Welcome to Technology Moment – Your Trusted Source for Honest Tech Reviews! we dive deep into the tech that shapes your world. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a casual player, or someone just exploring what’s new in the world of gadgets, you’ve landed in the right place. Today, we’re cracking open the hype behind one of the most talked-about gaming consoles in recent years — the Xbox Series X.
With bold promises of power, speed, and next-gen gaming, the Series X has a lot to prove. Is it just a powerful black box, or is it truly the ultimate gaming machine? In this detailed review, we’ll unpack the features, performance, and value to help you decide whether it deserves a spot in your entertainment setup.
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s flagship gaming console, designed to redefine what we expect from console gaming. Launched as part of the ninth generation of consoles, it competes directly with Sony’s PlayStation 5. The Series X is marketed as the “most powerful console ever made,” and for good reason.
Whether you’re a hardcore gamer chasing high frame rates, a casual player looking for a seamless experience, or someone new to gaming entirely, this console has something to offer. In this review, we’ll break down everything from hardware specs to game performance, and even the controller tweaks—so you can decide if this beast deserves a spot in your living room.
We’ll also compare it to other consoles, touch on price vs value, and give you a no-nonsense final verdict.
Table of Contents
First Impressions Matter
Unboxing Experience
Unboxing the Xbox Series X feels a lot like opening a premium piece of tech. The packaging is sturdy and well-designed. It doesn’t feel like an ordinary console box—it feels like you’ve just purchased something special.
Microsoft clearly put effort into presentation. Even the way the console is wrapped makes it feel like a luxury device.
Design and Build Quality
When you first lay eyes on the Xbox Series X, it might remind you of a compact PC tower. Its vertical rectangular shape is clean and minimalist. It doesn’t try to look like a spaceship, and that’s a good thing. It’s designed to blend into your entertainment center, not shout for attention.
The matte black finish gives it a stealthy look, and the build feels premium—no creaky plastic or weird textures. Weighing about 9.8 pounds (4.45 kg), it’s surprisingly dense, which reflects the powerful hardware inside.
There’s a large fan on the top (or side, if you position it horizontally) that helps keep the unit cool. Overall, the first impression is one of solid engineering and thoughtful design.
Under the Hood – Hardware Specifications
This is where the Xbox Series X really flexes its muscles. It’s not just talk—Microsoft backed up their power claims with serious hardware.
Processor and Graphics
This is paired with a 12-teraflop RDNA 2 GPU, also custom-built by AMD. If you’re not into the tech jargon, just know this: it’s more powerful than any other console on the market right now.
This setup allows the Series X to run games at true 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second, depending on the game. For competitive players or those with a high-refresh-rate monitor/TV, this is game-changing.
RAM and Storage
The console includes 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, optimized to split memory bandwidth efficiently between the system and games. This helps with smoother textures, faster loading, and improved overall performance.
Then there’s the 1TB custom NVMe SSD. This isn’t just about storing more games. It’s about speed. Games load in seconds, not minutes. Switching between games is instant. Thanks to the Xbox Velocity Architecture, even large open-world games like Halo Infinite or Forza Horizon 5 load extremely quickly and feel more responsive.
Cooling System
Powerful hardware often comes with a downside—heat. But not here. The Xbox Series X has a smart cooling system that uses vapor chamber technology and a large 130mm fan that pulls air from the bottom and pushes it through the top.
What’s amazing? No more loud, jet-engine-sounding fans. Just cool, quiet, powerful performance.
Performance Like Never Before
The Xbox Series X delivers a next-level performance that makes older consoles feel like ancient tech. Here’s how:
Frame Rates and Resolution
This means smoother motion, sharper visuals, and ultra-responsive gameplay. Whether you’re racing in Forza Horizon 5 or sneaking through Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the experience is crisp, fluid, and immersive.
Loading Speeds with SSD
Say goodbye to long loading screens. Thanks to the 1TB custom NVMe SSD, load times are dramatically reduced. Games launch in seconds, fast travel happens instantly, and switching between games is lightning quick.
