Xbox Series X: Everything You Need to Know

The Xbox Series X will be the next flagship Microsoft console, the manufacturer announced Thursday. Putting aside the cumbersome name (what's another in the list for the Xbox?), the reveal is an exciting one. Here's what we know so far about the upcoming console, including games, hardware and the almighty price.

Xbox Series X Images and Design

First off, how does the Xbox Series X look? From what we saw Thursday, it looks like the all-black console will stand up vertically, with a disc port running along one side. At the top of the console, Microsoft has placed the Xbox logo. It will be roughly the width of an Xbox One controller, according to an IGN interview with Xbox boss Phil Spencer.

The console will sport a large fan to keep it cool, but the console was designed to be as quiet as possible.

Xbox Series X Specs and Hardware

The initial Project Scarlett announcement video claimed it would be capable of 8K video output, 120 frame per second gameplay, variable refresh rates and real-time ray tracing. Microsoft is targeting 4K, 60 FPS gameplay.

The console will use a solid state drive as virtual RAM, which Microsoft says will offer massive performance improvements over the Xbox One X. It will also use GDDR 6 SDRAM and a custom processor designed by AMD and Microsoft using AMD's Zen 2 and Navi technology.

Xbox Series X Games and Backwards Compatibility

To date only two games have been confirmed for the Xbox Series X: Halo Infinite and Hellblade: Senua's Saga. The console will additionally support four generations of backwards compatibility, reaching back to the first Xbox (as opposed to the Xbox One).

Xbox Series X Controller

The Series X will have a new controller building on the Xbox One's Elite Series 2 controller. It will incorporate a dedicated share button and an improved d-pad as it strives to, in Microsoft's words, "accommodate an even wider range of people." It will also be wireless and compatible with the Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs.

Xbox Series X Price

Microsoft has yet to announce a price point for the Xbox Series X.

Xbox Series X Release Date

The Xbox Series X is aiming for release date in the 2020 holiday season. No specific date has been set.

Further details about the console will surely surface in the next year, so keep an eye out for more information about specs, games, and even a rumored cheaper alternative.