Microsoft: Xbox Series X Won't Just Change How Games Look, But Also How They Feel

I like Jason Ronald. Besides having an epic beard, he is also a good interview.

The most interesting part is high frame rates, it doesn't seem a priority for Sony since Spiderman and Ratchet & Clank are 30 FPS on PS5 but it is important for most gamers, myself included.

Reducing lag and loading times is so good too, I don't know how some people aren't excited about next generation! It's more exciting than the prettier graphics of the current generation

The zero loading times (on PS5 anyway) is a game changer. Reduced input lag is always welcome but expected. I think when the consoles are out and standing side by side, we'll see what's true and what's not.

Its interesting that Microsoft is often talking about 4k at 120fps. We will see if the console will really hit that. People seem to point to ratchet and clank at 30fps, yet that was just a digital foundry article about a reveal. If halo is revealed to be 30fps rather than 60, that will be interesting

@FraserG

Me too! I couldn’t grow a beard like that if you gave me 30 years. 😂

@SuperNintendoMii Microsoft stated 4K60 and not 4K120 as standard for next generation. Frame rates up to 120 are supported but they never said it was going to be standard. It also supports 8K.

Aaroon Greenberg said the following on Twitter:

"60fps will be the standard output, but the architecture allows us to support up to 120fps. Developers always have flexibility in how they use the power, so a standard or common 60fps is not a mandate".

Apart from the 4K60 standard, I expect 120 FPS at 1080p at best and no 8K at all. It is also expected that some early games (Assassin's Creed) are 30 FPS but hopefully they add a 60 FPS mode. Dirt 5 is the only game (besides 2D indie games) that I know it's 120 FPS on Series X but they didn't confirm resolution (1080, checkerboarding 4K or native 4K?). I expect Halo Infinite to be 60 and not 30.

I can't tell you that you're wrong about zero loading times on PS5 but I expect loading times on Series X to be quite similar. If PS5 SSD is twice as fast and it loads a game in 2 seconds, the game will load in 4 seconds on Series X if not sooner because of Microsoft's optimisation and more powerful hardware.

I still only have a 1080p TV, time to get a 4K one shortly I think😂.... Would there be any point playing Series X on a 1080p TV over an Xbox One X?? As it is I'm not benefiting from the true benefits of the One X on my TV.... That's what is putting me off getting a Series X at launch as I will basically need to get a good 4K TV at the same time...

@BANJO In my opinion, if you have an Xbox One X, get a good TV first like the LG C9 and after that get a Series X.

@BlueOcean Thanks for the recommendation, I did see you discussing a good TV for next gen on the Forum's . It certainly seems like a solid choice. My TV knowledge is limited so any ideas is helpful..

@BANJO No problem.

@SuperNintendoMii Let’s get your facts straight first. Most of the titles in PS5 reveal including Ratchet and Clank will run at 30fps. Ratchet’s developer has confirmed that PS5’s gpu is just not able to handle so much of graphical fidelity above 30fps more so that there’s noticeable frame drops during world transitions in the gameplay. Even GT7 which looks way lesser than Forza Horizon 4 in terms of sheer graphical fidelity, weather physics, puddle etc can only run at 60fps max. I am glad this is the first time you guys are able to play few titles at 4k60fps. The SSD difference is a diminishing return and can never possibly suffice for the inherent gap of GPU power, Ray Tracing and memory bandwidth (256-bit vs 384-bit & 448gbps vs 560gbps). Watch the recent breakdown between PS4 Pro and X1X significant performance difference in big titles like RDR2, Saints Row 3rd remaster etc in digitalfoundry due to memory bandwidth difference.

@SuperNintendoMii Doubtful. Halo is the signature game. If they got Gears at 60 on an X, Halo will be 60 on XSX. Plus it’s supposed to run on the base Xbox 1.

