Xbox Series X In Detail – The definitive guide to Microsoft's next generation console

The next generation of console gaming begins on November 10, 2020. That's the day the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are due to launch globally. It's the next stage in Microsoft's ambitious strategy to regain consumer confidence, and reclaim the market share ceded by Xbox One to Sony's PS4 in the previous cycle. We are now in a position to look at the Xbox Series X in detail, to better understand the system that's being billed as Microsoft's fastest and most capable console ever – a powerhouse that could drive real change in the ways that we play.

GamesRadar+ will be exploring the Xbox Series X in detail on the road to its release. Across the coming weeks, we will be putting our hands on the hardware and running the next-generation system architecture through its paces. We'll be looking at the industrial design of the console and controller; exploring Microsoft's enhanced backwards compatibility initiative, and assessing the place the Xbox Series X holds in the broader Xbox ecosystem. 

Microsoft has been eager to prove that compatibility and accessibility will be just as integral to the next-generation of gaming as power, speed, and fidelity. As we look at the Xbox Series X in detail, GamesRadar+ will be exploring just how true that is. Below, you'll find our Xbox Series X hands-on impressions, original reporting, and key information covering everything you should need to know about the upcoming console. We'll update this hub regularly on the road to release, so remember to bookmark it and check in regularly for new information.

VIDEO: Xbox Series X frequently asked questions

Xbox Series X hands-on

GamesRadar+ has its hands on an Xbox Series X. While there are some restrictions on what we are able to talk about ahead of launch, we will covering the Xbox Series X in detail as much as we are able to. Below, you'll find our of in-depth and extensive coverage, touching on everything from hardware impressions to the way that games will play in the next-generation. 

Xbox Series X hands-on preview

After spending a couple of weeks with the Microsoft's next-generation consoles, GamesRadar+ has compiled a massive Xbox Series X hands-on preview. This is the definitive exploration of the system, looking at everything from its hardware and design, to how it plays games and the new UI. If you're looking to find out everything you need to know about the Xbox Series X, our hands-on preview is the place to find it. 

Xbox Series X design impressions

The Xbox Series X design looks far better in person than it does in pictures. That is our initial impression of the hardware, having spent a week with it towering over everything else in the living room. You can find all of our thoughts on the industrial design by clicking on the link to read our Xbox Series X design impressions.

Xbox Series X Quick Resume impressions

Quick Resume removes downtime and emphasizes playtime. That's the verdict on one of the Xbox Series X's most promising features; it feels purpose built for the perpetually indecisive, particularly in the age of Xbox Game Pass. Read our full Xbox Series X Quick Resume impressions here. 

Xbox Series X controller impressions

The Xbox Series X controller is familiar, comfortable, and a smart revision on the peripherals that have come before it. Following our time with the new controller, we believe that Microsoft has learned the right lessons from the Xbox Series Elite 2. Click here to read our full Xbox Series X controller design impressions.  

Xbox Series X backwards compatibility impressions

After two weeks of playtesting, we've found that backwards compatibility through Xbox Series X is the best way to experience games from the Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Xbox generations. Click through to read our full Xbox Series X backwards compatibility impressions.

Xbox Series X tips

From automatic HDR to Halo Easter Eggs, we have compiled the top 11 things you (probably) didn't know your Xbox Series X could do. Our Xbox Series X tips article helps you uncover the hidden secrets of the new console to help you get the most out of it this November.

Xbox Series X Game Capture impressions

You probably know by now that the Xbox Series X has a brand new Share button, but how has the game capture functionality changed since its messy implementation in the Xbox One? Learn all about it in our Xbox Series X game capture and impressions article.  

Inside Microsoft's vision for the future of gaming

Looking for more insight into Microsoft's next generation plans? Here is our interview with Jason Ronald, director of program management at Xbox, to better understand the drive to make compatibility just as important as speed and power for the Xbox Series X.  

How The Coalition approached optimisation  

We spoke with members of Microsoft's first-party studio, The Coalition Here, the team details its approach to bringing Gears Tactics to Xbox Series X, including information on how it was inspired by Game Pass and the new controller to make additional changes. Read more in our Gears Tactics interview. 

Xbox Series X at a glance

Strapped for time, but still eager to learn everything that you can about Microsoft's next-generation plans? Below you'll find our articles that detail the key Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S information at a glance, including news stories on price and availability, features delving into the specs and hardware, as well as other integral details on the consoles that are set to launch on November 10, 2020. 