Real-World Gaming Experience
Features like Ray Tracing make lighting and reflections look incredibly realistic, and Quick Resume lets you jump between multiple games in seconds—right where you left off. It’s like having multiple games running in the background without losing progress. In real-world usage, it simply feels smoother, snappier, and more alive.
The Controller – Small Changes, Big Impact
At first glance, the Xbox Series X controller might look familiar—but once you hold it, you’ll notice some smart improvements that enhance gameplay without reinventing the wheel.
Design Improvements
The new controller is slightly more compact with refined ergonomics. It fits more comfortably in your hands, especially for longer gaming sessions. It also introduces a Share button in the middle, making it super easy to capture and share your favorite moments instantly.
Haptics and Grip
The texture on the triggers and back grips has been improved for better control. It’s subtle but makes a noticeable difference during intense action games. The d-pad has also been redesigned to a more circular style, providing more precision and tactile feedback.
Compatibility
The controller supports both Xbox Series X and older Xbox One consoles, and it can also be used on PCs and mobile devices via Bluetooth. So whether you’re playing on the couch or at your desk, it’s one controller for all.
Game Library – What Can You Play?
A console is only as good as the games you can play on it—and Xbox Series X has a massive, versatile game library.
Launch Titles and Exclusives
At launch, titles like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and Gears 5 showcased the power of the new hardware. Microsoft has committed to growing its first-party library with studios like Bethesda, Obsidian, and more under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella.
Xbox Game Pass
This is a total game-changer. Game Pass gives you access to hundreds of games, including new releases, for a monthly fee. It’s basically the Netflix of gaming—download or stream AAA and indie titles alike without paying full price for each game.
Backward Compatibility
Xbox Series X supports four generations of Xbox games—from the original Xbox to the Xbox One. Your old favorites not only work but often run better, thanks to hardware boosts like higher frame rates and resolution improvements.
Game Pass – The Real Game Changer
If there’s one feature that truly elevates the Xbox Series X above its competitors, it’s Xbox Game Pass. Think of it as Netflix, but for games—except with far better value.
What’s Included
Xbox Game Pass gives you access to a massive library of over 100 high-quality games. This includes day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios, indie gems, and even iconic franchises like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza Horizon. There’s something for everyone—shooters, RPGs, racing, indie titles, and even family-friendly games.
Value for Money
Here’s where things get crazy good: For a small monthly fee (as low as $9.99), you unlock a rotating door of fresh, top-tier content. Go one level up to Game Pass Ultimate, and you get Xbox Live Gold (for online multiplayer), access to PC games, EA Play, and Xbox Cloud Gaming—all in one package.
Cloud Gaming and xCloud
With xCloud (now part of Game Pass Ultimate), you don’t even need a console to play your favorite games. It’s the future of gaming, already here.
In short, Game Pass isn’t just a bonus—it’s a reason to buy the Xbox Series X.
Backward Compatibility – A Nod to Nostalgia
Microsoft knows that gamers often don’t want to leave behind their old favorites.
Performance Boost for Older Titles
Many older titles run better than ever, thanks to faster loading times, improved resolution, and smoother frame rates. Some games even get HDR support or higher FPS without any developer changes. It’s like giving your old library a next-gen makeover.
In a world that often forgets the past, Xbox gives it a loving upgrade.
User Interface and Experience
A powerful console means nothing if it’s frustrating to use. Thankfully, the Xbox Series X offers one of the smoothest and most intuitive user experiences out there.
Dashboard Design
The interface is clean and familiar. Everything is where you expect it to be, and it’s responsive, fast, and visually polished. It’s optimized for 4K screens too, so it looks stunning on modern TVs.
Navigation and Customization
You can pin your favorite games and apps, create custom groups, and even personalize the theme. The layout is consistent across Xbox devices, so switching between consoles (or from Xbox to PC Game Pass) feels seamless.