Instant resume of multiple games is perhaps the feature I look forward for the most. You have no clue how many times I have considered juggling multiple games, maybe just hop into another game just for a minute, but never done so because I detest the idea of quitting the current game and force myself to go through the whole start screen, load save, load level cycle.

That alone will definitively change how I play games.

@Z3u5000 lol wut? So what you're saying is that the PS5 gpu is weak? Is that what you're saying?

@mousieone sure. I'm just saying it's a possibility. There will be 30fps games on Series X from Microsoft, 30fps isn't going to dissappear next gen.

@BlueOcean there's no way in hell we will be getting 120fps in 1080p. If anyone plays in 1080p it'll be 60fps, it's much easier on the cpu to have a framerate at half what you are suggesting. And Microsoft may have said they want 60fps to be standard, but they've been banging the 120fps drum non stop. Unlike Sony, who I daresay has been more grounded and down to earth than Microsoft.

Cool article, lots of good info and insight in there. I know framer ate and resolution are the big bullet points but I'm most looking forward to all these qol improvements going into next generation. I honestly think they're going to be the biggest difference for us all.

@SuperNintendoMii

"there's no way in hell we will be getting 120fps in 1080p":

I didn't say that. I only mentioned Dirt 5 and some indie games as being 120 FPS because they are confirmed, so are you saying that Dirt 5 at 120 FPS will render below 1080p on Series X?

"Microsoft may have said they want 60fps to be standard, but they've been banging the 120fps drum non stop"

Where? When? I haven't heard that banging anywhere so I wonder where you heard that?

I just want to see games at this point; we know enough about everything else by now. The specs are out there, and we can go on and on about frame rates and ray tracing until the cows come home, but after all of this bluster and promotion, Microsoft has to (HAS TO) back it up with games. I don't know about you, but I haven't waited this long and been this patient just to see Haloforzagears again. if that's all they end up having, I'll be forced to buy the single ugliest piece of consumer electronics I've ever seen. and for that, I will not forgive Microsoft lol

@armondo36 Ugliest console ever, indeed. LOL

Let's wait until that July event, those 15 Xbox Game Studios haven't been baking cakes all this time but I think that not all of the studios are ready to show something! We can expect Halo Infinite, Hellblade 2 and a few unannounced games. It's too soon for Gear 6 but it's about time for a new Forza game and... new stuff and comebacks.

On a side note, Sony's games reveal was somewhat disappointing, in my opinion.

@BlueOcean "apart from the 4k60 standard, I expect 120fps at 1080p at best and no 8k at all"

That is exactly what you said.

@SuperNintendoMii Yes but if you read the whole comment you know that I mean games that are confirmed to run at 120. On those games, I expect 1080p at best. You said that that's not possible, so you are expecting Dirt 5 120 FPS mode to render below 1080p on Series X: "there's no way in hell we will be getting 120fps in 1080p".

To mention Dirt 5 (and some indie games) at 120 FPS was my reply to you mentioning 4K120: "Its interesting that Microsoft is often talking about 4k at 120fps". "Microsoft may have said they want 60fps to be standard, but they've been banging the 120fps drum non stop". I haven't heard that banging anywhere, only that the console is able to output up to 120 FPS and up to 8K, just like PS5.

@BlueOcean I'm a Ratchet and Clank fan, so i liked that, otherwise I really wasn't impressed. I'm one of those people who liked Horizon while also realizing that it's really just Assassins Creed: Robodino. It looks nice but to say I'm excited for it? Meh.

@armondo36 Actually, I prefer Assassin's Creed over Horizon. I have Ratchet & Clank (PS4), it's one of the best looking PS4 games and there were parts I loved, it's a good game.

@BlueOcean we won't be getting 1080p at 120fps.

They have been banging the drum. The unveiling was talking about 130fps, the promo trailers they have talked about 120fps, their twitter account has been talking about 120fps, Phil Spencer has mentioned 120fps, their press releases has mentioned 120fps.

