Introducing Xbox One X
12.6.2017
Translation: machine translated
Microsoft has unveiled a new console. Previously known as the Xbox Scorpio, the Xbox One X will offer games in the highest quality 4K resolution from November. Can it dethrone the PS4 Pro?
It may look like an understated black Xbox One S, but it's what's inside that counts. The second upgrade of the Xbox One generation has a lot going for it. Microsoft already presented a few details at last year's E3 international video game show. The console was finally unveiled in full a fortnight ago , with some impressive demos.
Is the Xbox One X a true 4K console?
The new Xbox is targeting the same segment as the PS4 Pro. It's the same generation of consoles; the Xbox One S simply got a second upgrade. The One S was mostly smaller, but the One X has phenomenal power, while still being a little smaller. The AMD graphics processor has 6 teraflops. This unit of measurement defines the power of the graphics card. By comparison, a PS4 Pro has 4.12 TFLOPS, and a GTX 1080TI 11.3 TFLOPS. The graphics card runs at 1172 MHz and is claimed to be able to play all the video games shown at E3 2017 with 4K resolution at 60 FPS with HDR. We will devote an article to the highlights of E3. The graphics processor and has 12GB of GDDR5 memory with a data transmission rate of 326 Gb/s.
To take full advantage of the new extra features, games need to be 4K-enabled from the outset or undergo a aesthetic upgrade. Many of the classics, such as "Gears of War 4", "Forza 3", "Killer Instinct," "Halo Wars 2" and "Minecraft", are adapted for free. More than 30 games from third-party developers have also been revamped.
There are no other major changes to the console. Same connections, same controller. But Microsoft is extending its programme to older games. After those from the Xbox 360, the company is offering backwards compatibility with those from the first Xbox, including "Crimson Skies". Others, as yet unknown, will follow.
What to do if you don't have a 4K TV
The process is much the same as with the PS4 Pro. You don't need a 4K TV. All games are already in 1080p rather than 900p or worse, with of course a much better frame rate. Games are also supposed to look better than on a regular Xbox One. No word yet on whether an oversampling technique is used.
22 exclusive games
Microsoft is desperate to win over consumers. It has therefore accompanied its console with 22 exclusive games, including the impressive "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" on PC, and "Forza 7". All games will also be available on Xbox One.
Price and availability
The global launch of the One X will take place on 7 November. It will be available for the official price of US$499. I'll let you know our prices as soon as you can order it from us. Unfortunately, we can't give you any information about its availability or price in Switzerland. We'll keep you posted.
What do you think of the Xbox One X? A worthwhile upgrade? Or will you stick with your PS4/PC?
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.