB |
| Resolution description | True 4K gaming capability | Designed for 1440p, with upscaling to 4K |
As with Series X, a Series S configuration or game may not deliver the same results in every market or title. Microsoft’s product page is the source for these descriptions and notes that options vary by market.
Rank #3
- BEST VALUE IN GAMING — Experience next-gen speed and performance in the smallest XBOX ever. The XBOX Series S delivers powerful all-digital gameplay in a sleek, compact design.
- UP TO 120 FPS GAMEPLAY — Enjoy smooth, responsive gaming with frame rates up to 120 FPS, powered by XBOX Velocity Architecture, a custom NVMe SSD, and DirectX Raytracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 512GB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 512GB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF DIGITAL GAMES — Play thousands of digital games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX with backward compatibility. Many titles are enhanced for better visuals and performance. Smart Delivery ensures you always get the best version for your console.
Storage expansion and compatible accessories
Series X storage can be expanded in two ways Microsoft supports: a Series X|S Storage Expansion Card, which Microsoft says matches the internal SSD’s performance, or a USB 3.1 external hard drive. Confirm compatibility and the exact capacity and model when choosing a card or drive.
Microsoft says Xbox One gaming accessories, including controllers and headsets, work with Series X. The standard console package listed on its product page includes the console, a controller, an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, and a power cord. Special bundles may have different contents.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
What to check when choosing a Series X
- Disc use: Choose a drive-equipped model if you want to play physical games or UHD Blu-ray discs; choose the Robot White edition only if an all-digital console suits your needs.
- Storage: Compare the listed 1TB and 2TB configurations, especially if you expect to keep many games installed.
- Display and games: For 4K at up to 120 FPS, verify support in both the specific game and your display.
- Local availability: Edition options vary by market, and Microsoft says prices and availability depend on retailer and location. Check current local listings rather than relying on an old price.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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