Just over a week ago, select members of the media got their hands on preview units of the Xbox Series X. Phil Spencer still holds a grudge against us for hating on Fable, so we had to make do with a badly photoshopped picture of us with the console in a desperate attempt to be relevant. The embargo on impressions has lifted for those lucky few who got to play with the console, and the verdict so far?
It’s good. It’s damn good.
IGN, The Verge, CNET, GameSpot, and VentureBeat have all praised the Xbox Series X for its quality of life improvement focus. The console’s SSD and Xbox Velocity Architecture software means that games aren’t just quicker to jump into, but you can juggle multiple instances of your favourite titles in the time that it takes you to dramatically sneeze.
And this is for games that are merely taking advantage of the raw SSD power, instead of being specifically fine-tuned for it. Games like Final Fantasy XV, Control, and The Outer Worlds are playable within a mere ten seconds, while an infamous loading screen hog like Red Dead Redemption 2 takes less than 40 seconds to render in Dutch screaming about his latest plan. That, and you can have up to six games running at the same time, that you can swap between like a cat choosing allegiances.
As for the actual amount of storage that you’ll have to play with out of the one terabyte Xbox Series X? That’ll be 802 gigabytes according to IGN. It’ll be worthwhile to invest in a spare hard drive, but if you’re already dreading spending a few extra grand on the expansion card for the Xbox Series X, it might be worth looking at a cheaper USB 3.1 alternative.
Moving games between storage formats doesn’t take long at all, as VentureBeat’s Jeff Grubb found out:
The media couldn’t say much more, but other previews are coming. Overall, it looks like the Xbox Series X is more of the same, but quicker and better. And that’s something that I can dig. There’s still plenty of stock locally of the Series X and its more modest Series S sister if you’re looking to blow your 13th paycheque already.
Last Updated: September 29, 2020
Iskape
September 29, 2020 at 08:13
I expect the PS5 to be even more stellar in this area, considering how they have promoted the console’s storage system.
Original Heretic
September 29, 2020 at 09:10
If the load times weren’t good, it would be quite peculiar. I mean, SSD.
It’s like saying, “That speed boat goes faster on the water than on land. Amazing!”
Pieter Kruger
September 29, 2020 at 09:27
Most impressive is that BC! Auto HDR(system level ML) and improved FPS on BC games is an incredible feat!
MechMachine
September 29, 2020 at 11:08
Pieter, I honestly don’t think you actually know what HDR even means.
Pieter Kruger
September 29, 2020 at 11:08
It’s High Dimension Rays, it helps with the colour thingy, whites whiter like the washing powder, the machine does this all by itslef, not the programs on the floppy disk, you know?
MechMachine
September 29, 2020 at 11:41
That would be a hard no. What We see on Consoles is a emulation of sorts. You see, it all starts in the photography stage, Camera’s have different exposures. You get High Dynamic Range Photography where you film the same subject at different exposures and you save all the exposure in the same picture and you end up with a 32 bit Image. You can then use Photoshop or After effects or any other specialized photo or image editing software to access these different levels. It allows one to Adjust the exposure of the shot image in a non destructive fashion. That’s where one get’s access to the rich color contrast. Now, these file formats are huge, Reserved only for the likes of film or still photography or television. Even on 3d, that’s where I sometimes use it, But I even avoid using it because it uses so much space. So, What you think is HDR is actually not. It is some sort of approximation of it. Don’t fall for the marketing bullshit.
Pieter Kruger
September 29, 2020 at 11:51
……next you’re going to tell me physics in games are also “emulation of sorts”….pffft!
MechMachine
September 29, 2020 at 13:05
Not a like for like comparison. I was googling HDR and it occurred to me how we have all been fooled in to mass market hysteria over what is a misrepresentation. What I explained to you is exactly what HDR is. There is no shortcut.
MechMachine
September 29, 2020 at 11:41
High Dimension Rays ? Just take some Acid for that.
Hammersteyn
September 29, 2020 at 11:41
That’s why I’m done with this comment section. He’s inane babbling every single time someone mentions box, like cardboard box or boxing matches. Place used to be brimming with my mates, now it’s this. Every, single, fucking, day, of, the, week. I’m gonna go look for a place he hasn’t infected yet.
k beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
MechMachine
September 29, 2020 at 11:41
LOL
Gavin Mannion
September 29, 2020 at 12:32
*his
Hammersteyn
September 29, 2020 at 14:07
Thanks, funny how I’m still doing that after ten years.
The D
September 29, 2020 at 12:32
Dude come on, he’s excited for something. And in this dank day and age, happiness should be encouraged. Pieter’s a ray of sunshine that I dig having around here.
Hammersteyn
September 29, 2020 at 14:07
All his comments are sunshine, happiness and the power positivity? Not sure what I’ve been reading then. But thanks for replying and all the best with all the things. I’m still a mod btw. Remember to cancel that when you can.
The D
September 29, 2020 at 14:40
Will miss you, but okay buddy.
Gavin Mannion
September 29, 2020 at 14:40
Hey not sure where you see him being negative to be honest… Granted I don’t agree with a lot of what he says but he’s happy and just posting his joy about his console… so not sure what I missed here?
But thanks appreciate the help over the years
Pieter Kruger
September 29, 2020 at 14:07
I will look for you, I will find you….
