Xbox Series X Review: 8.7/10 - The Most Powerful Console
Overview
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s most powerful console ever, built around a custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU and an RDNA 2 GPU delivering 12 teraflops of compute performance. Launched in November 2020 at $499, it targets native 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and DirectX 12 Ultimate support. The 1TB custom NVMe SSD provides 2.4 GB/s raw throughput and enables features like Quick Resume that let you switch between multiple games almost instantly.
Design and Build
The Series X stands out with its monolithic tower design measuring 301 x 151 x 151 mm, finished in matte black with a subtle green-accented top vent. The large fan on top draws air through the chassis efficiently and stays remarkably quiet even under heavy load. The front panel houses a single USB-A port, an Xbox button, and a disc drive slot for the 4K UHD Blu-ray player, while the rear offers HDMI 2.1, two more USB-A ports, an Ethernet jack, and storage expansion slot.
Performance
The custom RDNA 2 GPU with 52 compute units running at 1.825 GHz delivers smooth 4K gameplay in titles like Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, and Cyberpunk 2077. Ray tracing performance is solid for a console at this price, with reflections and shadows adding meaningful visual depth without crippling frame rates. The 16 GB of GDDR6 memory shared between CPU and GPU, split into a 10 GB pool at 560 GB/s for graphics and 6 GB at 336 GB/s for system tasks, ensures no bottlenecks in current-gen titles.
Quick Resume and Storage
Quick Resume is a standout feature that suspends up to four games simultaneously in memory, letting you swap between them in seconds without reloading. The 1 TB internal SSD provides about 800 GB of usable space, and the proprietary Seagate expansion card slots into the rear port to add matching-speed storage. USB 3.1 external drives work for backward-compatible Xbox One and older titles, giving flexible storage options.
Backward Compatibility
Microsoft’s backward compatibility program is the best in the industry, with thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games running on Series X with improved resolution, frame rates, and Auto HDR. Many older titles receive FPS Boost patches that double or quadruple their original frame rates without developer intervention. The console also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for both games and streaming media.
Controller and Ecosystem
The Xbox Wireless Controller retains its familiar ergonomic shape with a hybrid D-pad, textured triggers and bumpers, and a dedicated Share button for screenshots and clips. It connects via Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth 5.2, or USB-C and features low-latency input with a 60 ms wireless polling rate. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate remains the ecosystem’s killer feature, offering hundreds of games including all first-party titles on day one for a monthly subscription.
Verdict
The Xbox Series X earns an 8.7 out of 10 for its raw power, whisper-quiet operation, and unmatched backward compatibility library. It loses points on a less memorable exclusive lineup compared to PlayStation and a first-party output that has been slower to materialize, but as a Game Pass machine with true 4K performance, it is an outstanding value.
Where to Buy
Looking for the best deal on an Xbox Series X? Check current prices and available listings on eBay to find new, open-box, and certified refurbished units at competitive prices.
How We Rate Products
Every product on ComfyTechCheck is scored on a 1 to 10 scale based on a structured evaluation framework. We assess products across five core criteria:
- Performance (30% weight): Speed, responsiveness, and real-world capability in its category.
- Build & Design (20% weight): Material quality, ergonomics, and aesthetic appeal.
- Features (20% weight): Breadth and usefulness of included functionality.
- Value (20% weight): Price-to-performance ratio relative to direct competitors.
- Battery Life or Reliability (10% weight): Endurance testing for portable devices, or long-term dependability for stationary gear.
Scores are assigned by our editorial team after hands-on testing or extensive research using verified user reports, expert analysis, and technical specifications. The weighted average produces the final rating you see on each review. This methodology is inspired by established consumer review standards from organizations such as Consumer Reports and Which?, adapted for the tech product categories we cover.
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