Kori Walters
Staff Writer/MC301
Xbox is set to release two new consoles on Nov.10, with entirely different appeals and price points. This release is highly anticipated by gamers because the updates seen in the upcoming consoles are supposed to create a more immersive experience than previously available.
The first of the new consoles, the Xbox Series X, is an improved version of the traditional gaming console. The Xbox Series S, however, is an entirely digital console, and the smallest one Xbox has released.
Although the consoles have not been released yet, they are available for pre-order. The Series X is set at a price point of $499.99 and the Series S at $299.99.
Though the Series X may seem a bit pricey, Microsoft understands their audience. Quitten Brown, a senior criminal justice major from New Hebron, Miss., said that he would purchase the console at whatever price, and that they most definitely have enough upgrades to justify the cost.
The main reason for the variation in price is that the Series S does not accept DVDs. Because it is entirely digital, the gaming is done through the Xbox Game Pass library, meaning that users must purchase an Xbox Game Pass separately from the console.
Many gamers are more intrigued by the Series X because, according to Microsoft, it allows the use of games from previous generations. This means that every Xbox game from the past can be used on this one console, as well as games made on DVD specifically for it.
Of course, for a $200 difference, there are more areas where the consoles are not consistent. One of these areas is the specs.
According to Microsoft, the consoles have the same central processing unit, but the Series X has a larger system-on-chip die size (360.45) than the Series S (197.05). The Series X also has a graphics processing unit of 12 flops, while the Series S only has four flops. Lastly, the memory on the Series S is only 10 gigabytes, while the Series X has a memory of 16 gigabytes.
Other differences are that the Series X includes 4k gaming, which is meant to give users sharper characters, brighter worlds, and impossible detail, according to Microsoft. The Series S does not have this technology, or the extensive cooling equipment seen in the Series X.
That being said, according to Microsoft, both consoles feature reduced load times and stunning visuals at up to 120 frames per second.
Microsoft also says that gamers can expect true-to-life lighting, shadows, and accurate
reflections to create dynamic, living worlds thanks to Zen 2 by AMD, and RDNA 2 architectures.
These visual updates are perfect for gamers like Brandon Johnson, a senior education major from Bossier City, La. Johnson said that he was hoping for nice picture graphics in the new consoles.
Visuals and convenience are not all that they’ve upgraded in these two consoles either. Microsoft says they both use 3D Spatial Sound, which uses advanced algorithms to create immersive lifelike worlds. Additionally, both consoles come with a wireless Xbox controller and HDMI cord, and feature Smart Delivery, which gives the best version of any game at any time.
Gamers worldwide are excited for this release, and hope that the consoles can truly live up to potential user expectations.
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