What you need to know before buying and more. Microsoft Xbox One X - is it worth buying?

I have already talked about what you should pay attention to before buying a Playstation 4 in . Without leaving any gaps, let's take a look at the features of Microsoft's second next-gen console - Xbox One. I advise those interested in this console to read it with comments after use, and this material focuses on the most interesting points that buyers of the next XBOX should know.

1. XBOX One package

Xbox One comes with one game controller, second generation Kinect sensor, HDMI cable, power supply and cable to it. In addition to the above, the kit includes a headset for communicating with other players. It's worth noting that they initially wanted to remove this headset from the package, as Microsoft was trying to stay within the $499 price range, and the headset didn't allow for that. As a result, potential buyers were not harmed.

2. Mandatory update

Like PS4 users, immediately after purchase and Xbox connections One you will have to download and install mandatory update, which will allow you to activate many blocked functions of the set-top box. The update patch for Xbox One takes about 500 MB. The time and speed of installation and downloading depends on the speed of your Internet connection (on average this procedure takes 15-20 minutes). No installation this update you will not be able to play games, since the console requires its installation.

3. Uploading content and storing it

Users will be able to buy almost everything with complete absence regional restrictions, as is the case with Playstation 4. XBOX One has the ability to connect an external hard drive to the console to save purchased games - useful feature when the internal hard drive of the Xbox One runs out of space. This is especially true on a new generation console, since absolutely all games require full forced installation to the hard drive. Let me remind you that a 500 GB hard drive is integrated into the console without the possibility of replacing it with an HDD bigger size. By the way, at the beginning of sales the ability to connect an external drive will not be available, but will become available in subsequent updates.

4. Games on the day of release of XBOX One

On November 22, along with the start of Xbox One sales, 21 games will be available in stores and the Xbox Live digital distribution service. 6 titles will be exclusive to this console: Dead Rising 3, Forza Motorsport 5, Ryse: Son of Rome, Crimson Dragon and only in the form digital copies- Lococycle and Killer Instinct. Several multi-platform projects will also be available: Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Skylanders: Swap Force, Need for Speed: Rivals, Just Dance 4, Lego Marvel Super Heroes, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Madden 25, NBA 2K14, FIFA 14, NBA Live 14, Zumba Fitness World Party, Fighter Within, Powerstar Golf, Zoo Tycoon and Angry Birds Star Wars.

5. Using cable TV on XBOX One

On board the Xbox One console there is one HDMI input required for connection external source signal. For example, for a satellite receiver that will turn the Xbox One into a multimedia center. The console also includes functionality that allows you to switch between a game and a TV show using a controller, gestures or voice commands, but first I recommend reading. There is also a built-in TV guide with the ability to select your favorite channels and assign each of them a unique voice command for quick switching.

6. Second generation Kinect sensor

XBOX One bundles will now come with or without the Kinect 2.0 sensor. The Kinect camera has undergone significant changes:

viewing the room from a wider angle
ability to work in complete darkness
Kinect face detector immediately loads your game profile
voice recognition of registered users
the sensor can detect your emotions and state
Built-in Xbox Fitness app, allowing you to exercise using the new Kinect.

7. New Dashboard

As you already know, dashboard is the name of the main menu of Xbox consoles, starting with the Xbox 360. Now the main menu can be fine-tuned customization. Users can customize color scheme, pin the “Home” page to 25 of your favorite games, applications, TV series or movies for quick access to the content. The console menu is a prototype of the interface modern smartphones and tablets on Windows 8. Microsoft sticks to the Metro interface in all its devices. To be extremely literate, the Xbox One is powered by 3 operating systems, which are launched in parallel:

application launcher
video game launcher
a system that connects the previous two with each other

8. Skype on XBOX One

Skype is integrated into Xbox One at the OS level, just like Windows 8.1. You can make video calls using your contacts list and the updated Kinect sensor. At the same time, you move around the room, since the smart camera will focus on you until you leave its field of view. If there is no one else in the room except you, Kinect will enlarge your face for the comfort of the interlocutor, and in the presence of company, the camera will cover each person. It is possible to play video games while talking on Skype or watch TV at the same time. Your interlocutor will be displayed in a smaller window on the right, so as not to interfere with the gameplay or watching TV.

9. New controller for XBOX One

The Xbox One controller will contain more than 40 innovations, ranging from a recessed battery compartment (in previous version gamepad, this protrusion bothered some) and a slight redesign, ending with additional vibration motors that are built into the controller triggers. Now, when shooting in shooters, you will feel the weapon’s recoil under your fingers in the form of distinct impulses. Also, due to numerous requests from fans of fighting games, the so-called D-pad (crosspad) was redesigned. The directional buttons have become more precise in pressing and are better separated from each other; in Start and Back they have been replaced by Menu and View. The gamepad itself has slightly decreased in size.

