The time has finally arrived! For the past few days, we've been in possession of an Xbox Series X, and we're here to tell you all about it ahead of the console's official launch on November 10th.
As we've noted elsewhere, we're not able to go into detail in terms of review impressions just yet (we need more time with the system in the interim anyway), but you can look out for more coverage in the near future.
For now though, let's take a quick look at what it's like to unbox the Xbox Series X! Needless to say there will be spoilers in this article, so click away now if you want to save this experience for launch day...
The unboxing process starts with the outer packaging itself, which is nicely emblazoned with Xbox Series X branding. We've seen multiple shots of the retail box already, so there are no shocks there, but you might be surprised to hear that the packaging actually lifts open like a treasure chest.
As long as you open it the correct way (!), the first thing you'll see is the well-protected console, which is nicely wrapped with a "Power Your Dreams" banner and a thin, black covering, while the system's accessories are actually housed in their own hidden compartment towards the back of the box.
In terms of the contents, you get the new Xbox Series controller (with two AA batteries included), an ultra high-speed HDMI 2.1 cable that can output up to 4K, 120Hz with a compatible TV or monitor, the power cable for the console (no power brick required), a 'Product and Regulatory Guide', and a helpful little cardboard setup manual.
There's not much we can analyse about an unboxing, but it certainly feels as though Microsoft has put a significant amount of effort into making this a pleasing first experience for new and returning Xbox customers.
If there's anything to be aware of, we'd suggest being extra careful when unpacking the Series X due to it being the heaviest Xbox console to date, and keep in mind that it's also quite prone to fingerprint marks!
We'd love to tell you more about setting up the Xbox Series X and how it performs, but unfortunately that'll have to wait for another day. In the interim though, we hope this has got you a little more excited for November 10th!
Do you have any questions for us about unboxing the Xbox Series X? Ask us down below.
Comments 27
A lovely green light and the Xbox startup sound would be so perfect upon opening the box too.
Woot! Woot! Glad you guys got one too Can’t wait for all the info dumps.
This is called premium packaging.👌
Even the packaging is beautiful. You know you're buying a quality product.
Fraser, how long is the cable? Can you disclaim as well if the green light is always on and can be turned off?
Looks soo good, can't wait for the 10th!
Glad the console is nicely protected with getting it delivered
@Rockboy247 the green on the top? That isn't a light
@StylesT is it not!? my bad
@Rockboy247 @StylesT Nope, the green isn't a light! It's just designed to look that way (you can't actually see it unless you look over the top of the console).
I believe the HDMI cable is the standard 6ft, but I need to double-check that. Leave it with me!
@FraserG Cheers Mr G! hope the HDMI cable is actually up to good speeds as well (as expected with the performance it's providing) I have suffered from slow cables on the apple tv before now.
Love the packaging..
That banner reminded me of the OUYA when you opened it up it had a similar banner saying something similar, which I can't remember at the moment. Still it looks beautiful. Surprised on how heavy you said it was.
I’ve had the controller for about a week now but I still prefer the Xbox one controller because the grips are at more of an angle so it’s easier to use the D pad.
@FraserG Hey Fraser, any chance we could get a comparison for loading times between the original Xbox One and the Series X? I feel like most of the coverage to date has been comparisons between the One X and Series X. I know, I know, it should be a no-brainer. But I want to know! Not sure if that was part of the embargo / NDA.
@Tasuki Christ... OUYA. Mine was used for all of ten minutes. I got got f’ked on the import duty as well for that, double whammy!
@Rockboy247 Its a HDMI 2.1 spec cable so as fast as HDMI gets at the moment.
@TooBarFoo yeah already got one here, will definitely do the job! If you have an Apple TV you will know how much a good cable makes a difference!
@Chimera_Police I'd love to, but my hands are tied for now. Sorry!
If you want to know about any specific games, feel free to drop them here and I'll try and get around to them when I can.
@FraserG I was going to say Cyberpunk... because even if it works on Xbox One, I’m guessing load times will be a beast. Guess that will be a little bit of a wait. It would be interesting to hear how AC Valhalla and Call of Duty compare, and maybe an older game with heavier load times like RDR2.
For me personally, part of the reason that I’m going to upgrade is that while my OG Xbox One and controller still hold up (and are quiet!), I feel like those are games that I’m not going to want to experience on the older platform. Is Cyberpunk a 90-hour game on Xbox One and 85-hour game on Series X because of load times? It’s kind of crazy to think about how that stuff adds up.
Maybe it’s not apples to apples loading up 4K / 60 and ray tracing compared to 1080 / 30. I’m still curious tho.
@FraserG I'd love to know how Subnautica runs and how quick the initial load time is on the Series X. Probably not a game many people will care about but will be one of the first things I play on day one.
I am so envious right now!
@Rockboy247 Apple TV does not use HDMI 2.1 I'm not sure they are even 2.0 compatible so would not count on that cable. But there is a 2.1 compliant cable in the box. My current TV does not support 2.1 but I will make sure to mark my 2.1 cables so when I upgrade later in the year I know which to use where
@TooBarFoo they don't even come with a cable! Typical apple. However, I have had to scour for a cable that can support Dolby vision and Atmos for the Apple TV, the only one which is up to the job is a Belkin cable which I believe is 2.1gbps. it can carry 48GBPS
@Rockboy247 That will do the trick. Didn't know Apple skimped on cables, bet they a had an extra shiny one to sell you though
@TooBarFoo yep they skimp indeed. I tried a few certified cables and I was several issues. Turns out the belkin cable on there website works perfectly though...
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...