GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

We Have The Xbox Series X - Full Previews Coming Soon

Ahead of the November launch for the Xbox Series X, Microsoft sent us a fully functioning version of the console itself.

By Michael Higham on September 23, 2020 at 9:12AM PDT

Update: An embargo has lifted and we've been able to share our hands-on experience with Xbox Series X--or at least some components of it. The takeaway is that Xbox Series X load times are much improved over existing Xbox One hardware, while Quick Resume is a game-changer.

Next gen is here. We have the Xbox Series X in hand, a real, fully functioning console (though it is technically a non-final build of the system). Microsoft sent us the hardware ahead of the Xbox Series X launch date of November 10, so we can get hands-on experience with what next-gen gaming offers in advance.

We have preview coverage lined up such as impressions, technical breakdowns, and discussions of the overall gaming experience, but that'll be coming in the near future. That's all we can share for now, but we have a ton of current coverage of Microsoft's next-gen consoles that you can check in the meantime.

It's here! We have the Xbox Series X! Look at this beautiful glowing face (@michaelphigham is ok too) Stay tuned for hands-on preview coverage ✨🕺🏻 pic.twitter.com/DAL9j6UG3k
— GameSpot (@GameSpot) September 23, 2020

If you're looking for analysis on technical specs, be sure to read our comparison of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, and if you want to get a closer look at how the two systems stack against other console, check out our size comparison with the official Xbox Series mockups. Microsoft also made a big splash this week by acquiring Bethesda and all the game studios under the prominent publisher, so you can read up on what that means for the future of gaming. If you're still looking to get one yourself, consult our Xbox Series X pre-order guide for help. You can also catch up with all our Xbox-related stories below.

Xbox Series X And Xbox One News

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

View Comments (88)

Join the conversation

There are 88 comments about this story

88 Comments RefreshSorted By 88 results 1 2

GameSpot has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to toxic conduct in comments. Any abusive, racist, sexist, threatening, bullying, vulgar, and otherwise objectionable behavior will result in moderation and/or account termination. Please keep your discussion civil.

Please Log In to post.

2257

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Edited By johnny0779

I want to see a technical comparisons of the Series X vs PS5 full benchmarks.

Only way to find out what's more important SSD speed over GPU TFs

Upvote • 4 years ago

1720

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

Edited By Crazy_sahara

If Microsoft can get $15 X 100 million customers on game pass, Bethesda was free by the end of the 2021.

If Microsoft can get 1 billion customers, Microsoft has pretty much killed steam, Sony and Nintendo, because the amount of businesses they have bought would be bonkers.

But that will be Microsofts downfall in the future, and people will hate Microsoft in the next decade or so for it, while the next generation after generation z, who have sucked it all up, will have s revolt.

Right now it's good days.

Upvote • 4 years ago

887

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Plot twist: Gamespot used a bot.

Upvote • 4 years ago

401

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

Gimme gimme

Upvote • 4 years ago

1720

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

Edited By Crazy_sahara

https://youtu.be/Qh5SdBlygcI

No thanks return it back to Sony quantum error, looks worse then doom 3

Would love to see the original prey spin off cancelled by Bethesda re-evaluated...

3 • 4 years ago

1507

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 33

User Lists: 5

Edited By Wahsobe

@Crazy_sahara: "Would love to see the original prey spin off cancelled by Bethesda re-evaluated..."

+1

2 • 4 years ago

8490

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

@Crazy_sahara: The last Prey has been my favourite game of the whole generation. It was outstanding. I did like the 360 original too though :)

3 • 4 years ago

1507

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 33

User Lists: 5

@deviltaz35: You can't show a trailer like this and then drop the game.

Prey 2 Trailer

Upvote • 4 years ago

29

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Plz tell us if backwards compatible games installed on the SSD has faster loading times across the board or case by case.

2 • 4 years ago

2423

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 8

User Lists: 5

Edited By Just1MoHr

.........................WE INTERRUPT THIS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS.....................

PS5 loses another exclusive.......Quantum Error is now coming to XBsX & it is time to Power Your Dreams with your nightmares!

Directly from the devs, TeamKill Media.

YouTube = "Power Your Dreams - Quantum Error | Xbox Series X Teaser"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciMRpi7rFiM

GhostRunner also coming to XBsX!

Upvote • 4 years ago

deactivated-6793e8ba0e8bf

5517

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 12

User Lists: 0

deactivated-6793e8ba0e8bf

If I bring some pizzas over, could I have a turn?

Upvote • 4 years ago

1720

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

Edited By Crazy_sahara

Play it in the corner, no one cares 😃😆

Only the huge behemoth ps5 we wonna see, actually yeah, we haven't seen one ffn ps5 in the wild, only 3d models ever since it was announced not one 😤😤😤😤

Okay okay show us the Xbox, (finger prints run everyone it's Corona virus oh gawd) if it's that small can't wait to see the frustration of consumers when they look at the tower of Dubai.

