Microsoft has today revealed all the technical data of the new Xbox Series X, the console represents substantial leap in performance, but it’s not only about raw performance for the Xbox Team, the powerful console also counts with cutting edge new features that even the most hardcore PlayStation fan would love to try.
The first feature to discuss is the Hardware Accelerated DirectX Ray Tracing (DXR). Microsoft had two demos prepared that showcased how big is the difference with this new feature, running on actual Xbox Series X hardware, a significant improvement in lighting, shadows and reflections are displayed. Xbox uses the custom-designed GPU, the hardware was built in collaboration with the same team who developed DirectX Ray Tracing for optimal performance. According to Microsoft, developers will be able to deliver eye catching, immersive visual and audio experiences.
Spatial Audio will also have a big role in the next Xbox, developers at Xbox had found a way to accurately pinpoint objects in a 3D play space, this means that sounds will bounce around the environment greatly improving audio fidelity. Xbox Series X will support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Windows Sonic. Xbox Series X’s custom audio hardware offloads audio processing from the CPU, dramatically improving the accessibility, quality and performance.
The storage device of the Xbox Series X is a 1TB Custom NVMe SSD, the storage is built into the chip of the Xbox, and as it was expected makes a very significantly improvement in the loading times. An expandable storage was also revealed, this is how players will extend the storage capacity of the Xbox Series X. This NVMe drive is designed by Seagate. This device will work like old memory cards did, allowing players to save and run Series X games directly from that port.
Players will also have the ability to use standard USB SSDs, the only caveat is that, Series X games can only be played through a NVMe SSD. Previous gen Xbox games can be played through the standard SSD. Standard SSD can also be used to storage Series X games.
The Xbox Series X Controller has been slightly redesigned, according to Ryan Whitaker the Xbox team aimed for a controller that fits a wider range of hand sizes. The new controller features a new Share button, new bumpers and improved grips. The controller also features a new D-pad, according to Whitaker, Xbox’s goal was to increase performance and accessibility for all the ways people play. The new D-pad will allow for more precise accurate diagonals while retaining the ability to perform sweep actions at ease.
By accommodating hands similar to those of an average 8-year-old, we found we could improve accessibility and comfort for hundreds of millions more people without negatively affecting the experience for those with larger hands.
Cross-compatibility between Xbox Series X and Xbox One controllers are confirmed. Controllers will work together with the same Xbox Wireless Radio. Players will also be able to use the Xbox Series X’s controller on PC, Android, and iOS. Microsoft is also going to implement Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) for more ease at pairing to the supported devices. The new controller also remembers multiple devices, so switching between them is more seamless.
Xbox Series X will also feature a set of improvements called Dynamic Latency Input (DLI), this technology allows the controller to send information more frequently, Microsoft with DLI has managed to “shave off precious milliseconds at every step of gameplay” a feature that competitive players would definitely love. With Xbox Series X, Controller, console and TV will be synchronizedin order to deliver the player a better gameplay than previous gen consoles.
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