Microsoft will launch its next-gen console, Xbox Series X towards the tail-end of 2020. The year is plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic, which gave rise to fears of a delay in the launch. However, Microsoft has assured fans they are well on track for the scheduled release. In fact, this has been touted by some as the generation when Xbox surpasses Sony’s PlayStation. That would be quite an accomplishment given PlayStation’s massive market share over the years. While we wait for both the consoles to reveal more on their respective release dates, take a look at all things interesting about the Xbox Series X.

Microsoft has announced a third-party reveal event on May 7. We can expect to see many gameplay reveals for the next-gen titles which will release on the Xbox Series X, including Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The first-party gameplay revealed will take place in the months following that. So there are quite some exciting events to look forward to as we wait for the console.

All Things Xbox Series X

Coming back to Xbox Series X, let’s take a look at what it has in store for us.

Release

Firstly, the burning question; when is Xbox Series X going to release?

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While the official announcement remains “Holiday 2020” (October to December), in what could be a slip-up from Microsoft, some product pages featured an image that read “Coming Thanksgiving 2020” which would be November 26.

However, Microsoft was quick to remove that image and release a statement to techradar.com.

“An Xbox product page in some regions inaccurately listed the launch date for Xbox Series X as Thanksgiving 2020. We are committed to launching Holiday 2020.”

Xbox Series X Price

Now, this is a tricky one for Microsoft. There is no official confirmation on the launch price as of now, however, reports have claimed it could be priced at $499.

Its previous console, Xbox One was launched at the same price, which did not work out well for Mircosoft as users were reluctant to shell out for the heavy price tag. The price was soon reduced to a more reasonable amount. given this track record, one would expect the launch price for Series X to be lower, however, even $499 is a reasonable launch price looking at the hardware employed in the next-gen console. We’ll get to that in a minute.

Expect the price to be in the region of $499.

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Hardware Specs

The Xbox Series X has truly given gamers something to dream about with its massive computing power and capabilities. The internal hardware in the Xbox Series X will give you something that previous consoles could not- performance on par with PC gaming beasts. Check out the specifications in full detail below.

Processor
8x Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.66 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU

The CPU power of the processor will give us four times the computing power of Xbox One.

Graphics
12.155 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU

The real-time ray tracing capabilities of the GPU will also meteorically enhance the visual elements in the game. Moreover, it will also extensively increase the freedom wielded by developers.

Die Size
360.45 mm2
Process
7nm Enhanced
Memory
16 GB GDDR6 w/ 320mb bus
Memory Bandwidth
10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6GB @ 336 GB/s
Internal Storage
1 TB Custom NVME SSD
I/O Throughput
2.4 GB/s (Raw), 4.8 GB/s (Compressed, with custom hardware decompression block)
Expandable Storage
1 TB Expansion Card (matches internal storage exactly)
External Storage
USB 3.2 External HDD Support
Optical Drive
4K UHD Blu-Ray Drive
Performance Target
4K @ 60 FPS, Up to 120 FPS

Coming to backward compatibility for Xbox Series X, let’s hear from the man, Phil Spencer himself.

“Our commitment to compatibility means existing Xbox One games, including backward-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games, look and play better than ever before.”

And yes, the console will feature a physical disc drive. Furthermore, all Xbox One hardware accessories will be compatible with the new console. So no need to retire your controller just yet. But if you’ve already worn it out, Series X will get a new-age controller as well.

Xbox Series S

For all those gamers out there who do not wish to, or cannot afford to shell out the amount for the potentially expensive new-age console, Microsoft has an alternative all ready for you. A much more cost-conscious console named Xbox Series S is set to enable you to get the next-gen gaming experience for a cheaper price. Obviously, the specs on the Series S will be considerably lower than the Series X, but it will still be far ahead of the older consoles.

Confirmed Games

What game is more synonymous with Xbox than Halo? It makes complete sense that Xbox Series X will bring Halo Infinite with it.

The new-age console will also come with Smart Delivery, meaning any games you buy on Xbox One, you can also play on Xbox Series X. Case in point, Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt and Microsoft have already confirmed your Xbox One Cyberpunk 2077 will enable you o play the enhanced edition on the Series X.

You can check out the entire list of games that have been confirmed for the console right here.

Former Sony Developer Reveals Why Xbox Could Finally Surpass PlayStation

All in all, Microsoft is set to give fans a treat this Holiday season, albeit at a price. If reports are to be believed, Sony may have had a rougher time than them in production and indeed production costs, which could give Xbox a slight edge to capture some of the market share from PlayStation.

Let’s wait and see what is in store and how the console war progresses.