The Suikoden series is best remembered for its intense political storylines, expansive character recruitment, and epic battles. The last mainline entry in Konami's RPG series hit in 2006 with Suikoden V for PS2. Though we aren't technically getting a new game that franchise, we are getting the next best thing: a spiritual successor from key talent who worked on past entries. New studio Rabbit and Bear launched its Kickststarterfor Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, which surpassed its initial funding goal within hours, knocking out stretch goal after stretch goal since then. The game is now coming to new-gen hardware, and it got us thinking about what we’d want from a Suikoden-like game in our modern landscape.
More Headquarters Customization
Nothing represents building up your army quite like seeing your headquarters grow and watching more people roam the halls and set up shop. Nowadays, many games let you decorate and personalize your space, and Eiyuden Chronicle should follow suit. Whether it’s choosing layouts, colors, or which shops or rooms you want to build, having more ways to make this space feel like your own would be fantastic. It looks like developer Rabbit and Bear Studios agrees with this sentiment, saying there would be a lot of different ornaments and ways to build up an exquisite fortress town in the game. The more options, the better, so we’re hoping Rabbit and Bear also makes some of these upgrades meaningful by incorporating your decisions of what to build into gameplay bonuses, whether it to be stat increases or better items.
Bring In New Social Elements
The Fire Emblem series is a good example of how adding a social system can really enhance your connection to characters and the overall experience. Getting to know Eiyuden Chronicle's expansive roster of recruitable allies should come with some fun perks, whether that’s intriguing dialogue interactions or bonuses on the battlefield. This can be as simple as choosing to hang out with certain characters or take on activities with them. Fire Emblem: Three Houses did this really well by involving you in day-to-day activities to build up relationships, such as training together or eating meals (Eiyuden Chronicle already promises a cafeteria, so that’s a start!). Another good example is the Tales’ series and its popular skits that focus on smaller bonding moments, where characters joke around with one another or reveal more insight into their past.
Have In-Depth Backstories For Your Combatants
Speaking of feeling more connected to your army, more complex backstories for the characters would go a long way. In past Suikoden games, there have been so many people to recruit that learning who they are and what they bring to your roster is often lost. It’s hard to get to know 100+ faces, but having more core characters with intriguing backstories alongside smaller supporting storylines for minor ones would help make you feel like the members of your army are people and not just some game mechanic for the completionist.
This really could make all the difference, especially when it comes to a betrayal or shocking death. Knowing people’s motivations for joining your army could lead to some really compelling moments and build your attachment to them in the process. The Suikoden series always did a great job with the main characters and letting their past explain their actions (even if you don’t agree with them), I’d enjoy it if Rabbit and Bear Studios could expand on this even further, not just in the amount of characters, but in the types of stories that are told. After all, war affects everyone differently and everyone has their own opinions and reasons for choosing how they align.
Make The Key Battles More Thrilling
First off, let me preface this by saying: Keep the regular turn-based battles and the cool “unite attacks” that form by having certain members in your party at the same time! Thankfully, it looks like we’re getting just that. However, there's an opportunity to make the big combat moments the series is known for shine even brighter. Think of all the potential here since we last saw a mainline Suikoden game in 2006. Eiyuden Chronicle is going to be on new hardware like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which just expands the level of detail and breadth of everything, from how many enemies can be on a screen to the creativity in the environments you fight. You should be able to feel the grand scale of these encounters, with more surprise moments and different gameplay mechanics.
For those who remember, Suikoden let you engage in large-scale “army battles” that evolved with each entry. For instance, Suikoden IV had ship battles, while Suikoden V’s played out like a real-time strategy game. The possibilities for what Rabbit and Bear Studios could do in Eiyuden Chronicle are endless. I’d love for more expanded options and strategy in preparing your generals and the members of these groups.
Duels were also an intense part of past games, and I’d like to see these brought back with less guesswork. In fact, while I advocate for the battle system to stay turn-based, I wouldn’t mind swapping to action combat for these, allowing you to block, dodge, and parry the enemy. I felt like duels and army battles were always meant to feel more chaotic and grand than they actually ended up being, and Eiyuden Chronicle has the opportunity to make these much more memorable and exciting.
What would you like to see in Eiyuden Chronicle: 100 Heroes? Let us know in the comments below!
