Microsoft Xbox Series X (2020)

Sleek and premium design ; Xbox Game Pass offers a stunning level of value ; Quick Resume is a game changer ; SSD makes games and applications faster than ever

User interface and overall design is very familiar ; Not as many high-quality exclusives as PS5 and Switch

The Xbox Series X doesn’t win on exclusive games, but when it comes to features it is an amazing bit of kit, with highlights including Quick Resume, Smart Delivery and Xbox Game Pass. However, it is in danger of falling behind in design, with a new PS5...

Gobs of potential More storage than PS5 Accessible library through Game Pass Good value

Lacking big exclusives Difficult to fit in most A/V cabinets Next-gen potential is untapped

“The Xbox Series X is an extremely powerful console, but it still struggles to deliver console-selling exclusives.”

The most powerful console ; Strong backwards compatibility ; Easy expandable storage

Console design is uninspired ; Only about 800GB of 1TB drive useable ; Launch line-up of games is underwhelming

In creating this Xbox Series X review, one thing has become very clear – from a hardware point of view Microsoft has absolutely nailed it with its next-gen flagship.

4K games look and play better ; Blu-ray player and lots of apps ; Almost silent operation

No exclusive games ; Noisy disc drive ; Unchanged operating system

It feels more like a refinement than a true generational leap, but the Xbox Series X is still an excellent 4K gaming machine

Impressive 4K, HDR graphics ; Smooth performance ; Incredibly fast load times, thanks to SSD ; Strong backward compatibility, including accessories

You still won't get 4K/60 in many games ; Incomplete backward compatibility list for original Xbox and Xbox 360 games

The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's most powerful game system yet, with native 4K graphics and an SSD for blazing-fast load times.

Extremely powerful ; Superfast in menus and loading times ; Built to last in both body and specs ; Capable of native 4K gaming at 60fps ; Also supports up to 120fps gaming

Heavy and chunky - hard to hide away in standard TV cabinets ; Lacks wow factor due to software similarity

In the Series X, Xbox has built the self-proclaimed "most powerful games console" on the planet. It is extremely fast in operation, making mincemeat of both menu browsing and loading times for games, and is a great choice for those with a big back...

Seriously powerful ; Incredibly fast game load times ; Understated design ; Excellent backwards compatibility ; Runs cool and quiet

Lacks first-party title exclusives ; Big and heavy

The Xbox Series X brings power, innovation and loads of games to the next gen console war.

Enables 4K 120Hz, 8K 60Hz gaming/video ; Remote Play works like a charm ; Plays vast majority of legacy Xbox games ; Makes old Xbox games look and play better ; Super simple transition from legacy Xbox

Requires Xbox/Microsoft account to use ; Depends on internet connection more than ever ; Availability limited (at launch)