Xbox Series X Isn't Only About Better Graphics, Phil Spencer Says

Microsoft is releasing a new Xbox this year with the Xbox Series X, and while the graphics will indeed look better than current-gen games, the jump in visuals might not be as pronounced as before in the last console transition. Xbox boss Phil Spencer spoke about this during a Gamelab interview.

While the increase in visuals might not be as immediately identifiable with Xbox Series X compared to Xbox One, Spencer said next-generation games will feel more "immersive" thanks to the power of the Series X.

"I think we're at a point now--with immersion, with the tools we have and the compute capability--that the deltas will be smaller from a visual impact, or that feature X was never possible before and now it is," Spencer said, as reported by GI.biz. "And that might sound depressing to some, but what I would say is the advantage side of what I'm seeing now is really the immersive nature of the content that's getting created."

The Xbox Series X (and the PS5, for that matter) will use its expanded horsepower to improve load times and frame rates, Spencer said.

"We're able to get to almost lifelike graphics today, even on current-gen in certain instances," Spencer said. "But when you take that and you mix it with a very high frame rate, solid frame rate, very little latency in input, and the ability for game storytellers to really push the emotion and the story they're trying to get through their game, through the screen, through the controller and into you? That is something I'm feeling in the games now that is a dramatic step up."

Spencer said next-generation games that leverage this new technology will be capable of achieving "even more feeling and impact."

The Xbox Series X releases this holiday with Halo Infinite as a launch title. Microsoft will release more details on Halo Infinite and the company's other upcoming exclusives during an event in July.