They have been touting 120fps. Its in comparison to Sony who haven't been doing that, and have been relatively grounded in that respect. Regardless, it's all about the games, and Sony have a stable full of developers who've been building established game series, unlike Microsoft. And even now, are still support Ps4 with AAA games, unlike Microsoft who bolted from this gen several years ago once it became clear they weren't going to gain any ground

@BlueOcean i prefer it to, but it's obviously what influenced Horizon. same with Ghost of Tsushima. it looks really nice, stylish, but it's ANOTHER "ride a horse, clear a camp, go stealthy" game, and how many does that make now? lol

@SuperNintendoMii You have probably mixed it up. Like has been said above, 120FPS was mostly talked about backwards compatible games when they said they could double the frame rate. When they talk about next-gen games, they talk about 4K60, not 4K120.

You keep repeating that you're absolutely sure that Dirt 5 will run below 1080p in 120 FPS mode, so I hope you admit it if you are wrong when they confirm resolution . I'm not absolutely sure about the resolution it will render but I think below 1080p is not likely.

What have Sony's AAA games to do with this? Well, yes, I said Sony's priority is not 60 FPS and Horizon, Ratchet & Clank, Spiderman are 30 FPS but I didn't say that their games suck (although I think that they are overrated). Anyway, this is subjective. People like different games and both Sony and Microsoft have published good games through the years although Microsoft has been quieter this generation. That's why they acquired new studios.

@armondo36 I agree.

@zane547 Of course, Assassin's Creed didn't invent everything, it's just a reference from last generation. Horizon is similar but more boring. I played Assassin's Creed I for the first time this generation and I think that many newer games are inspired by it, Horizon, Breath of the Wild...

Yes, Valhalla is 30FPS, as I wrote above, so not every single game will be 60 but 4K60 is the standard on Series X, according to Microsoft. 120FPS will be available on Dirt 5, that indie game and on those double frame rate backwards compatible games, like you said.

I think that HDR for older games and the improved backwards compatibility are a great deal. People that buy a console just for FIFA has little to do with us... Right?

@BlueOcean I have literally just brought a c9 for the xbox one x it is amazing. I feel I will be good with this for a while till the series x has been out a little while.

@loyalroyal1989 And I think that's the wisest choice. Congratulations! I have the Xbox One X since launch but the C9 since late 2019. The visual upgrade is huge!

I’m going to be prioritising the next generation of games consoles over reacquiring a 4K TV. For me have a new experience is not available on the current generation of consoles are more important than having my game is visually spectacular now. I also want to know whether 120 frames per second is used on anything I’m interested in before I buy my next TV.

I’m fully aware of the difference 4K makes even Pokémon Shield looked better on my 49 inch 4K high dynamic range TV than it does on the 1080p 32 inch screen I’m using now.

I'm not buying it at all. Nothing I have read about either XboxX or PS5 has impressed me.

No matter what buzzwords and excuses they want to make, all I am seeing is "better graphics and faster loading times". Which isn't surprising or impressive.

It's just expected.

I'm sick of these companies making claims. Show me what you're talking about with something you think is actually revolutionary.

All the screen shots and videos I've seen just look like current gen games with higher res and better frame-rate.

Which is nice, but again, not surprising or impressive. I'd darn well hope a device almost a decade newer would have those things.

@BlueOcean where did I say dirt 5 will run below 1080p? I never said that. What I said was we won't be getting games next gen that run at 120fps. Hence assassins creed valhalla.

I also agree Sony priority is not 60fps, but I've already talked on this site at arms length that I'm not bothered if something runs at 30fps. A solid 30fps at 4k next gen, and I'll be happy. At no point when I've been playing this gen have I been unhappy with the 30fps standard we have now. I can guarantee you it won't be going anywhere next gen, you might get some games in 60fps but the majority will probably be 30fps. Developers will always prioritise resolution over framerate, and that's how it should be

@zane547 they could, but it depends how much they come back. The fact is, Microsoft will never outsell PlayStation 5 due to the fact Microsoft, in three generations, has not changed the fact they are only strong in North America and the UK. They are weak in mainland Europe, and non existant in Japan. That isn't going to change I don't think.