Quick Resume Feature
One of the Series X’s best features is Quick Resume. You can switch between several games almost instantly, picking up right where you left off—no reload, no main menu, just straight into the action. It’s a massive quality-of-life upgrade, especially if you’re juggling multiple games.
Storage Dilemma – Is 1TB Enough?
On paper, 1TB of storage sounds like a lot, but when you break it down, it gets used up faster than you’d expect.
Real Usable Space
Out of the 1TB SSD, only about 802GB is actually usable. So if you’re planning to download lots of games—especially those huge AAA titles like Call of Duty, Halo Infinite, or Forza Horizon 5—you’ll run out of space quickly. Some games take up over 100GB each.
Expansion Options
Here’s the good news: Xbox has a solution. It slots right into the back of the console and acts just like the internal SSD—super fast, with no lag or limitations.
However, it comes at a cost. The official 1TB Seagate card is not cheap, and there aren’t many alternatives yet, making this a pricey upgrade for most gamers.
External Drives for Backward-Compatible Games
You can also use regular external hard drives (USB 3.0) for Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games. But keep in mind: Series X/S games must run from the internal SSD or the expansion card to take advantage of speed and performance.
So, is 1TB enough? If you’re a casual gamer, maybe. If you’re a hardcore gamer or love digital downloads—probably not.
Sound and Multimedia Features
The Xbox Series X isn’t just a gaming console—it’s an all-in-one home entertainment hub.
3D Spatial Audio
It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Windows Sonic, delivering an immersive 3D audio experience. Whether you’re hearing footsteps behind you in a horror game or engines roaring in a racing game, the audio is super crisp and directional.
Pair it with a good headset or surround sound system, and you’ll feel like you’re inside the game. Seriously, the soundscape is a game-changer.
Streaming Support
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
- HBO Max
- YouTube
- Spotify
It streams in 4K HDR, with excellent visual quality and quick app load times. It’s like having a smart TV box built right in.
Media Remote & Blu-ray: So if you’re still into physical discs (movies, music, or games), Xbox has your back. You can also buy an official media remote for better movie navigation, or just use your regular controller. Handy and simple.
Online Experience and Xbox Live
The online experience on Xbox has been refined over two decades, and it shows.
Multiplayer Experience
Xbox Live Gold (or the upgraded Game Pass Ultimate) unlocks access to multiplayer gaming. Whether you’re teaming up in Halo, competing in FIFA, or building in Minecraft, the matchmaking is fast and the servers are stable.
Games run smoothly online with minimal lag—assuming your internet is decent. Xbox’s infrastructure is known for being more robust than competitors in many regions.
Party Chat & Social Features
Xbox’s Party Chat system is a standout. You can voice chat with friends while playing different games, share screenshots or game clips instantly, and even stream your gameplay directly to Twitch.
There’s also a mobile app that lets you:
- Chat with friends
- Install games remotely
- Browse your library
- Manage storage
It’s like having your console in your pocket.
Xbox Network Stability
Microsoft has invested heavily in its Azure-powered servers, which means rare downtime and quick recovery even when issues arise. Updates are frequent, stable, and often roll out smoothly.
Plus, features like Quick Resume make hopping between games online and offline feel seamless and efficient.
Is It Worth the Price?
When it comes to value, the Xbox Series X sits at the higher end of the price spectrum for gaming consoles. But the big question is—do the features justify the cost?
At launch, the xbox price increase was priced around $499, which puts it head-to-head with its main rival, the PlayStation 5. For that price, you’re getting:
- One of the most powerful gaming consoles ever built
- A 1TB SSD (though about 800GB is usable)
- Access to next-gen performance: 4K gaming at 60fps, up to 120fps in some titles
- Full backward compatibility with four generations of Xbox games
- And access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which alone adds massive value with hundreds of games available
Compared to the cost of building a gaming PC with similar specs (easily $1000+), the Series X offers phenomenal value. However, the hidden cost comes in the form of additional expenses like:
- An external storage expansion card (around $200 for 1TB)
- A second controller ($60+)
- Xbox Game Pass subscription ($10–$17/month depending on tier)
If you’re a serious gamer or even a casual one looking for a long-term investment, the Series X absolutely earns its price tag. It’s not just a console—it’s an all-in-one gaming, streaming, and entertainment powerhouse.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✅ Unmatched Power: With 12 teraflops of GPU power, you get ultra-smooth 4K gaming.