10. Sales start date and price

In Russia, the start of sales is postponed to September 5, 2014; according to Microsoft, the release was postponed, since for some countries they did not have time to finish the interface (including voice commands in national languages), and legal issues were not resolved. An Xbox One kit with a Kinect sensor will cost residents of the Russian Federation about27 499 rubles, which is 500 rubles lower than the price mentioned in the recent information leak. If you don’t want to spend money on Kinect, you can only buy the Xbox One itself with a game controller. Such a kit will cost you20 999 rubles, which is as much as 2,000 rubles less than previously published figures.

Despite the disastrous start, it cannot be said that the creation Xbox One was a mistake. Considering that the shortcomings in the plan technical protection copyrights have been successfully corrected with the release of the update.

The Xbox One in 2016 looks different from the 2013 model, which is a reason for envy.
The last doubts about the success of the project were dispelled when in just a couple of years Microsoft turned your product into an excellent one game console. Many of those who, after an unsuccessful acquaintance with Xbox 360 switched to the company's products Sony Now they are biting their elbows, realizing that it seems they made the wrong bet.

Sony PlayStation 4 has served me faithfully for two years now. But I think it's time to push the boundaries, so I bought an Xbox One. It would seem like an ideal situation, I have 2 of the most promising gaming consoles in the world. But not everything is as rosy as it might seem at first glance.

Below are 9 arguments for and against buying an Xbox One for someone who already has PS 4.

Although fans deny it, the fact remains that Sony PlayStation does not have enough exclusive games. 2015 was the first year when the company pleased players with truly worthwhile releases, such as Bloodborne and underrated Until Daw n. But availability quality games for PS4 it is still more the exception than the rule. There's one for every Bloodborne Order: 1886, which will nullify all the company’s efforts.

2016 looks promising. But given the numerous delays, cancellations and disappointing releases that the PS4 has consistently delivered over the past 2 years, we're confident Horizon: Zero Dawn And The Last Guardian melts before our eyes.

Xbox One also doesn't have an ideal reputation for releasing exclusive games. But the amount of disappointments similar to PlayStation, in the case of Xbox can be safely ignored thanks to games such as Titanfall And Rise of the Tomb Raider eclipsed the unsuccessful exit Rise: Son of Rome.

8. Competitive advantage of Xbox - regular updates

Monthly updates greatly enhance the credibility of the Xbox One. Being a company that no one believed in its success a couple of years ago, Microsoft chose the right tactics. Regular updates characterize the company as customer-oriented, aimed at constantly improving gameplay and developing new functions, which cannot leave anyone indifferent.

At the same time Sony time takes on long-term and labor-intensive processes, as a result of which the release of the update is delayed for many months. As a result, even those shortcomings that were found after the start of sales of the console have still not been corrected. It seems Sony is simply not in the mood to solve such global problems.

Seeing Microsoft's focus on constant improvement and analysis of its products, their desire to develop, you begin to think about what Xbox One can last much longer.

No matter how we try to deny the obvious, but Playstation Network - it sucks. Of course, it's better now than it was back then Playstation 3, but still too far from how it should actually be. The Playstation Network took a beating on its reputation with all the unplanned outages, disconnects, and updates that inevitably brought the service down every time. And when Sony introduced paid subscription, there was hope that everything would get better, but, as they say, things are still there.

In the same time Xbox Live turned out to be one of the most reliable services of this type. Having prepared a good foundation for itself in the days of the Xbox 360, today Microsoft is not making any efforts special effort to maintain its reputation for fast and reliable service.

Of course it's not main feature, based on which one can draw conclusions about the advantages of one console over another, but still. The Internet is penetrating more and more into all areas of our lives. This means that if Sony doesn't take up their service, they are in great danger.

6. Graphics matter

Of course, you can close your eyes to the lack of brightness or scarcity of colors, but low performance And small resolution instantly reduce the pleasure of gameplay at least twice.

If you have both consoles, then, of course, you will not choose to play a technically weaker game, which, unfortunately, Xbox One is guilty of when it comes to games from third-party developers.

Naturally, if you only have one set-top box, then there is no problem, since you simply have nothing to compare with. The only choice, this is one game with not the best graphics or another where the graphics are better, but the plot is not the same.