Upvote • 4 years ago

2257

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Microsoft is in a warpath and there's nothing stopping them....if they continue with the great friendly consumer mentality, Sony might as well go the SEGA route and have their games to be on GamePass

3 • 4 years ago

1507

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 33

User Lists: 5

@johnny0779: There's nothing stopping Sony from developing a few cross platform titles. Not every title needs to be exclusive and a Playstation logo on an Xbox is still advertising.

2 • 4 years ago

6204

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 41

User Lists: 0

@johnny0779: Sony will have to adapt, just like MS had to adapt. This is the way.

3 • 4 years ago

1193

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@Fandango_Letho: Microsoft was always a computer and information technology company. DirectXBOX is just another way to showcase Microsoft’s multimedia application tools.

Upvote • 4 years ago

2257

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

@Fandango_Letho: SEGA couldn't adapt.....

Upvote • 4 years ago

19998

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 6

User Lists: 0

mogan Moderator Online

@johnny0779: Apparently Microsoft has been able to, and Sony has before.

Upvote • 4 years ago

1254

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Nice i am jealous

4 • 4 years ago

62

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Edited By FirstDawn

I am baffled by something, maybe someone can explain it to me.

Why do the XBOX haters scream that series X has no exclusives? What am I missing here?

Halo, The Medium, Scorn etc. etc.

Is the reason they say that because you can get them on PC as well? Or perhaps they don't come out at launch? Also, I cant get confirmation that every PC version of titles will release at the same time as series X(day and date) which means you would have to wait, and in many cases longer than normal.

I think that is a technicality. Sure you can get them on a PC, you must spend a ton of money for the PC if you don't have one. So would it make people feel better if they just said cant be played on your PS5?

Upvote • 4 years ago

8490

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

@firstdawn: It used to be because Sony only released on Playstation hardware but lately they have been releasing on PC for major games anyway after a set period of time. You actually don't hear about that so much now since it makes little sense. I wouldn't be surprised if Spiderman ends up on PC within a year.

2 • 4 years ago

62

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Edited By FirstDawn

@deviltaz35 said:

@firstdawn: It used to be because Sony only released on Playstation hardware but lately they have been releasing on PC for major games anyway after a set period of time. You actually don't hear about that so much now since it makes little sense. I wouldn't be surprised if Spiderman ends up on PC within a year.

This is so true. If you poke around, you can see indications of Sony making moves to release more on PC.

The fact of the matter is that exclusives tied to JUST a console are starting to become a thing of the past. You have an option to play on PC, or in the comfort of your living room giant screen TV with a console. Many will still play on console for ease of use factor.

Sony fans just wont acknowledge the fact that it is not a question of IF exclusives will go away, but WHEN. Don't be in utter shock as Sony slowly puts more and more titles on PC. In the end these are companies, and they see a lot of $$ on the table with PC.

Upvote • 4 years ago

2257

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

@firstdawn: After the Bethesda acquisition Microsoft now has way too many games....😜

2 • 4 years ago

312

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@firstdawn: For me, it is the amount of exclusives, and to me the exclusives are not all that great. Xbox is known for Halo, Gears, and Forza. That is pretty much it. Had the first xbox, then the 360, then only observed the xbox one. After playing those games for years I came to realization that, I am not missing out on anything If I don't get one. Why, because everything else can be played elsewhere. Look at it this way, Sony has way more games that I can not play on xbox. And I am not only speaking of the AAA titles like God of War and Uncharted. I am speaking on behalf of hidden gems like the Super Robot Wars series and Persona. If the playstation provides me with more available games, there is no reason to make xbox my console.

2 • 4 years ago

62

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

@allencc3: Myself I am on the other side of this. Sony does not have many games that interest me personally. Some do interest me. Spiderman seems like spiderman 1.5 and is meh to me. Ratchet I could care less, etc. So as you did, I made my list, and more games appealed to me on XBOX than Sony, and I already have a real good deal that net me 2 years of gamepass for almost nothing. Also, most people cant afford to spend the money for a new PC if they don't have one. So for many, they can only choose Series X or PS5. I enjoy hidden gems as well, and I see a lot of good ones on XBOX. One day I will get a PS5, but it will not be my launch console, esp since MS bought Bethesda, and that will yield some nice stuff in the future.

3 • 4 years ago

312

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@firstdawn: The only hidden gem I have ever seen on xbox is State of Decay. Which has been playable on PC for a min. Non of the xbox stuff applies to me, since I have a PC w GamePass. Probably going to get an RTX 3080 to replace my 2080. I tried the multiplatform games on console, but they are just hands down better on PC. For example, why play Assassins Creed on a console? I was debating on buying AC:Origns on PS4 Pro since it was 20$ for the game and all DLCs. After doing research, I finally made up my mind and got it for PC. I feels I made the best choice. I can 4k or 1440p it and play with my PS controller. My playstation is specifically for games that, I can't play on PC, or want to play with one of my friends. All I can say is, thank you MS, for not making me have to buy your console in order to play your games, if I feel like doing so. However, its sad that I still have not played any of the latest Gears or Halos even though I can if I wanted to. Like you said, they don't really appeal to me anymore. But at the same time, neither does Mario. Those are just the games that I grew out of. But one can never truly grow out of Pokemon. LOL

Upvote • 4 years ago

234

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

@allencc3: Sony are now going down the MS route and releasing their games on PC, so in the end there'll technically be no exclusives and it'll be down to which platform plays the games you like the best.

