Xbox One X: The console for hardcore gamers
14.12.2017
Translation: machine translated
The most powerful console in the world - claims Microsoft. Find out here whether this statement is true and how the Xbox One X compares with the PS4 Pro and PC in terms of 4K. We'll also tell you whether it's worth buying.
Better late than never. We had actually planned our review of the Xbox One X weeks ago. Due to various misunderstandings and delivery delays, we have only just got round to taking a closer look at Microsoft's latest console. That's why this article is more of a guide than a test report. Is the Xbox One X worth it? If so, for whom and how good is the 4K gaming compared to PS4 and PC?
Compact and quiet
But first things first. The first thing you notice when unpacking is the size. So much power in such a small box is impressive. The Xbox One X is about the same size as the Xbox One S, which has shrunk considerably compared to the original Xbox One. A neat piece of kit. Another feature is the noise emissions. The thing is really quiet. You can't compare it to the PS4 Pro, which employees audibly. The One X hums along pleasantly. Apart from that, not much has changed on the outside. After all, it is "only" an upgrade and not a new console generation.
What can the Xbox One X do?
4K has long been the exclusive domain of the PC. With the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, consoles are now making inroads into the supreme discipline. Microsoft has 12 GB DDR5 RAM in its luggage, a graphics chip clocked at 1172 MHz and 6 teraflops. The PS4 Pro has to make do with around a third less performance. This should allow games to run in 3840 x 2160 pixels and even at 60 fps, depending on the game. An ambitious goal that only the most powerful PCs can achieve.
But let's see what that looks like in reality. Only a limited number of games have been optimised for the Xbox One X. Without appropriate customisations, 4K textures, etc., the Xbox One X will not be able to realise its full potential.
I gamed my way through various games and, where possible, ran them simultaneously on the PC and PS4 Pro so that I had a direct comparison. Basically, it can be said that games with the "Xbox One X Enhanced" tag look and run really damn well. Microsoft's own titles such as "Forza Motorsport 7" in particular shine on the console. No flickering and a buttery-smooth 60 fps. "Gears of War 4" also runs in native 4K resolution and with HDR, but still only at 30 fps. You can only get 60 fps in multiplayer - or on the PC. "Assassin's Creed Origins" is another flagship title that looks really crisp in 4K and HDR. Console games have never looked this good.
Most games are able to maintain their frame rate more consistently and have fewer frame drops - whether at 30 fps or 60 fps. If the games do not have a frame lock, such as "Hitman" or "Assassin's Creed Unity", then you will benefit from a decent frame boost even without a patch.
In many games, the Xbox One X relies on dynamic resolution and scales according to performance reserves in order to maintain a constant frame rate. Microsoft promises that older games will also benefit from shorter loading times thanks to a faster processor, RAM and hard drive (unfortunately no SSD). There is also V-Sync and 16x anisotropic filtering.
Which games are designed for this?
You can now sort by games that are Enhanced on the Xbox. However, you still don't know what exactly has been enhanced. The resolution? The frame rate? You'll have to try it out or google it. The Xbox page lists 95 titles that have already been optimised. Be it with HDR, 4K resolution or more frames. Of course, Microsoft also lists every little title such as "Assault Android Cactus" or "Chess Ultra". Patches are still in the works for many more well-known games such as "The Witcher 3", "The Division" or "Firewatch". But even without a patch, you can benefit from the additional performance of the Xbox One X, albeit not to the same extent.
Where can you get the best 4K for your money?
Just under 400 francs for a PS4 Pro, 500 francs for an Xbox One X and an estimated 1500 francs for a decent 4K-capable PC. While the consoles are relatively close in price, the PC is still the significantly more expensive option. But where do you get how much performance?
I was only able to compare a few games directly with each other, as I don't own or want to buy every title on three platforms. However, my experience is broadly in line with that of other testers. In games like "Assassin's Creed Origins" or "Destiny 2", the order is clearly PC > Xbox One X > PS4 Pro. My PC is equipped with a GTX 1080 Ti and an i7-7700K. This makes the games run faster and with a touch more detail. However, you have to take a closer look. The Xbox One X can definitely keep up damn well. In "Destiny 2", both consoles are limited to 30 fps, while my PC scratches the 100 fps brand. The PS4 Pro sometimes has slightly washed-out textures here, while the Xbox One X is slightly ahead thanks to its native 4K resolution.
You can see a detailed comparison here
This trend is also reflected in most other titles. The Xbox One X achieves native 4K resolution slightly more often than the PS4 Pro, can keep the frame rate more constant and games look slightly better on it in a direct comparison. However, as expected, a powerful PC remains the best 4K machine of all. Ideally, you'll get 4K with 60+ fps and maximum details. However, you will also pay a significantly higher price.
Who should buy it?
- Do you have a 4K TV or want to buy one and have often been bothered by flickering or frame drops? Then the Xbox One X is right for you.
- Do you only have a Full HD TV, but would still like a little more power? Then the Xbox One X could also be worthwhile for you. Supported games are rendered down from 3840 x 3160p to 1080p using super sampling. Say goodbye to edge flicker. Games will also look a whole lot better for you. Apart from that, you benefit from more stable or sometimes higher frame rates.
- If you're happy with your console and think games already look good enough, then it's better to invest the money in new games. The graphical difference isn't so big that you'll fall off your stool. -
With a 4.6-fold increase in performance, switching from an Xbox One to an Xbox One X is significantly easier than from a PS4 to a PS4 Pro, which is only 2.3 times faster.
Conclusion: A clear case for core gamers, others prefer to wait
The Xbox One X is clearly aimed at hardcore gamers. 4K gaming on the console in such a compact housing that is also quiet. You get smoother and more stable gameplay, shorter loading times, higher resolution and less screen tearing. Features that the average gamer probably doesn't care about, but ambitious gamers will be rubbing their hands with glee. One fly in the ointment is the lack of games that really utilise the potential of the Xbox One X. It lacks an "Uncharted 4" that tickles everything out of the console. Not all current games, let alone older titles, have been patched for the One X. The good news is that you are already benefiting from the additional performance. Hardcore gamers can buy it without hesitation, the rest should wait until the price drops or a game comes along that really shows what the Xbox One X is capable of.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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