Microsoft unveils full specs of the Xbox Series X

With the next generation of consoles around the corner, Microsoft has been revealing more details about their upcoming Xbox Series X.

For the new Xbox, is uses a custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU (each clocked at 3.8GHz), a custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU with 12 teraflops along with 16GB GDDR6 RAM and 1TB NVME SSD.

The company says developers will be able to take full advantage of the console’s RAM with 10GB for GPU optimal memory, 3.5GB of standard memory and 2.5GB for the OS.

At the back of the console, you’ll find 2 USB 3.2 Type-A ports, Ethernet, power, HDMI 2.1 out and a Storage Expansion slot.

Microsoft is teaming up with Seagate for the Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X, which at launch will come in a 1TB capacity. No pricing or other capacities have been announced. The console also comes with a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive and USB 3.2 External HDD support.

Xbox Series X Storage Expansion Slot

Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X (1TB)

One important aspect that Microsoft is touting in the Xbox Series X is the faster load times. The company showed off a tech demo of how fast loading is on the new console.

The console is set to come with a feature called Xbox Velocity Architecture which is a “combination of custom hardware and deep software integration allows developers to radically improve asset streaming and effectively multiply available memory. It will enable richer and more dynamic living worlds unlike anything ever seen before.”

As mentioned previously, the Xbox Series X has a Quick Resume feature that lets you quickly get back into games even days or weeks later. Your game’s state is saved on the console’s SSD and you’ll be able to resume multiple games instantly.

Ray-tracing is a big part of the Xbox Series X and it can help enabled more realistic lighting changes, improved shadows and cinematic effects.

Microsoft showed off both Gears 5 and Minecraft with ray-tracing.

The Xbox Series X supports up 8K gaming at up to 120fps but most games will target 4K at 60fps. The company is working with the HDMI forum and TV manufacturers to help enabled Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via HDMI 2.1 support.

The new console will also come with a new controller that still uses AA batteries but it also has a USB-C charging port along with Bluetooth Low Energy. The controller now has a new share button for your to share your clips and screenshots to friends.

The upcoming console will also be compatible with all Xbox One accessories and can play Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One games via backwards compatibility.

The team at Digital Foundry gave a deep dive into the Xbox Series which you can watch below.

Despite the current situation going on around the world, Microsoft says the Xbox Series X is still set for a Holiday 2020 release.

Source: Xbox, (2), (3)