5. No one can resist an exclusive

Honestly speaking, the main Microsoft products, such as Halo, Crackdow n and Gears of War not enough to rush out to buy a second console. Of course, it's not limited to these three games ( Sunset Overdrive 2014 is just something), but still it’s a drop in the bucket.

There is no point in having both consoles for multi-platform games. When you have the opportunity to choose, you simply purchase the version for the console that seems more convenient to you. Accordingly, the presence of exclusive content is the only reason why both consoles can be saved from the fate of being buried under a layer of dust.

Think about it: does Microsoft have content that is interesting to you? If your answer is yes, then great, you should definitely have both. But if the lack of Gears or Halo doesn't bother you, then consider whether you need extra hardware at home.

4. Backward compatibility isn't really that important

Announced in 2015, the Xbox One's backwards compatibility feature is undoubtedly one of the most best features presented that year. No other company has done this. Usually it happens the other way around; after release it’s already removed. existing functions, instead of adding new ones. You can touch the envy of PlayStation4 owners with your hands. Of course, because, in fact, Microsoft added hundreds of classic games to their libraries for free.

But if you don't spend all your time playing classic Xbox games 360, then there is no reason to be upset. Although it's certainly nice to have a choice, even if it's the ridiculously cheap Xbox 360 games gathering dust in the back corner.

3. Game announcements are becoming less and less impressive

Let's face it, we all love console wars. At any big event such as E3, the most enjoyable moment is press conferences, when everyone is divided into opposing teams, where each team strives to present something new, different from the others. You can savor these minutes forever.

Yes, perhaps this is childish and not respectable. But remember the ovation Sony received at E3 in 2013, the year they presented the PS4 at a lower price than the Xbox One price and with fewer restrictions. Now think about whether this would cause you the same delight if you were going to buy both consoles at once?

By the way, I personally purchased an Xbox One before Sony announced a collaboration with Hideo Kojima, which was the biggest news in the history of Playstation 4

The release of new large-scale games is a significant event in itself. But the hype that is growing between supporters of different gaming consoles today looks more interesting than the hype raised by the press around the game itself.

It doesn't matter what was said before. If you and your friends use different consoles, one of you has clearly done incorrect choice. Social media is penetrating everywhere. Sony and Microsoft also did not remain aloof from this trend when creating the main menu of their consoles. And if you have no friends, then main screen will look lifeless and boring.

Not to mention that you will lose a lot by playing Online Games by oneself. Today, even singles unobtrusively push the user to the need to socialize. By playing alone, you are missing out on some of the features the game has to offer. And as a result, the game experience is completely different.

So, when you're shopping for a gaming console, take the time to find out what your friends are using. For the sake of the opportunity to communicate, share experiences and impressions, you can survive possible graphical and gaming flaws.

1. Having both consoles isn't that cool

I have to admit that having both consoles is not as cool as it seemed. I'm still committed to the PS4. And despite the (let's be honest, not that big) Xbox exclusive, I don't think I'll be using the second console much.

However, I won't discourage you from purchasing a second console. In any case, this will free up your hands and give you access to all the gaming goodies. Sure, it's cool to be able to choose without looking at specifications. But the choice is still not large enough to justify the cost of new equipment.

If you don't have extra money, you'll lose a little by not participating in the console wars. The spirit of competition, the delight of being part of game world- all this is not as bright as it seems at first glance.

In addition, there is also Wii U and NX. Why is this not a reason for controversy?

An update to the Xbox One console so early in the industry may be confusing or concerning, but don't worry, in this article we'll tell you everything you need to know about the "most powerful console of all time," as Microsoft calls it.

Xbox One X is a more powerful, 4K-ready version of the Xbox One. It supports all Xbox One games and accessories, but is also capable of running some games in 4K and provides more fast time downloads and more high definition images on panels with a resolution of 1080p. In many ways, it is similar to the Xbox One S, but its body will be even thinner. Like the One S, it is also capable of playing Blu-ray discs with 4K resolution.

Specs: The most powerful console of all time

Judging by the official specifications distributed by Microsoft, the Xbox One X really claims to be the most powerful game console of all times.

	Microsoft Xbox One X	Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
Price	$499	$399
CPU	2.3 GHz, 8 cores	2.1 GHz, 8 cores
GPU	AMD Polaris architecture, 6 teraflops	AMD Polaris architecture, 4.2 teraflops
4K and HDR support	Yes	Yes
VR support	Not yet	Yes

The new system will receive a specially designed 2.3-GHz 8-core CPU, graphics accelerator clocked at 1172 MHz, 12 GB random access memory, 1TB storage and 4K Blu-ray player. Based on these data, the Xbox One X outperforms the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro in almost all respects, which has a 2.1 GHz processor, an 811 MHz video chip, and 8 GB operating memory and a standard Blu-ray player. By layman's standards, the Xbox One X is about 30 percent faster than the Xbox One and has almost four times the graphics power.

