Microsoft calls it the world’s most powerful game console. Xbox One X launches today in more than 35 countries and with 50 optimized games. You can look forward to playing Assassin’s Creed Origins and Forza Motorsport 7 in 4K HDR.
Gaming in 4K HDR and Atmos
Xbox One X is 40 percent more powerful “than any other console”, says Microsoft. The company is of course referring to the PlayStation 4 Pro, which launched last year around this time.
Graphics performance on consoles:Xbox One
Xbox One S
PS4
PS4 Pro
Xbox One X
The difference is, according to Microsoft, that Xbox One X delivers games in true 4K resolution. And perhaps even more importantly; High Dynamic Range, which expands contrast and color gamut. However, to achieve 4K resolution the console will take advantage of checkerboarding and dynamic resolution, according to the technical specifications. PlayStation 4 Pro uses similar methods. On the audio side of things, Xbox One X support Dolby Atmos.
- “Xbox One X is built for true 4K gaming, with enough power to drive native 4K resolutions, High Dynamic Range and Wide Color Gamut into a pristine visual package beyond what’s capable in existing consoles. Existing Xbox One games play even better, with improved textures, smoother frame rates and faster load times, even on a 1080p TV,” said Microsoft. “And premium audio that puts gamers in the center of spatial sound with Dolby Atmos support.”
Also read: Best HDR TVs
Xbox One X joins the Xbox One S. The two consoles compete with Sony’s PlayStation 4, which is leading the race in terms of sales. Unlike Sony’s console, Xbox One X features a UHD Blu-ray drive. You can tell Microsoft’s two consoles apart by the color.
50 games – and counting
Today at launch, 50 games are optimized – or enhanced – for Xbox One X. These enhancements include everything from higher frame rate and more detailed textures to 4K resolution and HDR. Microsoft expects 70 optimized games to be available within the first week.
More than 150 ’Xbox One X Enhanced’ titles have so far been confirmed. You can find a full list here. We have noted which games are available to play in 4K and HDR.
Highlighted titles include Forza Motorsport 7, Super Lucky’s Tale, Assassin’s Creed Origins, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, and FIFA 18. Microsoft adds that PlayerUnknown’s Battegrounds will launch on December 12.
FlatpanelsHD has reviewed Xbox One S and PlayStation 4 Pro. Our conclusion is that HDR is one of the most important developments in recent years. However, to experience HDR you need either an OLED or a full array local dimming LCD TV.
Microsoft concluded by saying that it has seen “incredibly strong pre-order sales for Xbox One X” so the company is encouraging gamers to order soon to get a console before Christmas.
Price and retailers:
USA: Xbox One X
UK: Xbox One X
DE: Xbox One X
Xbox One X specs
| Games in up to 4K resolution with HDR (High Dynamic Range) |
| HDR10 format |
| 6 teraflops of graphics performance |
| 12GB GDDR5 RAM at 326 GB/s |
| 8-core AMD CPU clocked at 2.3 GHz |
| HDMI 2.0b |
| UHD Blu-ray drive |
| Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support |