Everything you need to know about Xbox Series X

Looking to learn everything there is about Microsoft's brand new console, the Xbox Series X? If you click that link you will find a broad overview of everything we know so far about the Xbox Series X, from its release date to the system's specs, games, loading times, the new controller, its price, and plenty more. 

How big is Xbox Series X?

The Xbox Series X might be the most powerful console Microsoft has ever released, but it's also its biggest. Just how big is the Xbox Series X? We have detailed the dimensions of the upcoming console to help you get a better sense of how hefty this thing is, which is essential reading if you plan on upgrading your media unit.  

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series X isn't the only console coming this November. Microsoft also has the Xbox Series S, a smaller and more affordable next-gen console designed to bridge the generation gap. In the Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S feature, we explore the key differences between the two systems. 

Xbox Game Studios breakdown

Following the acquisition of Bethesda, we decided it would be a good idea to breakdown the long list of developers crowding under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella. It's but a small window into all of the first-party games coming out of Xbox Game Studios from Microsoft in the near future for Xbox Series X. 

Xbox Series X games

With Halo Infinite delayed out of the launch window, you'd be right to wonder what you'll be playing on your Xbox Series X come November 10. Microsoft has unveiled a somewhat untraditional day one experience, focused on backwards compatibility and next-gen releases from third-party publishers to get it through to next year. That said, there's still plenty to play, as you'll see in our feature articles below. 

Xbox Series X launch games

Planning to buy an Xbox Series X this November but don't know what games to buy? Don't worry, we've catalogued the library of games set to launch alongside the console on November 10, 2020. So if you're interested in learning more, be sure to click the link and learn about the Xbox Series X launch games. 

Xbox launch lineups compared

How does the Xbox Series X launch lineup compare to Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Xbox? You can learn a lot by looking back at four generations of Xbox, and this feature compares and contrasts the games that were there with each of Microsoft's consoles on day one in North America.  

Xbox Series X upgrade games

While the launch lineup might look a little slim, there's still plenty you'll be able to play on your new console thanks to backwards compatibility. Some Xbox One games are going to offer free next-gen enhancements, pushing the performance and fidelity of existing titles. Here's all of the confirmed Xbox Series X upgrade games.  

Xbox Series X Smart Delivery games

Microsoft has launched an initiative called 'Smart Delivery', which is designed to ensure that you always have instant access to the best version of a game, regardless of whether you're playing on Xbox One, Xbox Series S, or Xbox Series X. Here's all of the Xbox Series X Smart Delivery games confirmed so far. 

Upcoming Xbox Series X games

There's more to Xbox Series X than November 10, 2020. There's already a slew of exciting first- and third-party games announced for 2021 and beyond, and we have pulled them all together in one list. So here's all of the upcoming Xbox Series X games confirmed so far, as well as a few that have been heavily rumored. 

Xbox Series X pre-orders

With the Xbox Series X release date just weeks away, is it too late to get hold of a new console for the holidays? Sadly, it's looking that way, but that doesn't mean that all hope is lost. Microsoft has been intermittently releasing new stock to retailers across various regions, so be sure to keep checking in with our pre-order pages to see if the Xbox Series X is available. 

Xbox Series X pre-orders

Wondering whether you can still get your hands on an Xbox Series X in time for the November 10, 2020, release date? While stores have sold through their initial allocation of units, Microsoft has inferred that more consoles will be made available ahead of launch. That's why we are tracking all Xbox Series X pre-orders. 

Xbox Series X price

It was a closely guarded secret for years, but Microsoft has finally gone ahead and revealed the Xbox Series X price. Click the link to find out how much the Xbox Series X will set you back in your region, and we are also tracking any Xbox Series X bundles that stores may be running on the road to the release date. 

Xbox All Access

What is Xbox All Access? It's a question many of you are asking, so we've put together this comprehensive explainer on Microsoft's subscription plan for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. If you are interested in picking up a console this year, but are worried about getting the funds together, Xbox All Access could work for you.  

GamesRadar+ is exploring the Xbox Series X in detail. Be sure to look out for the 'Xbox Series X' banner on site to find articles that are a part of this series, and be sure to continue to check back every day for more analysis, news, features, and impressions of Microsoft's next generation console.