Millions of gamers around the world will peel back the lid on brand new Xbox consoles by Christmas.
9News has been given early access to the final, retail version of the Xbox Series X, Microsoft’s most powerful console ever, which is set to hit store shelves on November 10.
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Inside you get the 1TB Xbox Series X console itself, one Xbox Wireless Controller, an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1), power cable and two AA batteries.
But this is 2020 and what’s inside the box is almost secondary to the experience of unboxing high-end technology. It’s a cultural kink Xbox is all too happy to play into.
The Series X is front and centre from the moment you open the lid; wrapped in black and sideways on a bed of protective black foam.
Every accessory is neatly tucked away so as not to distract from the main event.
The Series X is the first thing you touch and boy is it a statement. The 30cm tall monolith weighs in at more than four kilograms and is designed to be a tower – which won’t fit inside most entertainment units.
No console has ever looked like this. It’s large, yet understated thanks to its simplistic, all-black facade
You can lie the Series X sideways but I’m not sure why anyone would. At 15cm wide it will still strain most entertainment units and, I know it’s petty, but the circular base at the side of the tower isn’t removable and sticks out. It just doesn’t look right.
Conversely, a standing Series X is borderline intimidating.
Microsoft was jeered for designing a “fridge” after revealing the Series X, but beneath a TV it screams powerful.
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No console has ever looked like this. It’s large, yet understated thanks to its simplistic, all-black facade. Matte black harkens back to the original Xbox for the right level of nostalgia and prevents smudges and fingerprints.
Much like the console’s minimal modern design, each accessory has been refined and streamlined.
The Series X power cord isn’t weighed down by a giant brick like it was on Xbox One.
The controller has undergone small but important improvements. A share button has been added, rounded triggers feel more comfortable in hand and thousands of tiny raised dots on its back give the controller some much needed grip.
The controller’s ‘D-pad’ has been refined as well and offers a more satisfying, tactile click.
Bizarrely, one outdated feature made it through Microsoft’s designers – AA batteries. Two come in the box, but in 2020 it’s an inexcusable oversight when the competition (PlayStation) introduced in-built, rechargeable batteries on the DualShock 3 back in 2007.
Xbox says it is giving players choice. Unfortunately that choice is between buying AA’s for life or probably buying Xbox’s own rechargeable battery pack.
The new Xbox controller is compatible with not only Xbox Series X and S, but also Xbox One, Windows 10, Android, and iOS.
Only question is, what to play first?
After Halo Infinite’s delay, Microsoft is without a heavy-hitting exclusive for the Series X’s launch.
Thirty “optimised” games will be available at launch on November 10, led by Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Xbox Game Pass, often described as the best deal in gaming, will also grant subscribers access to 100+ games including FIFA and Madden via EA Play.
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