Best Android Apps For Music Lovers & Producers. As music-making on the go becomes more and more popular, mobile music software and apps are becoming increasingly advanced.
We’re now starting to see intelligent beat making music apps which mean, aside from a desk, speakers and monitor, you can make music on your android phone without having to give up anything.
1. FL Studio Mobile
FOR MUSIC MAKERS WHO ALREADY HAVE A DESKTOP DAW AND EXISTING FL STUDIO USERS LOOKING TO CREATE ON THE GO.
FL Studio is a long established DAW for music makers and the mobile version allows you to record, sequence, edit, mix and render complete songs on the go through its familiar interface and layout.
FL Studio Mobile comes with integrated synthesizers, drum loops, and sampler and can even link up to a midi device for extra control whilst mixing and arranging.
FL Studio Mobile is currently available for $16.69 on Google Play.
2. Groovepad – Music & Beat Maker
FOR BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE BEAT-MAKERS, OR ANYONE LOOKING FOR EASY INTRODUCTION TO BEAT MAKING.
Groovepad is a beat-making app that combines a user-friendly interface and high-quality samples. It is one of the more addictive apps on this list.
Open up the app and you’ll have access to a huge range of soundtracks enabling you to create almost any genre from dubstep to EDM to hip hip.
Groovepad is currently available for free on Google Play.
3. KORG Kaossilator for Android
THE GREAT THING ABOUT THE KAOSSILATOR APP IS IT’S EASY TO USE EVEN FOR NON-MUSICIANS.
If you’ve ever got your hands on a physical Kaoss Pad you’ll know how fun they are!
Kaoss Pads work by using your finger placement on a touchpad to generate a sound or effect, and the mobile version is no different. Swipe up, down, left, right and horizontal and cycle through beats, synths and pads.
With over 150 sounds included and a built in key/scale feature which eliminates any wrong notes, the time from opening the app to creating an impressive loop is literally seconds.
Download the Kaossilator for Android on Google Play priced at $22.25.
4. SongMemo
SUITED FOR SONGWRITERS, GUITARISTS, SINGERS – ANYONE CREATING THEIR OWN MUSIC WHO WANTS A QUICK AND SIMPLE WAY TO TRACK THEIR DEMOS.
What’s worse than writing the perfect riff, chord progression or solo, then finding an hour later you’ve forgotten it? Literally nothing.
SongMemo is a free to use multitrack recorder style app that offers 4 independent tracks for you to record your demos on (before you forget them).
Each track enables you to do a basic mix of your ideas, with a customisable name, level and pan on each channel. Whilst you won’t be recording your new EP on the app, it will certainly save a lot of time and frustration when you forget your song ideas.
SongMemo is available free of charge on Google Play.
5. Add Music To Voice
PERFECT FOR VOCALISTS LOOKING TO CREATE A STARTING POINT FOR A TRACK, SINGERS WHO DON’T PLAY AN INSTRUMENT OR HAVE A BACKING BAND.
This app literally ‘does what it says on the tin’. Record your voice and the app will allow you to add backing music to the recording.
Simply record your vocals (or import a recording you’ve already done), select the backing track you wish to use and select smart filtering to add a smooth mix of the two.
Add Music To Voice is available on Google Play for free.
6. Sun Vox
A SMALL AND FAST CROSS-PLATFORM MODULAR SYNTHESIZER WITH A PATTERN-BASED SEQUENCER.
Sun Vox is a creative modular synthesis music creation app with a pattern-based sequencer.
Midi import and export functions are available and the app also utilizes USB in/out (Android 6+ users). Once you’ve created your track you’ll be able to export individual tracks as WAV files should you want to use them in a DAW.
The modular interface may not be for everyone but Sun Vox is definitely a powerful tool for music-making on the go.
Sun Vox is currently priced at $5.99 on Google Play.
7. BandLab
PERFECT FOR CREATORS AND SONGWRITERS LOOKING TO CREATE ON THE GO, BUT ALSO NETWORK AND GET FEEDBACK FROM OTHER MUSICIANS IN THE COMMUNITY.
BandLab is a unique music app that combines elements of both music creation and social media.
With an easy to use interface, BandLab will let others listen to your finished tracks and you’ll be able to do the same to theirs.
