Xbox Series X Review Roundup

With Xbox Series X launching next week, the first full reviews have now been published, including GameSpot's. As fans await the chance to get their hands on one on its November 10 release date, one question stands out: How powerful is this thing? We've compiled a few review excerpts below to give you an idea of what critics think about the next-gen console.

The general consensus seems to be that the Xbox Series X is a powerful console that drastically improves the current library of Xbox games but lacks killer apps that make jumping in at $500 on day one a tough sell. Features like Quick Resume and the impressive load times make gaming a cinch. But some say the console is "boring" when compared to how Microsoft started the last generation with the "all-in-one entertainment system" philosophy of Xbox One. The Xbox Series X plays games just as you want. It isn't interested in all of the entertainment capabilities and compatibilities the Xbox One was going for back in November 2013.

Still, the next-gen Xbox--with its minimalist design that mimics a PC tower instead of a traditional console--packs a serious punch. On a specs level, the Xbox Series X seems to deliver more power than the PlayStation 5 for the same price, and that upgraded hardware makes a number of impacts on games. It'll be interesting to see how developers hone their technical skills while working with the Xbox Series X's hardware as the forthcoming console generation goes on. You can also look forward to our Xbox Series S review for a look at Microsoft's less-powerful new console.

GameSpot - Unscored

"The Series X is an extremely refined Xbox and a great piece of tech that sets a strong foundation for Microsoft to better serve its console users. If you factor in the brand's development studio acquisitions and upcoming lineup of games, the future does look bright for the Xbox platform." -- Michael Higham [Full Review]

CNET - Unscored

"Now, I can't promise that future games won't eventually split off into Series X and Series S versions, with different visual features for each--but if you're a casual gamer, have a smaller TV or just want to spend less, I'm very comfortable recommending the Series S. As a long-time PC gamer who likes to play everything at the highest resolution and detail settings, I'll be opting for the Series X myself." -- Dan Ackerman [Full Review]

Game Informer - B+

"The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S introduce superb quality-of-life improvements like Quick Resume and the reduced load times over Xbox One or even Xbox One X, but don't expect a markedly different or revolutionary leap forward when you first power on the system. If you're simply looking for the best place to play your library of past, present, and future Xbox games, look no further than Xbox Series X/S." -- Brian Shea [Full Review]

IGN - 8/10

"We can only assume that the Xbox Series X will wow us with new and spectacular next-gen games eventually, because there isn't much to judge it on right now. But in the meantime, no matter what current games you throw at it, your loading times will be drastically cut, your framerates will be smoother, and your resolutions will be higher. This bold and minimalistically designed box is quiet, compact for both the power it packs and especially how it compares to the PS5, capable, and loaded with convenience features like instantly resuming and cycling between any of your recently played games. Compared directly to the PlayStation 5's specs, it flat-out gives you more power for the same price. It's going to be a joy to see what developers actually do with it in the coming years." -- Ryan McCaffrey [Full Review]

Kotaku - Unscored

"All of this cross-platform play and sharing of the older Xboxes’ gaming libraries support my initial impressions. The Xbox Series X is not a traditional next-generation system. In fact, it challenges the idea of console generations as we know them. Continuing the model it established with the Xbox One X and One S, Microsoft is evolving the Xbox One rather than replacing it entirely." -- Mike Fahey [Full Review]

Polygon - Unscored

"The Xbox Series X isn't the home of Microsoft's gaming universe; it's just one of many nodes, connecting outward to your phone, your tablet, your computer, or just a different (and cheaper) Xbox. It's not the place to play video games. It's a place to play video games--not only from the future, but also from the present and the past. The Xbox Series X is boring. I wouldn’t have it any other way." -- Chris Plante [Full Review]

The Verge - Unscored

"But the best part about the Xbox Series X is that it's not actually a PC. I don't have to worry about drivers, copious game launchers, or Windows updates ruining how my PC works. You turn the Xbox on, and you play games. If developers embrace the choice and performance options I've experienced on the Series X, I'd certainly be tempted to play far more on an Xbox with crossplay, cross-save, and keyboard and mouse support all becoming more prominent on Xbox. -- Tom Warren [Full Review]