The self-proclaimed "world's most powerful console" is soon to be succeeded, by the forthcoming Xbox Series X. But, as the Xbox One X continues to be a mighty fine machine and a true flag-bearer for current generation gaming, does that really matter?

It is the only console currently on the market that consistently presents games in native 4K HDR, after all. And its price has significantly dropped in recent times, to PS4 Pro levels, making it great value for the amount of tech it crams inside.

So, if you are after a top-class games console, should make the plunge now or save for the Xbox Series X which will invariably be much more expensive? Or should you opt for the even cheaper Xbox One S?

Hopefully this will help you make that decision.

Our quick take

For us, the Xbox One X will become the default Xbox console going forward. The Series X will undoubtedly be very expensive for a considerable while. And, as all Xbox One games will work across both machines, you could eventually upgrade anyway.

There is also Xbox Game Pass to consider, especially if you're deciding between the Xbox or PlayStation alternatives. It provides access to more than 200 games for a small monthly fee, including brand-new Xbox Studios releases, so while the One X is still relatively expensive you can build your games library greatly for very little.

That makes it a very compelling option, especially if you have a 4K HDR TV and don't want to wait for the next-gen machines to arrive.

In short, it is still the best games console around - in tech terms - and even provides an excellent hub for 4K video content. So, if you're looking for something to scratch that gaming itch right now, you can't really do much better.

Also consider

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PS4 Pro

No, we're not trolling you. The top-end PlayStation might not be quite as powerful as the Xbox One, but it's all about the games, with plenty of epic exclusives that would make it a worthwhile partner alongside that Xbox One X.

Xbox One X - 4.5 / 5

FORAGAINST
  • Super speedy
  • packed with power and potential
  • native 4K gaming at 60fps
  • great 4K Blu-ray player
  • Dolby Atmos support
  • It does still sit in the shadow of the looming Xbox Series X
Microsoft Xbox One X

Design and connections

  • Measures: 300 x 240 x 60mm / Weight: 3.81kg
  • HDMI 2.0 output (HDMI 2.1 via update)
  • HDCP 2.2 support for native 4K HDR
  • Ethernet & Wi-Fi (802.11ac)
  • 3x USB 3.0 ports

Even though Xbox's flagship console has far greater processing power than the Xbox One S, in both CPU and GPU terms, and will technically generate more heat, it is in a smaller box than its cousins. It is the smallest Xbox One ever, in fact, and nicely tucks away into an AV cabinet.

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You can stand it on its end, with an optional vertical base, but we prefer it as a stealthy in-cabinet device. And with the standard version being black, it also better hides from view in comparison to a bright white Xbox One S.

On the rear there is a HDMI 2.0 output (with HDCP 2.2 support so it can handle the latest 4K content without limitations) plus a HDMI 1.4 input to put your Virgin Media or Sky+ box through the console, if that's what you're still using. This enables the Xbox One X to be the central hub of your home entertainment thanks to the built-in OneGuide electronic programme guide (EPG), but considering it won't work with the Sky Q box, nor 4K content from other devices, it's probably not going to be a must-have feature for you.

Three USB 3.0 ports are on offer for connection to an external hard drive or two, or a keyboard. Ethernet internet connectivity is offered alongside dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5Ghz 802.11ac).

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The machine is compatible with all former Xbox One accessories, including older controllers. You get one of the new ones with more stable connectivity in the X's box though, which is in the same colour as the console itself (usually black, but white if you buy a special edition Xbox One X).

Serious specification

  • Custom GPU: 1.172GHz, 40 CUs, 6TF
  • Custom CPU: 2.3GHz, 8 cores
  • 12GB GDDR5 RAM
  • 1TB HDD

The magic behind the Xbox One X really happens inside rather than outside the box. Its nearest rival is the PS4 Pro, as previously mentioned, but the One X is considerably higher specced. It has six teraflops of processing power on its graphics SoC, in comparison with the PlayStation's 4.2. And the One X's octa-core CPU runs faster at 2.3GHz over the Pro's 2.1GHz.

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In normal terms, this means the flagship Xbox is more capable at running games at native 4K resolution, even up to 60 frames per second. There have been many examples over the last year of developers reaching full Ultra HD visuals without dynamic scaling, often when the PS4 Pro equivalent doesn't. Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of those that looks considerably better on the One X, for example.

