Movies and TV shows have always been a source of inspiration for the gaming industry. Over the years, many video games have been developed based on popular movies and TV shows, providing fans with a new way to experience their favorite stories. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best video games based on popular movies and TV shows.
Tomb Raider (based on the film)
This action-adventure game follows the journey of Lara Croft as she embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization. With challenging puzzles and intense combat, Tomb Raider is a must-play for fans of the film.
The Lord of the Rings - The Third Age (based on the books and films)
This role-playing game takes players on a journey through Middle Earth, allowing them to experience the story of The Lord of the Rings in a whole new way. With memorable characters and epic battles, The Third Age is a must-play for fans of the books and films.
Spider-Man 2 (based on the films)
This action-adventure game follows the story of Spider-Man as he battles against the villains of New York City. With fluid web-slinging mechanics and intense combat, Spider-Man 2 is a must-play for fans of the films.
The Walking Dead - The Game (based on the TV show)
This point-and-click adventure game follows the story of Lee Everett as he tries to survive in a world overrun by zombies. With emotional storytelling and difficult choices, The Walking Dead: The Game is a must-play for fans of the TV show.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (based on the books and films)
This action-adventure game takes players on a journey through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, allowing them to experience the story of Harry Potter in a whole new way. With memorable characters and magical spells, Philosopher's Stone is a must-play for fans of the books and films.
Batman: Arkham (based on the comic books)
This action-adventure game follows the story of Batman as he battles against the villains of Gotham City. With fluid combat and intense stealth, Batman: Arkham is a must-play for fans of the comic books.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (based on the film series)
This role-playing game takes players on a journey through the Star Wars universe, allowing them to experience the story of the Old Republic in a whole new way. With memorable characters and epic battles, Knights of the Old Republic is a must-play for fans of the film series.
The Simpsons Hit & Run (based on the TV show)
This open-world game takes players on a journey through Springfield, allowing them to experience the world of The Simpsons in a whole new way. With hilarious missions and memorable characters, Hit & Run is a must-play for fans of the TV show.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (based on the films)
This action-adventure game follows the story of Wolverine as he embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of his past. With intense combat and brutal violence, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a must-play for fans of the films.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (based on the books and films)
This action-adventure game takes players on a journey through Narnia, allowing them to experience the story of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe in a whole new way. With memorable characters and magical creatures, The Chronicles of Narnia is a must-play for fans of the books and films.
James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing (based on the film series)
This action-adventure game follows the story of James Bond as he embarks on a series of missions around the world. With intense combat and exotic locations, Everything or Nothing is a must-play for fans of the film series.
The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer (based on the film)
This action-adventure game takes players on a journey with the Parr family as they battle against the Underminer. With fluid combat and a fun storyline, Rise of the Underminer is a must-play for fans of the film.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (based on the film)
This action-adventure game takes players on a journey with Jack Sparrow as he battles against the cursed crew of the Black Pearl. With thrilling action and memorable characters, The Curse of the Black Pearl is a must-play for fans of the film.
Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb (based on the film series)
This action-adventure game takes players on a journey with Indiana Jones as he searches for the legendary Heart of the Dragon. With challenging puzzles and intense combat, Emperor's Tomb is a must-play for fans of the film series.
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai (based on the anime)
This fighting game takes players on a journey through the world of Dragon Ball Z, allowing them to experience the epic battles in a whole new way. With memorable characters and intense combat, Budokai is a must-play for fans of the anime.
Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis (based on the film)
This simulation game takes players on a journey to Isla Nublar, allowing them to build and manage their own dinosaur park. With exciting missions and lifelike dinosaurs, Operation Genesis is a must-play for fans of the film.
Resident Evil (based on the film series)
This survival-horror game takes players on a journey through Raccoon City as they battle against zombies and other monstrous creatures. With intense atmosphere and challenging puzzles, Resident Evil is a must-play for fans of the film series.
The Godfather: The Game (based on the film)
This action-adventure game takes players on a journey through the world of The Godfather, allowing them to experience the story in a whole new way. With memorable characters and intense combat, The Godfather: The Game is a must-play for fans of the film.
The Matrix: Path of Neo (based on the film series)
This action-adventure game takes players on a journey with Neo as he battles against the agents and the machines. With fluid combat and a fun storyline, Path of Neo is a must-play for fans of the film series.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (based on the film series)
This first-person shooter takes players on a journey through the world of the Terminators, allowing them to experience the story in a whole new way. With intense action and memorable characters, Rise of the Machines is a must-play for fans of the film series.
