There has been a lot of speculations and rumors regarding one of the most powerful generations in gaming hardware. PCs aside, Microsoft’s gaming efforts looks to step up in a huge way. Microsoft confirmed several new Xbox Series X hardware details. From what we can see, the new console promises to deliver.
Xbox Series X: Blends Superior Power & Speed
Aforementioned late last year, the Xbox Series X makes innovative leaps in CPU, GPU and storage technology. While vague, it does give some clues at to what gamers can expect. But now, Microsoft has finally revealed just what that will look like.
- Next Generation Custom Processor: Xbox Series X uses a custom processor leveraging AMD’s latest Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures. The processor delivers 4x the processing power of an Xbox One enabling the use of 12 teraflops of GPU performance.
- Variable Rate Shading or VRS: VRS allows developers to prioritize individual effects on specific game characters or objects. This technique results in stable frame rates and higher resolution, with little to no impact on image quality.
- Hardware-accelerated DirectX Raytracing: Hardware-accelerated DirectX Raytracing, a first in console gaming, works to produce true-to-life lighting, accurate reflections, and realistic acoustics all in real time.
More than Just Power
Additionally, the Xbox Series X’s design works to minimize nearly all forms of waiting. This includes the obvious like load times. However, the console also takes into account the path of signal flow from player to controller to console to display. Several steps contributed to achieving all around faster engagement between players and their games.
- SSD Storage
- Quick Resume: A new Quick Resume feature allows for the continuation of multiple games from a suspended state almost instantly
- Dynamic Latency Input or DLI: DLI enhances Xbox Wireless Controllers, synchronizing inputs immediately with the display. This results in controls that are even more precise and responsive.
- HDMI 2.1 Innovation: Xbox partnered with HDMI forum and TV manufacturers to enable features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). ALLM allows Xbox One and Xbox Series X to automatically set the connected display to its lowest latency mode. VRR syncs the display’s refresh rate to the game’s frame rate.
- 120 FPS Support
More of the Same, but Different
Now in their fourth generation of gaming, Microsoft remains committed to legacy experiences. Xbox Series X will continue supporting existing Xbox One games, including backward-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. It also implements “Smart Delivery,” a system for making sure you have the most optimized version of the game for the platform you choose to play, and also the Xbox Game Pass.
If nothing else, Xbox Series X learns from the shortcomings of its predecessors and follows up by swinging for the fences.
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