- ✅ Fast Load Times: Thanks to the custom SSD, loading screens are nearly gone.
- ✅ Backward Compatibility: Play your old Xbox games with improved performance.
- ✅ Silent Performance: Runs cool and quiet—even under heavy gaming loads.
- ✅ Sturdy Design: Built to last with a compact yet solid build.
Cons
- ❌ Limited Internal Storage: Only about 800GB of usable space—fills up fast with big games.
- ❌ Expensive Expansion: Proprietary storage solutions are pricey.
- ❌ Few True Next-Gen Exclusives (So Far): Many launch titles also released on Xbox One.
- ❌ Bulky Design: Might not fit neatly into all entertainment centers.
- ❌ No USB-C on Controller: Still uses AA batteries or a separate rechargeable pack.
So while the Series X shines in many departments, it’s not without a few shortcomings. Most of them are manageable, but they’re worth keeping in mind.
Final Verdict
So, is the Xbox Series X the best gaming console right now? That depends on what kind of gamer you are.
If you’re someone who:
- Wants cutting-edge performance
- Loves diving into a huge game library with Game Pass
- Cares about quick load times and high-quality visuals
- Values backward compatibility
Then yes, the Xbox Series X is absolutely worth it—and arguably the best all-around console available today.
However, if you’re more interested in exclusive PlayStation titles like Spider-Man, God of War, or The Last of Us, then the PS5 might have a better content offering for you.
But as a complete package, combining power, performance, and flexibility, the Xbox Series X delivers in every category. Whether you’re upgrading from an older Xbox or entering console gaming for the first time, this is a purchase you won’t regret.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Xbox Series X better than the PlayStation 5?
This is the million-dollar question for many gamers. Technically, the Xbox Series X has a slight edge in raw power with 12 teraflops of GPU performance compared to the PS5’s 10.28. It also offers faster load times in certain xbox games price and features like Quick Resume that PS5 doesn’t match.
However, PlayStation 5 has stronger exclusive titles at the moment, like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and God of War: Ragnarok. So the “better” console depends on your gaming preferences—raw performance vs exclusive game library.
Verdict: If you care about power and Game Pass value, Xbox wins. If you’re into PlayStation exclusives, PS5 is your pick.
Is Xbox Game Pass really worth it?
Absolutely—Xbox Game Pass is arguably the best deal in gaming right now. There’s also EA Play, cloud gaming, and even the ability to stream games to your phone or tablet. If you want maximum value for your money, Game Pass is a no-brainer.
Can Xbox Series X play older Xbox games?
Yes! Not only can you play older games, but many of them run better with faster load times, smoother frame rates, and enhanced graphics thanks to Auto HDR and FPS Boost.
It’s a dream for nostalgic gamers and collectors.
How much actual storage do I get on the Xbox Series X?
While the console comes with 1TB of internal storage, only about 802GB is usable due to system files. Considering modern games can easily take up 100GB or more (looking at you, Call of Duty), that space fills up fast.
But don’t worry—Microsoft offers an official 1TB Seagate expansion card that plugs into the back of the console and works just like the internal SSD. You can also use external hard drives for Xbox One or older games.
Do I need a 4K TV to enjoy the Xbox Series X?
No, but it helps. The Xbox Series X is built for 4K gaming at up to 120fps, so if you have a 4K TV with HDMI 2.1 support, you’ll get the full experience. However, the console also works great on 1080p or 1440p displays, and even downscales 4K resolution for better image quality.
So yes, you can still enjoy the Series X on a regular HD TV—it just won’t look as stunning as on a high-end setup.