In conclusion, these are some of the best video games based on popular movies and TV shows. Whether you are a fan of action, adventure, role-playing, simulation, or fighting games, there is sure to be a game
Top 10 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2023. Today we're counting down our picks for the top 10 most anticipated games of 2023 for this list we'll be looking at video games releasing in 2023 that have us most excited note that we prioritized brand new games over remakes and remasters naturally we aren't including any games without 2023 release windows at the time of writing which of these games tops your most anticipated list share your enthusiasm in the comments number.
Red Fall
Red fall recent years have seen a surge of multiplayer horror games so many that it can be tough for one to stand out however there are a handful of reasons redfall is on our radar published by Bethesda and developed by Arcane it comes from the same team behind 2017's prey as an open world FPS you can choose between four different classes playing alone or with others to take down hordes of vampires we're hoping for a bit of ridiculous fun some unique weapons and some bloody executions it's currently set to launch in the first half of 2023.
Assassin's Creed Mirage
are you ready to give up who you once thought you were I am recent entries in ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series have strayed away from certain elements of the past Die Hard fans were likely jumping for joy when they heard Mirage would take the franchise back to its roots set in 9th century Baghdad it will tell the origin of Basim ibnishak who appeared in Valhalla as he grows from Thief to full-blown assassin with more and more games demanding our time with massive open worlds a more linear experience honestly sounds refreshing while we've only been given a cinematic trailer the concept seems incredibly enticing the only downside is that it has no firm release date outside of launching in 2023.
Suicide Squad
Suicide Squad kill the Justice League the issues of Gotham Knights may have dispersed a bit of our hype here but we're still excited for Warner Brothers other open world multiplayer DC game as Harley Quinn Deadshot king shark and Captain Boomerang players will be forced to go up against a brainwashed Justice League in Metropolis gameplay shows that each character has their own strengths like boomerang's teleportation and deadshot's Airborne artillery it also looks to have nailed the dynamic of these iconic villains though we shouldn't be surprised given developer rocksteady's caliber having created the Batman Arkham series The Studio has more than proven itself it will be the first game since 2016's Arkham VR and we can't wait to see what's in store Waller Waller.
Star Wars Jedi
Star Wars Jedi Survivor thank you, it's no secret that EA fumbled the Star Wars license but then Star Wars Jedi Fallen order was released with a talented developer respawn at the helm it was a genuine surprise and a great single player experience it had just enough. Nostalgia and just enough new to please most fans and we knew just like the rest of the franchise that there was more story to be told Survivor will pick up five years after the first game other than a brief teaser we don't have much to go on but the strength of the first game response continued great work on apex Legends and our love for the IP has us ready to jump back in as soon as possible.
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight silk song If you didn't play Hollow Knight you missed out on one of the definitive indie games of the last decade the world was dark and mysterious the art style undeniably gorgeous and the gameplay tough but extremely satisfying its sequel will focus on side character Hornet with combat looking much quicker
unfortunately the wait for silk song has been a long one after announcing it in 2019 and showing us a ton of tantalizing footage developer team Cherry went quiet however in June 2022 a new trailer brought good news while team Cherry didn't give a definitive release date Xbox announced it would release in June of 2023.
Street Fighter 6
You're my new recruit yeah gotta say you're photogenic not many fighting franchises command or deserve as much respect as Street Fighter despite some missteps with the fifth entry we'll be ready to throw hands on day one when Street Fighter 6 releases combat looks fluid and intense and we have no doubt it'll lead to plenty of awesome matches both local and online but we're also extremely curious about its new world tour mode here players can customize their own character and take them on their own story with action-adventure gameplay in between the fist fights it will launch with 18 characters both new and returning though it seems likely that roster will balloon over time given how many characters there are now.
Starfield
We were pretty excited for Starfield to be released in 2022 but like several other high-profile games it was delayed we were happy to pay that price as long as it's the best game Bethesda can make it will be the Studio's first original Ip in over 25 years which would be grounds enough for anticipation set in the 24th century it follows a space Explorer in a vast post-war Galaxy bethesda's worlds are usually the biggest selling point in their games so we hope that what looks to be its grandest lives up to the Legacy like bethesda's other title redfall Starfield is set to launch in the first half of 2023 and will be a coveted XBox exclusive.
Final Fantasy XVI
We're just as excited as the rest of you to get the new chapter of Final Fantasy VII's remake trilogy but for us there's no way it can match the hype of a brand new game this installment will come from the same team behind Final Fantasy 14 the well-received MMO that has gotten near constant support from Square Enix with a heavier focus on medieval fantasy 16 will Center on six factions at each other's throats during the spread of a dangerous sickness known as the blight everything we've seen so far from the stunning visuals to the exhilarating combat has readied us for another Stellar Adventure when it launches in mid-2023.
