Xbox Series X review: two years on, it's now a contender

Two years on, our Xbox Series X review reveals a powerful games console with a bright future.

Xbox Series X review; a black Xbox games console on a table with a TV
(Image: © Future)

Our Verdict

Xbox Series X started out against a tide of hype for PS5 and too few killer games, but two years on Microsoft's next-gen console has proved to be a powerful games console, and Game Pass is the secret weapon that ensures this console is good value and technically impressive. The only downside is UI design that feels dated. Two years from launch, Xbox Series X is a good alternative to PS5, and well worth the money.

For

  • A fast and powerful games console
  • Game Pass is incredible value
  • Small and neat design
  • Fantastic backwards compatibility

Against

  • UI is workable but clumsy

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At launch Xbox Series X had an uphill struggle to tease gamers away from PS5, and with the spectre of Xbox One's muted support hanging over it, this was a hard task. As 2022 ends, and two years on, Xbox Series X has proved to be a powerful games console that's more than something you buy if PS5 has run out of stock.

While at launch on November 10, 2020 things felt muddied – it launched with the less powerful Xbox Series S and Xbox One was shared its games roster, time has been kind to Xbox Series X. While PS5's design took us aback (read my PS5 review for more) Xbox Series X was a small black box, its lines failed to ignite the imagination. Yet, over time, that simplicity has become beneficial and it has proved to be one of the best games consoles around. I also have a comparison feature, PS5 vs Xbox Series X.

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The Verdict
9

out of 10

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X started out against a tide of hype for PS5 and too few killer games, but two years on Microsoft's next-gen console has proved to be a powerful games console, and Game Pass is the secret weapon that ensures this console is good value and technically impressive. The only downside is UI design that feels dated. Two years from launch, Xbox Series X is a good alternative to PS5, and well worth the money.

Editor, Digital Arts & 3D

Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.