The CPU offers the added benefit of all-round faster speeds too, with the user interface, loading times and general operation. In comparison to an Xbox One S, you will immediately experience speedier access to games and apps. Even the menus zip along quicker, getting you to the Xbox Store, for example, in less time. The One S isn't a slouch – certainly in comparison with the original Xbox One – but the X is just so much faster in use.

We have also run our Xbox One X for many hours at a time, playing graphical intensive games, and haven't noticed heating issues at all.

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In short, this is a very highly specced machine – almost on a par with a hand-built PC gaming rig – yet which still works and runs like a home games console. That's very impressive and is of huge benefit to lounge and bedroom gaming – especially if you match it with a quality 4K HDR TV.

Entertainment on tap

  • 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player drive
  • Netflix in 4K HDR & Dolby Vision
  • Amazon Prime Video in 4K HDR
  • Dolby Atmos support
  • HDR10 compatible

Before we get to the games themselves, it's worth noting that the Xbox One X is by far and away the most rounded, most capable entertainment machine available.

Microsoft moved somewhat away from the "home entertainment hub" marketing it employed before the launch of the original Xbox One, realising that the target audience was mostly interested in its gaming prowess. But, thanks to the improved tech under the hood, the Xbox One X is a console that can once again be seen as an all-in-one solution.

The company added 4K HDR streaming and a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player to the Xbox One family with the One S, but the One X by far and away does all of that even better.

Amazon Prime Video and Netflix apps are available, both offering 4K HDR video shows and movies where available and, while they also do so on the One S, the speed of the processing matters on the X. Not only is the experience of wading through either app smoother and quicker, the adaptive video streams adopted by both jump into their Ultra HD formats faster. You still need capable broadband, of course, but, in our experience, the console outperforms our TV's built-in equivalent smart applications, which is impressive considering we use an LG 65-inch 4K HDR OLED with webOS 3.0. 

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Since launch, Dolby Vision was also added to the mix, which means compatible Netflix shows and films adopt it if you have a supporting TV. Sadly, early LG OLED TVs, such as ours listed above, do not - even though they are Dolby Vision sets - but many others from 2018 and up do.

Dolby Atmos audio support features, so if you have a Dolby Atmos surround sound system or soundbar then you'll get the extra height channels supported through the Xbox One X. You just need to download the Dolby Access application. It will also add Dolby Atmos support for certain games, with the list expanding over time. And if you pay a one-off fee, you can also use virtual Dolby Atmos over a pair of headphones.

4K Blu-ray playback is enhanced generally on the Xbox One X too. The discs take a fraction of the time to load when compared to the One S. They also seem to sport better pictures, with less artefacts on screen. We can't be sure if it is the improved GPU or just better handling of the Blu-ray emulation software, but movies definitely look better in our opinion.

The games

  • Up to 2160p @ 60Hz support for games
  • Xbox Live needed for online play
  • Xbox backward compatibility now includes original Xbox games 

Of course, the Xbox One X's main raison d'être is to play games – and to play games very well.

Many Xbox One games are enhanced on the One X – even some Xbox 360 games are enhanced through backward compatibility – and you really can tell the difference between the same games running on Xbox One X and the One S.

Some of the enhancements are resolution based, some high dynamic range (HDR). There are many that also adopt both and they are, on the whole, truly stunning. Forza Horizon 4, for example, has particularly spectacular 4K HDR graphics.

It runs in 4K and at 60 frames per second, which is a highly impressive feat and leaves you awestruck at times, especially when the dynamic weather effects and rain kicks in. It shows just how capable the One X is and releases seem to be getting even more ambitious all the time.

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We also like that fact that in some instances you can also forsake the 4K visuals for a better frame rate. Even some of the backward-compatible Xbox 360 games benefit from this, with higher frame rates and dynamic resolution scaling showing them at their very best. Often better than they've ever looked.

It really is a joy to see an enhanced game pop up in your library, whether it is an Xbox One title or otherwise – you are guaranteed a visual feast at the very least.

Microsoft Xbox One X

To recap

The Xbox One X is by far and away the most capable 4K games console currently around. Yes, it will no longer be the most powerful console around soon, but its latest price point likely means it will present a significantly cheaper option to get native 4K HDR games onto your shiny new TV.