The app includes great-sounding effects and a multitrack editor so you can be sure your music will be up to scratch when you’re ready to share.
Get feedback, tips and collaboration opportunities through the app, all without a subscription over on Google Play.
8. Roland Zenbeats
BEST SUITED FOR INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED MUSIC MAKERS LOOKING FOR MODERN AND CLASSIC SYNTH SOUNDS.
Roland’s ethos with Zenbeats is that ‘music should be fun’ and this shows in the slick interface which makes music creation almost effortless.
You’ll have access to modern and classic sounds such as Roland’s TR-808, TR-909, and TR-707 synths.
The touch screen integrates on-screen controllers, instruments, and effects to enable you to modulate and pitch bend with the touch of a finger.
Roland Zenbeats is available free of charge on Google Play.
9. RD4 Groovebox
PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS THROUGH TO ADVANCED MUSIC MAKERS AND SYNTH FANS.
RD4 Groovebox is the latest in the Groovebox series that incorporates virtual analogue synthesizers, beats and effects.
Rather than try to cram a desktop-style DAW into a small smartphone screen the makers of Groovebox have kept user friendliness in mind with the design of the app.
Like many DAWS, recordings can be done live with a piano roll for editing after the recording process. You’ll also have access to classic bassline synth tones and drum sounds.
Groovebox is available for download on Google Playat $5.99.
10. Hip-Hop Producer Pads
SUITED FOR HIP-HOP PRODUCERS OR THOSE WANTING TO CREATE BEATS WITH FRIENDS.
Hip-Hop producer pads is a really fun and unique virtual sampler and drum machine.
You can use one-shots, loops and melodies to create music on the go whilst an inbuilt metronome keeps you in time.
This one is a lot of fun to play with friends and will no doubt keep you occupied for a while at the party!
Hip-Hop Producer Pads is available free of charge on Google Play.
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's next-generation console, and its release date is coming in late 2020.
We've already seen the Xbox Series X's design, know some of the Xbox Series X games we'll be getting our hands on when the console releases later this year, which includes the likes of Halo Infinite and Hellblade 2, and have ample information on backwards compatibility and how cross-gen game ownership will work under the new Smart Delivery feature.
While we still don't have confirmation of the Xbox Series X price or release date (though recent a report points to a November release), we do know a lot about what to expect when the new Xbox launches later this year.
We know that the Xbox Series X design is a blockier style than we've seen in previous Xbox consoles, making it look similar to a small gaming PC. But, more importantly, we know what's inside the console, thanks to Microsoft giving us the Xbox Series X's full specs - and we can say for sure that the new Xbox is going to be an absolute powerhouse. While we cover these in more detail down below, the short of it is that the new Xbox is rocking an eight-core AMD Zen 2 processor running at 3.8GHz and a custom RDNA 2 AMD GPU that puts out 12 TFLOPs of processing power, as well as 16GB of GDDR6 memory.
When it comes to other Xbox Series X features, we know the next-gen console will have ray-tracing, a super-fast SSD, and potential 8K capabilities, while also being backwards compatible with four generations of Xbox games.
Want all the juicy details? Here's everything we know about the Xbox Series so far - and what we hope will be revealed the closer we get to launch.
XBOX SERIES X: KEY FACTS
What is it? Xbox Series X will be the next-gen Xbox console.
Xbox Series X release date: "Holiday 2020" - but likely November.
What can I play on it? Loads of games! Including Halo Infinite, Hellblade 2 and Assassin's Creed Valhalla, with much more to come.
What will the Xbox Series X cost? No prices yet, and we're not expecting it to be cheap. But Microsoft has said it won't be making the same pricing mistakes as last generation so perhaps we'll be pleasantly surprised.
Can I play Xbox One games on the Xbox Series X? Yep! All previous generations of Xbox games will be playable through backwards compatibility.
Is the Xbox Series X better than PS5? It's still unclear but you can check out all the key similarities and differences in our PS5 vs Xbox Series X comparison piece.
Will the Xbox Series X support Xbox One accessories? Yep! Microsoft has confirmed all existing Xbox One accessories will be supported on Xbox Series X.
Will Xbox Series X have VR? Microsoft has confirmed Xbox Series X won't have VR at launch, with Xbox boss Phil Spencer saying the company is waiting until Xbox VR is a "no-brainer".