Based on testing data received by employees Digital Foundry, the Xbox One X has no problem maintaining stable frame rates when switching to ultra-high resolution. Moreover, some of the tested games even show taller framerate when moving from 1080p to 4K. That's some serious power.

The Xbox One X is also expected to be able to run Xbox One and Xbox 360 games with more high frequency frames and more fast loading. New features will include the ability to capture gameplay video and record clips in 4K resolution. According to information Digital Foundry, the set-top box will support AMD FreeSync technology, as well as the latest HDMI 2.1 specification, which means that owners gaming monitors compatible with FreeSync will be able to enjoy even smoother images.

Which games will be optimized for Xbox One X?

All Xbox One games will come to Xbox One X, but only a few will be optimized for 4K HDR gameplay. To determine whether a particular game is one of these, look for the Xbox One Enhanced logo on the box, as well as the 4K and HDR inscriptions.

To date, the list of 4K games for Xbox One X includes Forza Motorsport 7, Crackdown 3, Sea of Thieves, Assassin's Creed Origins and Middle-Earth: Shadow of War. Microsoft also plans to release 4K patches for Xbox One games such as Gears of War 4, Forza Horizon 3 and Killer Instinct.

Will Xbox One X support VR headsets?

It's obvious that the Xbox One X is designed with helmet support in mind. virtual reality himself high class, Microsoft has not yet reported compatibility with any of the models on the market like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive and none of the mixed reality headsets own development. Microsoft didn't mention VR during the big Xbox briefing at E3 2017, but Xbox head Phil Spencer recently told correspondents from Cnet that VR is certainly included in the development plans.

Will my Xbox One X become obsolete when Xbox One X releases?

Not at all, at least not yet. Xbox One X, Xbox One S and Xbox One are all members of the same family, and all Xbox One games will run on all three consoles for the foreseeable future. If everything goes as Microsoft plans, the Xbox One will become something like a smartphone: the device you have today will support the most latest apps and games for at least the next few years, but if you want the best possible performance, then you will be offered a premium modification.

Is it worth buying an Xbox One X?

If you already have a 4K TV and want the most powerful gaming console possible, the Xbox One X is well worth its $499 price tag. Based on our experience with 4K games like Forza Motorsport 7 and Assassin's Creed Origins, the One X delivers an absolutely exceptional level of detail in AAA games.

Meanwhile, Sony's PS4 Pro also supports 4K resolution (albeit on slightly weaker hardware) and costs $399, while Microsoft's Xbox One S offers 4K streaming, 4K Blu-ray support and the same huge game library for only $249.

It's also worth noting that you can get most of what the Xbox One X offers simply by purchasing or building a decent gaming PC. PC gamers already have access to virtual reality headsets Oculus reality Rift and HTC Vive, and thanks to Microsoft's Play Anywhere initiative, you can play almost everything latest games this company on Windows 10. You'll likely have to shell out around $1,000 for 4K and VR support, but in return you'll get all the benefits of ownership gaming computer, including access to the world's largest game library.

Of course, we can't say for sure whether the Xbox One X is worth buying until we get our hands on a retail version of the console. We hope to take a closer look at this console and bring you our final verdict just before it goes on sale.

Pre-orders for the XOneX are open, so let's compare it with the previous models (XOne and XOneS). Does it make sense to pay 39,990 rubles for “Project Scorpio” now or wait?

Not much time left before the release of the third XboxOne game console. It is impossible to fully judge it until users have the device, but there is already enough information to compare and start thinking about upgrading or purchasing.

Announcement of XBOX-OneX (4K trailer).

Comparison of characteristics of three generations of Xbox One.

According to Microsoft, new console will be 40% more powerful than all existing consoles on the market.

The overall performance of Xbox One X is 6.0 Teraflops. This is more than 4.5 times the capabilities of the original XOne and S ( 1.3 and 1.4 TFLOPS respectively).
The SoC is manufactured by AMD and includes an 8-core AMD Jaguar-based central processing unit (CPU). The updated OneX clock speed has increased to 2.3 GHz, while previous models it amounts to 1.75 GHz.
GPU increased to 40 cores, which is almost three times more than X-One and S ( 12 pieces). The cores are also optimized for DirectX 12 and will run at up to 1.172 MHz.
The flash memory capacity of all consoles is 8 GB.
RAM in OneX is larger and faster – 12GB GDDR5. This gives developers a lot more options and will really help the system handle 4K content. Classic One has 8GB DDR3.
A 1TB hard drive will also become 50% faster, which will allow you to launch games and the system faster.
X's energy consumption will increase to 245W(in "Esk" it was 120W), but thanks to the Hovis Method, the console will adjust power to the load.

