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Explode!
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The system-on-a-chip at the heart of the system.
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Overhead view.
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An airflow model “vortex” that helps cool the long rectangular Series X chassis.
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This image is labeled as a “steam room”, which we can only assume is used for cooling.
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The chassis used to mount the Series X boards.
About a year after the first “Project Scarlett” was announced, Microsoft announced today that the Xbox Series X console will be available in November. But while that release will include what Microsoft says “thousands of games spanning four generations” – including 50 new titles “optimized for Xbox Series X” that are slated for release this year – will not include Halo infinite.
That first-party high-profile shooter, originally announced for a “Holiday 2020” release, has now been sent back to 2021. In announcing the delay, Microsoft quoted “balancing the team’s well-being” with “finish[ing] the critical work needed to “launch the game. The official Hello Twitter account cited “the persistent COVID-related effects that are affecting us all this year” as one of several factors behind the delay.
Specific dates for the worldwide launch of the Series X console have not been announced, and a suggested price point has not been publicly confirmed for the hardware.
Another type of console launch
Unlike just about any previous game console, the Xbox Series X will not focus on exclusive titles that require the new hardware. Instead, new releases will primarily work on the Xbox One and Series X, with optional “optimization” to take advantage of the newer hardware.
In addition to upcoming titles that will be “optimized” for Series X, Microsoft also promises at least 40 legacy titles that will be “optimized to take full advantage of Xbox Series X, including Destiny 2, Forza Horizon 4, Gears 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, en Madden NFL 21.
Microsoft continues with the Smart Delivery system, which allows players to purchase games for enjoyment across Xbox generations. Microsoft has confirmed that games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Dirt 5, Gears Tactics, Yakuza: Like a dragon, en Watch Dogs: Legion will use that system. But not all third-party publishers are on board: Take-Two is asking players to spend an extra $ 30 on top of the $ 70 Xbox One prize for a copy of NBA2K11 that can be upgraded to full Series X optimization.
Unlike Sony’s PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series X will retain compatibility with all older Xbox One accessories (with one specific exception). Microsoft also emphasizes Series X backward compatibility with a wide selection of titles from the original Xbox, some with new optimizations including improved 4K resolution, HDR colors, anisotropic filtering, and double-frame rates.
The announcement of the launch of the Series X comes just days after Ars confirmed the existence of a currently unannounced Xbox Series S. Little is known for sure about that piece of hardware, but longer rumors of a console code called “Lockhart” suggest a lower price Series S box focused more on streaming than games running at sub-4K resolutions.
Image displayed by Microsoft