Will coronavirus delay the Xbox Series X release? It doesn't look like this will be the case as Microsoft is citing the same release window.
XBOX SERIES X RELEASE DATE
Microsoft has given the release window of "Holiday 2020" for the new Xbox - which means we'll likely see the Xbox Series X release worldwide between October and December this year. The new Xbox will release worldwide in this window, including in Japan where the Xbox brand has previously had poor sales.
We've always been expecting the Xbox Series X to release sometime in November as, historically, that's when Microsoft has released its consoles. But now we may have had confirmation this is the case. Dina Bass of Bloomberg tweeted the following, where Microsoft's CFO Amy Hood appeared to confirm the console was coming in November:
When asked further about it, Bass elaborated on Hood's response. "It was in response to a question from me and I said 'new console' and 'November holidays.' Her answer was the single word 'yes.'" That seems fairly airtight, at first glance, but then again November was never going to be much of a surprise.
Previously, we'd learned it's possible that the Xbox Series X release date could be November 26, 2020 (AKA Thanksgiving in the US) as an image stating the Xbox Series X is "coming Thanksgiving 2020" (shown above) appeared on a number of product pages around the world briefly before being reverted back to the previously announced Holiday 2020 release window.
A Microsoft spokesperson responded to TechRadar to clarify, saying: "An Xbox product page in some regions inaccurately listed the launch date for Xbox Series X as Thanksgiving 2020. We are committed to launching Holiday 2020.”
But this "Holiday 2020" release window was not always the case. According to Thurrot’s Brad Sams, who is a known industry insider when it comes to Microsoft news, the original release date for the Xbox Series X was reportedly set for late August, but was ultimately scuppered by the Covid-19 outbreak.
XBOX SERIES X PRICE
Microsoft won't be pinned down on an Xbox Series X price point quite yet, but analysts have predicted the new Xbox will cost roughly $499 / £449 / AU$749 - but this is still speculation.
It's not particular surprising Microsoft hasn't committed to an Xbox Series X price yet, given what a sore spot the price of the Xbox One was for fans. At launch, the original Xbox One cost a whopping $499 / £429 / AU$599, which was quickly reduced when Microsoft realized people weren't forking out.
Microsoft has at the very least promised that it's learned from this pricing mistake, with Phil Spencer stating that this time "we will not be out of position on power or price.” That doesn't mean that the new Xbox will be cheap, mind you, it just means the price point will be better aligned with the console's power and the price points of the competition.
Price will at least in part be determined by the cost of the components going into the console: Xbox Series X is going to be a lot more powerful than either the Xbox One Sor Xbox One X, and that will likely mean we're looking at an even higher price tag on any bundles and Xbox Series X pre-orders.
It looks like we won't have long to wait until we get a confirmed Xbox Series X price, with rumors suggesting we could get pricing information in August. Considering a Microsoft partner confirmed in a text to customers that Xbox Series X pre-orders will "open soon", an August price reveal seems likely.
Historically we've seen both Microsoft and Sony reveal their console pricing around June or July, but this time things are a bit different. The hot topic of pricing has many on the edge of their seats, as we see just how powerful the PS5 and Xbox Series are, and wonder how expensive the technology will be.
However, it does look like the Xbox Series X could be cheaper than the PS5. Sony Interactive Entertainment's president and CEO Jim Ryan has hinted that the PS5 might not have the 'lowest price' in battle against Xbox Series X
In a wide-ranging interview with GamesIndustryBiz, Ryan addressed speculation around the PS5 cost. While not revealing the price, Ryan suggested the PS5 price could be a significant hit on gamers' savings, and certainly not committing to beating the Xbox Series X on price.
Speaking on whether the potential for a Covid-19-related recession will affect sales of the PS5, a high-value gadget, Ryan said:
"I think the best way that we can address this is by providing the best possible value proposition that we can. I don't necessarily mean lowest price. Value is a combination of many things. In our area it means games, it means number of games, depth of games, breadth of games, quality of games, price of games... all of these things and how they avail themselves of the feature set of the platform."