Marvel Spider-Man 2
For as long as I can remember I have looked for an equal one who could push me when a game is as great as Marvel Spider-Man was a sequel is a no-brainer while Miles Morales spin-off was a great appetizer the main course finally arrives in 2023 announced in September 2021 we still haven't gotten much information on it although what we have gotten has been Stellar the announcement trailer revealed it will focus on Craven and Venom two of spidey's Deadliest foes we also know Venom will be voiced by horror icon Tony Todd an extraordinary casting choice there's no doubt that developer Insomniac will continue to build out Spider-Man's world with neat combat improvements and traversal mechanics whether we can stand the weight is another story.
The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
We'd be excited to get a new Zelda game regardless but a sequel to breath of the wild one of the best games of all time has us over the moon first announced in 2019 fans have had to settle for a slow drip feat of news and content with a delay however every single second of footage has had us theorizing speculating and dreaming about our return to Hyrule while much of the game is still a mystery we've gotten glimpses at incredible new abilities and areas we can't wait to take our adventure Skyward to explore the Kingdom's floating islands if it manages to pull us in every direction the way its predecessor did tears of the Kingdom will be a resounding success?
The Last of Us: A Masterpiece in Video Game Storytelling. The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure video game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game was released in 2013 and has since become one of the most critically acclaimed video games of all time, winning over 200 awards and receiving widespread critical acclaim.
The story of The Last of Us takes place 20 years after a pandemic outbreak of a fungal infection has swept the United States, turning much of the population into mindless infected. The player takes on the role of Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting a young girl named Ellie across the country to deliver her to a resistance group known as the Fireflies. Along the way, the two develop a close bond as they face numerous challenges and encounters with hostile survivors.
The Last of Us stands out for its emotionally charged storyline, which explores themes of love, loss, and the bonds that form between people in times of hardship. The relationship between Joel and Ellie is central to the game's narrative and is beautifully realized through superb voice acting and motion capture performances. The game's visuals are also breathtaking, with a richly detailed post-apocalyptic world that feels both familiar and strange at the same time.
In terms of gameplay, The Last of Us offers a unique mix of action, stealth, and survival elements, with players having to scavenge for resources, craft weapons and supplies, and fight off both the infected and other hostile survivors. The game's combat is intense and challenging, forcing players to carefully consider their approach and make the most of the limited resources at their disposal.
In conclusion, The Last of Us is a masterpiece in video game storytelling, delivering a powerful and emotionally charged narrative that will stay with players long after they have finished playing. The game's captivating world, richly detailed characters, and intense gameplay make it a must-play for any fan of the action-adventure genre.
The Last of Us Part 2
The game is set five years after the events of the first game and follows Ellie, now a teenager, on her journey to find and seek revenge against those responsible for a devastating event in her life. Along the way, she encounters a cast of characters both friendly and hostile, including allies who help her on her journey and dangerous enemies who stand in her way.
One of the standout features of the game is its graphics, which are highly realistic and detailed, bringing the game's world to life. The game also features a captivating story filled with twists and turns that will keep players engaged until the very end.
Another highlight of the game is its combat system, which is intense and brutal, forcing players to think carefully about their actions and use tactics to survive. Players have access to a variety of weapons, including firearms, bows, and improvised weapons, which can be used to take down enemies.
The Last of Us Part II has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its storytelling, graphics, and gameplay. It has won several awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2020.
In conclusion, The Last of Us Part II is a must-play game for fans of the original and newcomers alike. With its beautiful graphics, compelling story, and intense gameplay, it is a standout title in the post-apocalyptic genre and a true masterpiece of video game design.
The Last of Us Part Remastered
The Last of Us Part Remastered is a remastered version of the original post-apocalyptic action-adventure game, The Last of Us, which was released in 2013. This remastered version was released for the PlayStation 4 in July 2014.
The Last of Us Part Remastered features improved graphics and visual effects, making the already stunning world of the original game even more breathtaking. The game also includes all of the DLC content that was released for the original game, including the story-based DLC "Left Behind" and the multiplayer maps and modes.The Last of Us Part Remastered is a remastered version of the original post-apocalyptic action-adventure game, The Last of Us, which was released in 2013. This remastered version was released for the PlayStation 4 in July 2014.
The Last of Us Part Remastered features improved graphics and visual effects, making the already stunning world of the original game even more breathtaking. The game also includes all of the DLC content that was released for the original game, including the story-based DLC "Left Behind" and the multiplayer maps and modes.
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!
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.
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