The most powerful console ever made is set to be released next week.
The sleek £450 ($499) Xbox One X is a high-end version of Microsoft’s Xbox console with souped-up features aimed at making 4K gaming mainstream.
While aimed unashamedly at hardcore gamers, demand ahead of its release on Tuesday has been ‘super high’, prompted warnings of shortages.
The most powerful console ever made is set to be released next week. The sleek £450 ($499) Xbox One X is a high-end version of Microsoft’s Xbox console with souped-up features aimed at 4K gaming. And it’s already proved popular
Harvey Eagle, who heads up the UK Xbox business for Microsoft and who has been at the company for 18 years, says he is amazed himself at how far the console has come.
‘I have a very vivid memory of going to see our colleagues in Redmond, where our offices is based, for the first time 18 years ago,’ he told MailOnline.
‘I remember sat there thinking, wow this is great, what’s this going to be like in maybe 20 years’ time?
‘Of course, I had no idea I might still be here, and truthfully it’s really hard to envision the future that far that.
‘I think some of the things that have happened in that time-frame that takes us to where we are now, are the importance of multi-player gaming and how people like to broadcast their gameplay for others to watch.
‘And there’s also technology advancements.
‘The one we’re really betting on here is 4K TVs. ‘
The Xbox One X runs on the same games and works with all the accessories as it predecessor, but with the added benefit of massively improved audio-visual performance.
More power hasn’t led to an increase in size of the minimalist-style console, which is roughly the same size as the Xbox One S.
It’s also quiet. Microsoft says it used a vapour chamber cooling system so that the console produces a soft hum even when playing games such as Gears of War 4 in 4K.
The console features a new HDD for faster loading times, three USB slots, and the standard optical, IR Blaster and HDMI ports.
The console features a new HDD for faster loading times, three USB slots, and the standard optical, IR Blaster and HDMI ports
More power hasn’t led to an increase in size of the minimalist-style console, which is roughly the same size as the Xbox One S
Much to the dismay of Xbox fans, it won’t have exclusive games at launch. Instead games will be ‘enhanced’ for the new hardware.
So why would anyone shell out £450 ($499)?
Eagle says the main reason is its ability to render games in High Dynamic Range (HDR) at a native 4K resolution, which is four times the pixels of a standard full HD 1080p image.
It does this using eight-core 2.3GHz CPU and six teraflops of processing power, compared to 4.2 in the PlayStation 4 Pro and 1.4 in the Xbox One S.
This all leads to higher quality textures and smoother rendering.
Games including Forza Motorsport 7 and Assassin’s Creed Origins will support the full range of performance upgrades including 4K resolution, HDR, and 60fps.
Microsoft’s Xbox marketing boss Albert Penello told MailOnline the console is aimed at ‘people who want to play the best versions of games available.’
He says around 70 games enhanced for the console will be available at launch.
XBOX ONE X MAY FACE STOCK SHORTAGES
With just days to go before Microsoft’s 4K-ready Xbox One X launches, the firm has warned that there may be stock issues
With just days to go before Microsoft’s 4K-ready Xbox One X launches, the firm has warned that there may be stock issues.
Microsoft’s UK Category Director, Harvey Eagle, said it was the fastest pre-order of an Xbox that we’ve ever had.
‘I’d just encourage people if they want one at launch, to get moving,’ he said.
He did promise that Microsoft will have new stock deliveries into retail each week in the run up to Christmas.
Panos Panay, corporate vice president of devices at Microsoft confirmed that demand for the device was ‘super high.’
Mr Panay told CNBC: ‘I won’t talk about the exact numbers but the demand is super high, we are very, very excited about Xbox One X right now.
Microsoft’s Xbox marketing boss Albert Penello told MailOnline: ‘I think it’ll be a hot item this holiday, we’ll be shipping more out every week. But looking at interest and pre-orders, think there’ll be shortages’
The firm hopes the interest in 4K moves and TV shows will drive demand for the console.
‘4K is very aspirational right now, but we’re starting to see it take hold,’ he said.
Apple also shares this view, and recently released a 4K version of its Apple TV, after holding out in previous years.
‘Having a device that is futureproof is key.’
HIS Markit says by the end of 2017 3.7M UK households will own a 4K TV.
By 2021 this figure is expected to rise by over 300% to 12M UK households, over half of all UK TV households.
But the console may not be the best choice for the casual gamer.
It’s huge investment, and one that requires a 4K TV to get the best out of it.
’50-60% of all TVs sold are 4K, and I think it’s one of these things that has to be experienced,’ said Penello.
As well as games, the Xbox One X acts as an entertainment centre with its 4K Blu-ray drive providing films with Dolby Atmos and HDR 10 support.
‘Having a device that is futureproof is key.’
As well as games, the Xbox One X acts as an entertainment centre with its 4K Blu-ray drive providing films with Dolby Atmos and HDR 10 support.
But you’ll to be quick to get one.
Penello also warned that customers may struggle to get hold of the device when it launches on Tuesday.
‘I think it’ll be a hot item this holiday, we’ll be shipping more out every week. But looking at interest and pre-orders, think there’ll be shortages.’
The firm hopes the interest in 4K moves and TV shows will drive demand for the console.