It seems like we're currently in something of a standoff, with both companies waiting to see what the other will price its next-gen hardware at - possibly so they can undercut each other. It looks like Sony and Microsoft will be waiting until the last possible moment to set their pricing, with plenty of time before then to make adjustments. Still, enough time will need to be set aside before the consoles release between October and December for people to get those pre-orders in.
XBOX SERIES X SPECS
CPU: 8x Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
We now know what Xbox Series X looks like and what it's packing under the hood, and it's going to be an absolute beast of a console. The new Xbox's gaming PC design is pretty apt, considering the next-gen console's internal hardware is comparable to one - so make sure you check out our Xbox Series X spec analysis.
Digital Foundry analysis The folks over at Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry got a close look at the hardware and, alongside Microsoft, announced the hardware that will be powering the Xbox Series X. According to Digital Foundry, the specs confirm that the Xbox Series X will indeed be twice as powerful as the Xbox Once X… in practise.
Digital Foundry saw an unoptimized version of Gears 5 running on the Xbox Series X running at the equivalent of ‘Ultra’ graphics settings on PC, and it comes with enhanced shadows and ray tracing. Where the cut scenes ran at 30FPS on the Xbox One X, Digital Foundry reported that on the Xbox Series X, it runs at a ‘flawless’ 60FPS. Also, this is an early port – on release we should see even better results.
As expected, the Xbox Series X processor is built into a custom Project Scarlett SoC (System on Chip), which uses an enhanced version of TSMC’s 7nm process. That seven nanometers is important. The smaller the process, the more efficient the chip can be. That means it can provide more performance for less power.
Making sure the chip inside a games console can perform well without using lots of power (and getting hot) is incredibly important. Based on the prototype hardware Digital Foundry seen, the Xbox Series X reportedly ships with a 315W power supply - delivered internally but the console is also equipped with parallel cooling architecture, allowing cool air in and letting that cool air stream through separate areas of the console.
A custom processor and graphics card from AMD The processor is a customized AMD Zen 2 CPU with eight cores and 16 threads, with a peak speed of 3.8GHz, and a base speed of 3.6GHz.
As Digital Foundry reveals, these frequencies aren’t completely locked, which suggests the Xbox Series X could adjust the power of the CPU based on workload and thermals. So, if you’re playing a game that needs a lot of processing power, the Xbox Series X can give its CPU a boost, and then slow it down when you don’t need it.
Meanwhile, the GPU of the Xbox Series X is also a custom design with 12 teraflops of compute performance, with 3328 shaders allocated to 52 compute units, and runs at a locked 1,825 MHz. Interestingly, there’s no boost clocks for the GPU. It will always run at that speed.
The Xbox Series X also uses AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, and offers ray tracing for photo-realistic lighting. What does this mean in the real world? It seems the Xbox Series X will have the graphical power acquirement to a gaming PC with an Nvidia RTX 2080 graphics card. So, a very capable device indeed, but maybe not able to compete with the most powerful gaming PCs.
More memory for a smoother experience The Xbox Series X also gets 16GB of GDDR6 memory – an upgrade from the Xbox One X’s 12GB GDDR5. That won’t all be used in games, however. Games will get a total of 13.5GB – 10GB of GPU optimal memory and 3.5GB of standard memory, while the remaining 2.5GB is reserved for the operating system, so the user interface of the Xbox Series X should run a lot faster.
The faster GDDR6 memory should also offer a big leap in performance. Match that with a super-fast NVMe SSD, and the Xbox Series X should feel very spritely when used.
8K capability Despite 4K being the aim, Microsoft has said the Xbox Series X has 8K capability. Phil Spencer even changed his Twitter profile photo to (what appeared to be) a picture of the next-gen Xbox Series X's processor. It said 'Project Scarlett' on it (the codename for next-gen Xbox consoles), and was marked with '8K' (pictured above), suggesting Microsoft plans on doing more than simply talking the talk when it comes to 8K.
Variable Rate Shading Microsoft is aiming to get Xbox Series X games to run at 60 FPS in 4K, calling the challenge a "design goal". The console will support up to 120 FPS too. The Xbox Series X will also feature Variable Rate Shading, which prioritizes effects on different in-game characters and objects for a "more stable frame rate and higher resolution", according to Microsoft.
