The next console generation is finally here! Officially Microsoft doesn't officially herald the Next-Gen until November 10th with the Xbox Series X|S, but the international press has been using the new hardware for quite some time. We'll tell you how tech sites judged the Xbox Series X in their reviews.
The Xbox Series X leaves a very good impression in the reviews of the global tech websites. In our overview, we'll tell you what you like about the next-gen console and what is not so popular.
The Xbox Series X Reviews are Here
Already five days before the release of the Xbox Series X, the international review embargo fell on Microsoft's strongest next-generation console, which has several technical advantages over the Series S.
In general, international press representatives are extremely pleased with the new hardware. However, the Xbox Series X also gives cause for criticism.
Microsoft's intention with the Xbox Series X is to bring an experience comparable to the PC to the console. [...] It's a different approach to the one Sony is taking with the PS5...] Microsoft has focused on the basics that really matter: high frame rate, a quiet and cool console, faster load times, support for existing accessories and backward compatibility.
says the review of tech website The Verge. Further, the reviewer notes:
The best thing about the Xbox Series X is that it is not a PC. I don't have to worry about drivers, different launchers, or Windows updates.
TechRadar comes to a similar conclusion in its review, giving it 4 out of 5 stars and the following title:
Microsoft’s console is undeniably fast – but it lacks the wow factor without big exclusive games.
In IGN's review, the Xbox Series X scores 8 out of 10, and the reviewer concludes:
We can only assume that the Xbox Series X will wow us with new and spectacular next-gen games eventually, because there isn’t much to judge it on right now.
This Is What Reviewers Like About the Xbox Series X
So many Xbox Series X reviews come to a very similar conclusion. Especially the speed of the next-gen console, the shorter loading times and the higher frame rate, which provides a smoother gaming experience, are very well received everywhere.
I mean: Hey, a The Witcher 3 (which isn't even optimized for Xbox Series X yet) even loads so fast into a new area during fast travel that the loading screen can't even keep up with it - that's pretty damn cool and is an improvement not to be sneezed at.
Usually, a load screen comes up, #Xbox SSD is so fast that it loads the map before the load screen.
— Xbox News (@_XboxNews) November 2, 2020
This is What Reviewers Dislike About the Xbox Series X
But even the criticism of the most powerful Microsoft console sounds largely the same. Above all lacking next-gen exclusive titles is called again and again. Clearly, titles like Forza Motorsport, Halo Infinite, Fable, and other big names of the 23 internal Microsoft developer studios shine to the Xbox Series X release by absence. But Microsoft can and will undoubtedly follow up here next year.
Furthermore, the reviews criticize hardly noticeable improvements of the user interface and that the Series X in many areas just feels like an improved, faster version of the Xbox One X. An expensive 4K TV with HDMI 2.1 support is mandatory to really get the most out of the new hardware. A point of criticism that will also bloom on the PlayStation 5 when it is released on November 19.
What We Think
Isn't it already "next-gen" if I can enjoy the game or user experience that I have been used to for years as an expert on current Microsoft hardware in a much faster, more comfortable, and cleverly extended framework?
For us the answer is quite clear: Yes! There is a reason why 1080p or 1440p with more than 60 FPS are more popular in the PC area than a higher resolution.
"Frames win games" is what hardware manufacturer NVIDIA says and there is some truth to it. You'll get much more enjoyment with Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War or DIRT 5 at 120 FPS instead of 60 frames per second at a higher resolution.
Whatever the case may be. The next console generation from Microsoft will start on November 10 with the Xbox Series X and Series S. We are curious whether the Redmonders can actually turn the time advantage over the PlayStation 5 into a trump card in the long run.
Read more about gaming and esports on EarlyGame. We tell you how FIFA 21 benefits from the new hardware and which technical improvements you can expect in Fortnite.
Original article by EarlyGame's Philipp Briel.
