Xbox Series X: 1TB SSD and 4K performance win critics, game library splits

Reviewers praise the 1TB SSD and 4K speed, but split on the lack of launch exclusives despite strong Game Pass value.

1 min read

The Xbox Series X console is shown in a three-quarter angle with its controller resting on the side, both black and textured.
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Specifications

CPU
8‑core Custom Zen 2 @ 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz w/SMT)
GPU
12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2
Memory
16 GB GDDR6
Memory Bandwidth
10 GB @560 GB/s; 6 GB @336 GB/s
Internal Storage (Disc)
1 TB Custom NVMe SSD
Internal Storage (Digital)
1 TB Custom NVMe SSD
Internal Storage (2 TB Edition)
2 TB Custom NVMe SSD
I/O Throughput
2.4 GB/s raw; 4.8 GB/s compressed
Expandable Storage
Storage Expansion Cards for XBOX Series X|S (sold separately); USB 3.1 external HDD (sold separately)
Gaming Resolution
True 4K
High Dynamic Range
Up to 8K HDR
Optical Drive
4K UHD Blu‑Ray
Performance Target
Up to 120 FPS
HDMI Features
Auto Low Latency Mode; Variable Refresh Rate; AMD FreeSync
Dolby Digital
5.1
DTS
5.1
Dolby TrueHD with Atmos
Yes
Up to 7.1 L‑PCM
Yes
Ports – HDMI
1 × HDMI 2.1
Ports – USB
3 × USB 3.1 Gen 1
Wireless
802.11ac dual‑band
Ethernet
802.3 10/100/1000
Accessories Radio
Dedicated dual‑band XBOX Wireless radio
Dimensions (Disc)
15.1 cm × 15.1 cm × 30.1 cm
Weight (Disc)
9.8 lbs.
Dimensions (Digital)
15.1 cm × 15.1 cm × 30.1 cm
Weight (Digital)
7.9 lbs.

Photos

The Xbox Series X console and controller are shown in a three-quarter angle, highlighting the console's sleek white design with black accents.
The Xbox Series X console and controller are shown in a side profile with the console's textured surface prominently displayed.
The Xbox Series X in a transparent green finish, shown from the front with its controller.
A green Xbox Series X console and matching controller with 'XBOX 25' text on the side, photographed from a three-quarter angle.

What reviewers say

  • Digital Trends reviews the Xbox Series X as a powerful console that still lacks major exclusives, but offers strong value through its Game Pass library and larger storage than the PS5. The review notes that while the hardware is impressive, the system’s appeal largely depends on whether users are willing to subscribe to Game Pass.

    www.digitaltrends.com ↗
  • The Verge’s review praises the Xbox Series X for delivering a PC‑like gaming experience in a console form, highlighting its powerful CPU, SSD storage, quiet operation, and strong backward compatibility. The reviewer notes that the design feels more like a compact PC than a traditional console, with a vertical orientation preferred. Minor drawbacks include a non‑removable base when placed horizontally, lack of Wi‑Fi 6, and absence of USB‑C or HDMI passthrough.

    www.theverge.com ↗
  • Tom’s Guide praises the Xbox Series X as Microsoft’s flagship console, noting its powerful performance, fast load times, extensive backward compatibility and clean design while acknowledging its size, weight and limited next‑gen launch titles.

    www.tomsguide.com ↗
  • The review praises the Xbox Series X for delivering true next‑gen performance with 4K at up to 120fps, rapid load times thanks to its custom NVMe SSD and Velocity Architecture, and strong backward compatibility across four generations. It highlights Quick Resume as a quality‑of‑life win and lauds Game Pass integration for providing extensive game library access from day one. The author notes the console’s solid design, quiet operation, and powerful hardware as key strengths while suggesting that buyers consider waiting for the next generation if possible.

    gamingpromax.com ↗
  • PCMag rates the Xbox Series X as an excellent console, praising its powerful hardware, native 4K HDR graphics, smooth performance, and lightning‑fast load times thanks to its SSD. The review notes strong backward compatibility and positions it alongside the PlayStation 5 as the most powerful home‑gaming system.

    www.pcmag.com ↗
  • TechRadar’s review praises the Xbox Series X for its powerful specs that cut load times, deliver high‑fidelity visuals, support Dolby Vision/Atmos, run up to 4K/120Hz and offer excellent backward compatibility. The site notes that the console still lacks a strong lineup of exclusive titles without Game Pass and has minimal UI improvements compared to previous generations.

    www.techradar.com ↗
  • IGN’s review praises the Xbox Series X for its powerful performance, quiet operation, and smooth 4K/60 fps gaming experience. The console’s minimalist design is described as bold and premium, while its user‑friendly setup and backward‑compatibility features are highlighted. The reviewer notes that the Series X offers a significant upgrade over previous generations with 12.1 teraflops of power and improved thermal performance. Minor drawbacks include the lack of HDMI‑in, optical audio, and some older connectivity options, as well as occasional cumbersome settings navigation.

    www.ign.com ↗

Our take

Based on 7 reviews

All seven reviews confirm the Xbox Series X delivers powerful next-gen performance, native 4K resolution, and fast load times via its custom NVMe SSD. Reviewers consistently highlight its strong backward compatibility, quiet operation, and extensive Game Pass integration as core strengths. The hardware’s 12 TFLOPS GPU and 1 TB storage are repeatedly praised for enabling high-fidelity visuals and smooth gameplay across generations.

However, reviewers split on whether the console’s value justifies an immediate purchase without exclusive titles. Digital Trends, TechRadar, and gamingpromax.com suggest waiting for more exclusives or next-gen releases, while The Verge, Tom’s Guide, PCMag, and IGN emphasize its current power and ecosystem. Buyers prioritizing backward compatibility and SSD speed should consider it; those seeking exclusive narratives may want to wait.

Pros

  • Fast load times via custom NVMe SSD
  • Native 4K resolution and 120fps support
  • Strong backward compatibility across four generations
  • Quiet operation and powerful hardware

Cons

  • Lacks strong lineup of exclusive titles
  • No HDMI-in or optical audio output
  • Large physical size and weight

Best for: Gamers prioritizing speed, backward compatibility, and Game Pass should buy; those seeking exclusive narratives should wait.

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