Velocity Architecture Made of of four key components, a custom NVME SSD, hardware accelerated decompression blocks, a brand new DirectStorage API layer and Sampler Feedback Streaming (SFS), Velocity Architecture will allow the Xbox Series X to deliver performance beyond its raw specs, virtually eliminating loading times, reducing game file sizes and allowing for the creation of bigger, more immersive, game worlds. In addition, it's the key to the Xbox Series X's Quick Resume feature, which allows players to seamlessly jump back into where they left off in a game.
Seagate expandable storage The Xbox Series X Seagate expansion card looks like a cross between an external hard drive and USB thumb drive, and it’s designed to be plugged directly into the proprietary port on the back of the Xbox Series X console. While we don’t love proprietary ports, this looks like it’ll be used so that the speeds of the Xbox Series X expansion card match the speeds of the internal SSD inside the Xbox Series X. This means that, when playing games from the expansion card, there won’t be any impact to performance, which would happen if you used a slower external USB hard drive.
The Seagate website explains how this could be used with the Quick Resume feature of the Xbox Series X – where gamers can switch between games instantly without having to load the games again. It seems that switching between games on the internal SSD and the expansion card will be seamless (though you need to buy the expansion card separately).
The Seagate expansion card's flash memory is custom PCIe Gen4x2 NVMe with a capacity of 1TB.
Ultrawide support Not only will games look better, they could be bigger. In an interview with PCGamesN, Samsung revealed that it's talking with Microsoft and pushing the gaming behemoth to adopt ultrawide support for the Xbox Series X.
Super-fast SSD The Xbox Series X will make good use of having an SSD – a 'Quick Resume' feature for the console will let you "almost instantly" continue with multiple games, without the need to sit through load screens.
Improved latency Microsoft also aims to improve latency through features such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). According to Microsoft, "ALLM allows Xbox One and Xbox Series X to automatically set the connected display to its lowest latency mode". While "VRR synchronizes the display’s refresh rate to the game’s frame rate, maintaining smooth visuals without tearing". These features aim to minimize lag and make gaming more responsive.
However, don't expect video to do the Xbox Series X's power justice. Xbox boss Phil Spencer believes that it’s been challenging to demonstrate just how much of a leap Xbox Series X will be over Xbox One, as faster and more stable frame rates aren’t something that really comes across in videos.
Speaking to ex-Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-aime on his new podcast (thanks, GameSpot), Spencer lamented the fact that gamers might not appreciate the power of Xbox Series X just yet.
"One of the things I've talked about publicly ... but it's hard to come across, is the way it feels to play games on a box where frame rates are higher, frame rates are more stable," Spencer explained. "The fluidity of it, showing that in video form, is just impossible. How do you show how something feels?"
Backwards compatibility with Xbox One accessories Microsoft has also confirmed that all your current Xbox One accessories will work with Xbox Series X, including existing controllers and headsets. But we'd doubt that also includes the ill-fated Kinect motion tracker.
That means that the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 will be forward compatible with Series X, but Microsoft is also launching a next-generation wireless controller to accompany the new console.
XBOX SERIES X DESIGN
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Xbox Series X has a completely different design to its predecessors. For a start, the next-gen console has an upright tower design - similar to that of a gaming PC. However, Microsoft has confirmed Series X can sit horizontally or vertically.
From what we've seen so far, the console is black with slightly indented cooling vents on the top (with what seems to be a green light inside). The Xbox logo sits small on the top left hand corner of the console and there's still a disc drive - which is placed vertically on the left hand side also.
The Xbox Series X has the following ports: HDMI 2.1 output port, three USB 3.2 ports, one networking port, an expanded storage slot and a power input port.
The console reportedly measures 15.1cm x 15.1cm x 30.1cm and weighs 4.45kg/9.8lbs.
XBOX SERIES X CONTROLLER
(Image credit: Micosoft)
Microsoft is releasing an Xbox Series X controller to accompany its next generation console. The new Xbox Wireless Controller will apparently be more accessible to everyone, as Microsoft has made an effort to refine the size and shape.
This shouldn't be too surprising to anyone that's been following the tech giant, as it's been making waves for accessibility in gaming for a while now with products like the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Along with enhanced accessibility, we'll also be getting a dedicated share button (finally) that will let you share screenshots and videos with your friends.