All accessories from previous Xbox-Ones are compatible with the updated version.

Design and appearance of Xbox One X.

As for the design, there are not many significant differences from the previous console. The new product has been returned to its original black color, while the S has a snow-white body. The perforated housing will provide good cooling, and a vertical stand for Xbox One X will help save space near your TV.

Remained on the front panel glowing logo, as well as a USB port, an IR receiver and a button for synchronizing the gamepad (it remains the same).

On the rear panel there are: port for 220V, HDMI-out, HDMI-in, 2xUSB, IR-out, Optical out, Ethernet.

The developers claim that X will be the smallest among other XBoxes.

One-X – 30×24×6 cm. Weight 3.8 kg.
One-S– 29.5×23×6.5 cm. Weight 2.9 kg.
One– 34.3×24.3×8 cm. Weight 3.5 kg.

A clear evolution is visible. S was 40% smaller than the original version, given that the power supply was built into the console. The new product for 2017 will become a little more compact, but not easier.

Front view of Xbox One X (Project-Scorpio)

Image in 4K and HDR.

It will finally be possible to display clearer details and more realistic visual effects. Original One version boasts only traditional 1080p. One-S and X received support for 4K Blu-ray discs, as well as streaming video in 4K and HDR formats with a resolution of 2160p.

Although we don't know exactly what Xbox One X is capable of, Microsoft showed off a number of games at E3 2017 that will support full 60 FPS playback at 4K.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a technology for displaying a wider range of bright and dark light sources, usually using OLED or local dimming. Explosions and other special effects look real. The first Xbox simply can't display that many shades.

Xbox One S and X only support HDR 10. On compatible TVs and monitors, it provides noticeable visual improvement in games. At the same time, “X” will provide improvements for regular Full HD screens.

Video HDMI output version 2.0b will be able to display 2160 pixels in height at 60Hz.

AMD FreeSync is an anti-aliasing system for adaptive synchronization between the video card and the screen. Requires monitor support.

Side view of Xbox One X (ProjectScorpio)

Content, toys and exclusives.

Along with the announcement of “Scorpio”, 42 projects were presented, of which 22 were exclusive. In addition, Microsoft announced that games for the original X-One will be fully playable on the new console.

At the same time, the price for OneS was reduced to 19,900 rubles in Russia ($250 in the USA), which looks very tasty.

Which of the current set-top boxes you choose will depend on your budget and whether you have 4K HDR TV or intention to buy it.

But you definitely shouldn’t buy a regular Xbox-One in a store. There will soon be a lot of used items at flea markets at a good price.

This is not a new generation. It's just Xbox One on steroids. Microsoft followed Sony and its Playstation 4 Pro and released the same thing, but much more powerful. So if you have an Xbox One S, sit tight.

2. A small number of exclusive games

A small amount of exclusive games. Of course, there are titles that could show the real power hidden in the Xbox One X. There are real gems like Forza Motorsport 7 or Gears of War 4, but this is still too little.

3. It's pointless without a 4K TV

Without good TV 4K is nowhere. Some will say that this argument is very far-fetched, because the Xbox One X can run on FullHD TVs without any problems. Having at the same time quite a lot of improvements, from best textures, until better smoothing. But probably no one will argue that the full potential of this console can only be revealed in conjunction with a 4K TV and an extended HDR range.

4. Not much different from Xbox One S

Fierce competition with... Xbox One S. Does this seem funny? Maybe a little, but ask yourself the question - why is the new Xbox One X better than the old one? If you look at it as a whole, there are quite a few differences. With the new X, we're buying raw power whose true potential may only be revealed sometime in the future. Unfortunately, this will have to wait a bit.

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5. High price Price... And in it I see the most big problem

Is it worth buying an Xbox One X?

Xbox One X. Don’t fool yourself, 40,000 rubles is a pretty hefty sum for a console, especially for people of a slightly older generation (25+). And even this is even a little more expensive than the Playstation 4 Pro. Xbox One S can now be bought for less than 18,000 rubles. And there is a very high probability that as a result, you will not notice the difference for the next couple of years. A new console is always a joy. It's a shame that the Xbox One X doesn't offer many perks that would somehow make it a more exclusive platform. Such as, for example, a more interesting interface, or special functions

, or, most importantly, games that would make your friends' jaws drop.