Earlier this month we got an offer that we simply couldn’t refuse: hands-on time with some of the hottest upcoming games, all running on Microsoft’s all-singing, all-dancing Xbox One X console.
While the games themselves were running on dev kits, complete with snazzy LED screens on the front that we just wish had made it into the final design, both a standard Xbox One X and a Project Scorpio edition were on display for us to feast our eyes upon. It’s amazing just how small they are when you see them in person – they’re noticeably smaller than even an Xbox One S.
Those who have pre-ordered the Project Scorpio edition should rest easy knowing that they’ve chosen well; while the green text on the controller is a little unnecessary, the console itself looks simply splendid with its textured finish. The standard Xbox One X just looks like a plain black slab in comparison, albeit a rather small and sleek one.
We got to play a range of games both old and new, all showing off the capabilities of Microsoft’s newest hardware revision, and none of them left us disappointed. Titles receiving Xbox One X updates such as Killer Instinct, Rise of the Tomb Raider and Gears of War 4 showed clear improvements.
Killer Instinct, for example, runs silky smooth and looks particularly crisp at native 4K, while Gears of War 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider look more than a step ahead of their standard Xbox One counterparts thanks to more detailed textures and enhanced effects. We can certainly see ourselves playing through those titles again to re-experience them on a grander scale.
When it comes to new games, the power of the Xbox One X allows titles such as Assassin’s Creed Origins and Middle-earth: Shadow of War to really shine. Draw distances are improved, there’s more detail on the screen, framerates are smoother, and the image quality is dramatically enhanced. It’s clear that the power of the Xbox One X is going to make it the best way to multi-platform titles going forward.
The Xbox One X launches on 7th November, and preorders are open now. Look out for more previews of games we played at the Xbox One X showcase event in the next few days, like our quick look at the excellent Super Lucky’s Tale.