Microsoft has also revealed that it is optimizing latency in the "player-to-console pipeline" starting with our Xbox Wireless Controller, through a new feature called Dynamic Latency input. According to the company, this feature "synchronizes input immediately with what is displayed", making controls "more precise and responsive".
XBOX SERIES X: WHAT WILL I BE PLAYING?
(Image credit: 343 Industries)
We now have a pretty good idea of the Xbox Series X games we'll be getting our hands on when the new Xbox releases later this year. On May 7, Microsoft revealed a roster of third-party games coming to the new Xbox including Dirt 5, Scorn, Madden 21 and more. Then on July 23, we got a good look at first-party Xbox Series X games including a new Fable, Obsidian RPG Avowed and our first look at Halo Infinite gameplay.
Between these announcements, we've also had confirmation of a host of other Xbox Series X games we'll be getting our hands on. For a full look at the dozens of Xbox Series X games that have been confirmed so far, check out our full Xbox Series X games round-up.
But what else do we know about Xbox Series X games so far? During the Xbox Series X's official reveal, Phil Spencer said Series X games will be "more lifelike, immersive and surprising" and that the Xbox Series X will "lead us into the future of gaming". He also stated that 15 Xbox Game Studios are building a huge next-generation library that includes Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga and Halo Infinite.
Not a Halo fan? Don't worry, Xbox Series X will be capable of four generations of backwards compatibility - with the feature available from launch. That means the Series X will be able to play existing Xbox One games like Destiny 2 as well as backward-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. Not only that, but these games will "play better than ever before" thanks to Microsoft's new HDR reconstruction technique and the Xbox Series X's Quick Resume feature - without requiring additional work from developers.
In addition, the Xbox Series X's powerful specs will enable select backwards-compatible titles to run at higher resolutions or double the frame rate.
Not only is Microsoft doubling down on backwards compatibility, but the company is also introducing a new system called Smart Delivery to the Series X that, in some respects, could be seen as forwards compatibility.
With the Xbox Series X, Smart Delivery will seemingly ensure that you have the right version of a game, no matter which Xbox console you’ve bought it on, allowing users to upgrade compatible games to next-gen versions for free through the program. Not only that but save data will be able to be carried backwards and forwards between the Xbox Series X and Xbox One, allowing players to pick up and play on both current-gen and next-gen consoles. We already know some of the games which will utilize this feature, including Cyberpunk 2077.
We also know that Microsoft's game-streaming service Project xCloud will be out of public testing by the time Xbox Series X releases (with the service officially launching in September) so we should be able to enjoy Series X games on-the-go.
For those who aren't quite sold on upgrading to Series X quite yet, but still want to check out the best upcoming games, Microsoft has stated that there won't be Xbox Series X exclusive games for at least a year and, for the foreseeable future, new games are planned to work across the Xbox family of devices. That means you'll still be able to play them on Xbox One.
WHAT ABOUT XBOX SERIES S?
The Xbox Series S (codenamed 'Project Lockhart') is the rumored cheaper, digital-only alternative to the Xbox Series X.
Whether the new Xbox will actually be called the Xbox Series S is up for debate, but it shouldn't be long until we find out more. Reports have suggested that Microsoft will reveal this digital-only next-gen console sometime in August.
There has been speculation for some time that Microsoft is working on a lower-cost next-gen Xbox console, to sit just below the Xbox Series X. This disc-less, next-gen Xbox is rumored to be substantially more powerful than the (now discontinued) Xbox One S All-Digital console, and will allegedly come with both a solid-state hard drive and a faster CPU than any current game console – with developers reportedly likening its performance to that of the PS4 Pro.
Microsoft has previously confirmed the Xbox Series X will belong to a family of consoles, much like the Xbox One, but the company has yet to officially confirm that the Xbox Series X is in the works.
' x='0' y='0' height='100%25' width='100%25' xlink%3Ahref='data%3Aimage/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wAARCAAFAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIG/8QAGRAAAwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECETHw/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AMFNyocud3r8iAAP/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
' x='0' y='0' height='100%25' width='100%25' xlink%3Ahref='data%3Aimage/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wAARCAAFAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAX/xAAcEAABBAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIDIQQFEVH/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AgZe0ySHROkcRIb4eUp1+oiD/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
