The Next Generation Xbox Console Announced - Xbox Series X

The Xbox Series X is our first look at next-gen gaming

Dec 18, 2019

A Look at the Future

Sporting a unique, rectangular look, the Xbox Series X is the first in a line of versions of the new console that will make up the next generation. Microsoft is doubling down on simply calling their next-generation “Xbox” with “Series X” and other versions arriving down the road. We saw the rise of different console versions this generation, with Microsoft’s own Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X and PlayStation coming out with the PlayStation 4 Pro. This generation might take this idea even further, with different versions available to suit your gaming needs.

Xbox Series X - World Premiere

Four Times Stronger

The Xbox Series X is a beast as far as technology is concerned. It is four times stronger than the already monumental Xbox One X (which was four times stronger than the original Xbox One) and is capable of running games at 8K resolution. It is going to be a while before games and TVs can take full advantage of this huge leap in visuals, but Microsoft is preparing for the future. Calling the line of systems “Xbox” makes sense also, because the new system is fully backwards compatible with the original Xbox, the Xbox 360, and the Xbox One so your whole library of games will come with you.

Take your entire Xbox library to Series X.

The new controller has a share button just like the PS4's DualShock 4.

Next-Gen Games

Microsoft showed off a video reel of some footage of what we can expect from Series X, but it won’t be until E3 2020 that we get a true taste of what next-gen games will have to offer. The supposedly all in-game footage of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 shown off at The Game Awards looked incredible, but it is impossible to say exactly what to expect before seeing true gameplay. Both the Xbox Series X and the rumored PS5 will heavily feature ray tracing technology, which simulates light and reflections more realistically than ever before. With the high increase in resolution, ray tracing, and the freedom that game developers will get from working with such powerful technology, I believe we are looking at a huge leap in what is possible with games.

A screenshot from Hellblade 2 showcasing the system's power.

PlayStation 5

While we don’t have concrete details just yet, all signs point to the PlayStation 5 being just as (if not more so) powerful than the Xbox Series X. The biggest confirmed leap for the PS5 and most likely the Series X is how it handles load times. Thanks to solid-state drive technology, a huge upgrade on existing hard drive technology, games will be able to load much quicker, basically eliminating load times for your favorite games. That’s less time waiting and more time playing. The SSD built into the PS5 is even better than anything that PC gamers have been able to get their hands on.

A computer render of the PS5 used by developers.

Final Thoughts

The year before new consoles release is always exciting. New leaps in technology and new games that show off the power of the new systems make 2020 an even bigger year than it was already going to be with its waterfall of great games launching early to mid next year. We’ll have all the next-gen news at it comes out so stay tuned on Kidzworld for more.