And yes, 120fps is something the average person doesn't care about, hence the reason I've told blue ocean Sony has been very down to earth in that respect. I daresay the majority of gamers don't care for 120fps either, a few whiners on the Internet demanding a high framerate doesn't matter when it's clear deva will always prioritise resolution over framerate. Which is the way it should be. I own a 4k TV, so I want my games to be in 4k, not 1080p like some people want. Otherwise I'd not have upgraded my TV.

Though I think Microsoft will have newer games this gen, but that takes time to craft and nurture. Hellblade 2 will probably be excellent, but it won't exactly be a system seller.

I don't think that low input lag and shorter loading times makes diametrically different enjoyment. We'll see.

@SuperNintendoMii After you talked about the, according to you, 4K120 standard, I said 120 FPS referring to Dirt 5 and some indie game, thus if you say that 120 FPS will be below 1080p replying to me you mean Dirt 5 because I didn't mention other games. Also, I don't agree with you, 60 is much better than 30 but of course you can defend 30 FPS as much as you want.

"And yes, 120fps is something the average person doesn't care about, hence the reason I've told blue ocean Sony has been very down to earth in that respect"

Again, I only mentioned Dirt 5 when discussing 120 FPS, you were the one to say that Microsoft was booming 1204K as standard, which is a lie. Also, "blue ocean", "Sony"? Really?

"a few whiners on the Internet demanding a high framerate"

I wouldn't call us whiners, most gamers prefer 60 FPS, you are part of a minority preferring 30 FPS. If you mean 120 FPS nobody mentioned 120 FPS before you.

@zane547 I have the 55 model but reviews say that 55" and 65" have the same picture quality.

@BlueOcean I think you're losing the plot. I never mentioned dirt 5, never thought about dirt 5, you were the one that mentioned it.

And have you got proof most gamers want 60fps? Aside from a few people moaning, I don't see any. Most people cannot tell the difference, they have to go to digital foundry to find out. In fact, so obvious is it, that people thought animal crossing new horizons was 60fps until digital foundry did a check and found it was running at 30fps.

Its all in people's heads. But whatever. I'll enjoy my 4k gaming while everyone else whines a game isn't in 60fps, when if they want that as standard they should just buy a gaming pc where they can tweak the settings to their hearts content.

@SuperNintendoMii

"I never mentioned dirt 5, never thought about dirt 5, you were the one that mentioned it".

Because you discussed 120 FPS on Series X on this thread and I replied that the only example on Series X at 120 FPS is Dirt 5.

"Most people cannot tell the difference, they have to go to digital foundry to find out".

LOL. Your arguments are rock solid.

@BlueOcean I mentioned Microsoft have been touting 120fps. Which they have.

And I cited an example of people not having a clue (animal crossing). You say 'most gamers' want 60fps but, I hate to break it to you, 'most gamers' do not inhabit game forums and demand 60fps. A rock solid 30fps is perfectly fine. If they can go to 60fps, great, I won't complain, but nor would I complain if a game runs at 30fps.

I would much rather a game run at a solid 4k 30fps than 4k 60fps with an erratic framerate that veers all over the place.

30fps won't be going anywhere next gen. It didn't go anywhere this gen. If you want super high framerates that are rock solid, get a gaming pc. Perhaps if people focused on how good a game is, rather than obsessing over framerate, they might actually realise it isn't the be all end all they think it is.

@Darth_Stofi
The worst part of dying in DOOM 3 back on the 360, was having to wait 17 seconds for the game to load the exact same screen you were previously on. It was infuriating. Now on the X, the wait is down to around 6 seconds, and it's much more enjoyable as a result. Now imagine near instant loading. 😆