Insomnia is fun
September 30, 2020 at 22:43
Wow, pulling wings of flies must be a hobby of tours?
Insomnia is fun
September 30, 2020 at 22:43
The guy must be working for MS
For the Emperor!
September 29, 2020 at 09:29
Good news (for those going XBoxXXXX).
There is still time for me to change my mind, seeing as more PS5 stock will only arrive in South Africa after forever and a day 🙁
MechMachine
September 29, 2020 at 10:03
Yeah, I had a wobbly late last week, But my resolve is back. I was watching the tech breakdown of Demon Souls and what sold me on the PS5 was the instantaneous load times when you touch one of the Arch-stones. When they compared it to the PS3 version, it was really something to see.
Gavin Mannion
September 29, 2020 at 12:32
So you’re telling me PS5 is quicker than the PS3….
HOLD THE PRESSES we have breaking news
MechMachine
September 29, 2020 at 13:05
It may seem trivial, or even menial and funny to you, but given the talk of solid state drives and IO throughput, I thought it was a rather under stated piece of news that didn’t get much fanfare or attention because everyone was focused on Microsoft flexing their buying power. Another piece of info that seems to have escaped most peoples attention is that Starfield will in-fact be exclusive to Series X. Ironic after Microsoft accused Sony of being Anti Consumer. I suppose I need to add that one will be able to buy it for PC.
Gavin Mannion
September 29, 2020 at 13:23
I don’t know what Starfield is and I honestly don’t think the PS5 being faster than the PS3 is in any way news.
And yes I’ve been lectured about the change of tech.. but it’s to be expected really surely?
MechMachine
September 29, 2020 at 13:23
Hey, you replied to my comment. What should I say here ?
DarthofZA
September 29, 2020 at 14:07
The difference between what Sony and MS are doing is that MS accused Sony of being Anti Consumer because they paid another studio, that they didn’t own, money to not let a game go to Xbox. MS are paying for the dev of Starfield, they own the studio, it is the equivalent of God of War not going to Xbox in this case.
MechMachine
September 29, 2020 at 10:03
Judging buy the lack of any news pertaining to the PS5, something tells me you’re a X box guy.
The D
September 29, 2020 at 11:51
Honestly, I’m leaning that way thanks to the Xbox marketing being on point. I know that Sony is having actual hands-on time this week with Japanese YouTubers, but currently I have nothing to get excited about with that particular console.
Opinions may change though, if I can see something.
For the Emperor!
September 29, 2020 at 12:08
Yeah, MS has been quite on point this time around. If not for God of War and a few other titles I would be all over it by now. Would give me a chance to “upgrade” some of my games like Witcher 3 and finally play it…
The D
September 29, 2020 at 12:32
I don’t see myself not getting a PS5 in the future, but right now? I want the Xbox Series X first.
DarthofZA
September 29, 2020 at 11:24
Or, and hear me out here, Sony hasn’t yet sent out PS5s to media to play around with it yet. Its really hard to give hands on impressions on hardware you haven’t had your hands on.
Pieter Kruger
September 29, 2020 at 11:41
PS5 consoles already sent to media in Japan….and one rapper in the US https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3bd3fd4061e1e1a5379e679a02c100dbba3fa521c1ad49b037d391fec7313318.png
MechMachine
September 29, 2020 at 11:41
Or, hear me out here, the lack of any real substantial Sony news on CH might have lead to my point and I don’t hold it against them ( heathens ) because it’s a beast and I know Sony have kept things close to their chest. You dig ?
OddSockZA
September 29, 2020 at 14:07
I’m champing at the bit for more PS5 info. I got caught up in the rush and pre-ordered one, but since that last event, they’ve basically been silent; no info on the UI, system features, how game saves across gens will work. I still want to find out more about the haptic controller, but Sony’s unbearably quiet at the moment.
MechMachine
September 29, 2020 at 15:59
I`m hiding money in socks. Maybe we can work something out if the PS5 is not something you like. 🙂
Banana Jim
September 29, 2020 at 18:29
All of this kind of reminds me of a von Clausewitz’ quote “the backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy”. It seems like they’re just following their usual Sony playbook.
Last time, they also allowed Microsoft to flex, oversell and essential waited for them to release a controversial statement, and then they pounced. It’s the smart move if you ask me.
Remember this classic example of corporate assassination?
Insomnia is fun
September 30, 2020 at 22:43
Classic
Francois Knoetze
September 29, 2020 at 11:08
Was in two camps with getting this or the ps5 but now I am patiently waiting for AMD to show their hands on their new RX 6000 GPU’s before I make any call in backing which horse.
Viking
September 30, 2020 at 11:03
Xbox Series X is best because all the games you buy can be played on my PC as well so it gives me freedom and choice. Playstation early access is just using PS5 & PS4 owner to alpha and beta test the games before they are improved and released on PC & Xbox. Be patient and enjoy the rich rewards ?
Insomnia is fun
September 30, 2020 at 22:43
Why is the console best if the I don’t need to buy it because I have a PC?
Viking
October 1, 2020 at 01:26
Because of price which includes latest CPU & GPU and fraction of the price of RTX 3080 and you can plug in mouse and keyboard to play with mouse and keyboard
Insomnia is fun
October 1, 2020 at 10:58
But… I have a PC
CypherGate
October 6, 2020 at 15:22
Lol is there such a thing as a 13th Pay cheque ?