Upvote • 4 years ago

312

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@drdavewatford: LOL, if this happens, then its PC all the way. No console will ever be needed again, ever. No more Sony/Xbox beef. However, this would hurt gaming since most PC games get cracked/pirated at some point. It will be a freeloader's dream come true. Talk about a stupid move. PC only, game sales will see a major drop due to piracy and gamepass. What a joke this would be. But if it happens, it happens. RTX 3080 on the way now.

2 • 4 years ago

234

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

@allencc3: Enjoy in good health! I was a PC gamer in my youth but I'm done with that now - too old to waste time thinking about about constant upgrades, the never-ending graphics card arms race, glitches and compatibility issues. Consoles look beautiful on my 65" OLED TV, sound wonderful on home cinema, and it's literally plug and play - all gaming and zero trying to find the best settings and trying to persuade troublesome software to work. I still miss the fine control offered by a good keyboard and mouse, but no regrets otherwise. XBOX Series X on launch day will probably be good for the next 5-10 years.

Upvote • 4 years ago

312

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By allencc3

@drdavewatford: I have similar setup with my PC, 65" and dolby Atmos surround but never had any issues or glitches. Updating your PC around the same time you would upgrade your console should not really be an issue. I usually update motherboard + CPU combo. Everything else stays the same until the GPU gets updated. The 3080 is so powerfull that you would be good for a very long time. Plus the MB+CPU combos are usually around 325$ for intel(depends on the CPU though). I never go overboard with my upgrades. In terms of graphics, PC will always be the place to be. Keep in mind that I mostly play single player games though.

Upvote • 4 years ago

1507

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 33

User Lists: 5

Am I the only one that is suprised by the size of this thing. I know they've shown us mockups before but seeing an official box I can't help but find it a little more reasonably sized than I had initially imagined.

Upvote • 4 years ago

8490

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Edited By DEVILTAZ35

@wahsobe: I was too. It looks smaller than my Dali centre speaker in my entertainment cabinet :). Dali speakers are seriously my favourite purchase ever with a Yamaha 11.2 surround amp :) . Sadly it doesn't do the newer DTS:X standard audio though or pass through HDMI 2.1

2 • 4 years ago

1507

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 33

User Lists: 5

@deviltaz35: I wasn't a huge fan when I first saw it and then I realised it would vanish next to the HT receiver since it's about the same dimensions as it's face.

Upvote • 4 years ago

11910

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

MS wants to make sure there is at least one Xbox at Gamespot in the office 🤣

2 • 4 years ago

6740

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

@sladakrobot: Hopefully it won't take them 3 years to figure out how to push a button to open a menu and choose Settings like it did with the Xbox One.

2 • 4 years ago

5371

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

They gave you one already!!!??

Awesome!!!

-NOW THAT'S MARKETING NINJA APPROVED-

3 • 4 years ago

6740

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Edited By BDRTFM

That's cool. Looking forward to reading about it. But if its not the final build, I guess we'll have to consider it a minor caveat.

Upvote • 4 years ago

170

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Edited By cugabuh

Jelly

Upvote • 4 years ago

895

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

A preview of the preview? Gotcha.

2 • 4 years ago

1331

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 13

User Lists: 0

Hope digital foundry got one. They are going to have a field day with it!

Upvote • 4 years ago

6740

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Edited By BDRTFM

@Keivz_basic: Pffft. Digital Foundry has their own biases like everyone else. I don't bother with them anymore because they like to sweep glaring issues under the rug like they're irrelevant. They did it with the 360, the PS3 and other hardware, depending on whose team the editor was on. I don't think there's a website left in the gaming industry whose staff haven't picked one team or the other to favor.

3 • 4 years ago

1507

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 33

User Lists: 5

@bdrtfm: This just in: People have preferences.

News at 11

2 • 4 years ago

6740

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Edited By BDRTFM

@wahsobe: When you are reporting on a electronic devices capabilities or lack thereof, personal preference is required to take a back seat, not affect your interpretation of your findings and conclusions.

Upvote • 4 years ago

1507

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 33

User Lists: 5

@bdrtfm: There's a difference between personal preferences and heavy bias. Often people get far too worked up about perceived or minor bias. Having preferences is human nature.

I will agree that heavy bias and or prejudice is unacceptable in a comparison review. As long as a reviewer can keep their bias in check I don't mind them showing their preference.

2 • 4 years ago

88 results
1
2

Use your keyboard!

ESC

Log in to comment