With the launch of a new Xbox console just months away, Microsoft has been slowly releasing information about the upcoming Xbox Series X. While most of the news about the Series X has been great, there has also been some features of the new console that has been needlessly overhyped by the company. By no means does it mean the console itself is over-hyped, just that some of the features the company has highlighted are either things other platforms already do or features the company should have added implemented a while back. With that being said, here are the 5 most overrated features so far (& 5 that are actually amazing).
10 Overrated - Backwards Compatible Hardware
When it was first announced that the Xbox Series X would allow players to use their Xbox One controllers on the new console, fans were excited. For the first time in Xbox history, players would not have to buy a new set of controllers for when they have guests over. Yes, this news is consumer-friendly for Xbox fans, but when if you try to tell anyone that games on PC, they will probably laugh. This is because many new games on the PC not only allow for the newest controller of either major company, but they even allow older ones like the Xbox 360. While Xbox has tried to use this news as a way to boast, it seems like something that should have been there during the transition between the Xbox 360 and the Xbox One.
9 Amazing - Xbox Game Pass
Although Xbox Game Pass is available on the Xbox One, Microsoft has continued to make sure fans understand how important the subscription service is going forward. For only $15 USD a month, players are able to access a large catalogue of games on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. In addition, the $15 a month includes Xbox Live. Considering all Xbox Game Studio games will release the same day on the service as they will in stores, players will be spending less per year if they normally buy 2 or more Xbox Game Studio titles and Xbox Live.
8 Overrated - 8K Support
In regards to the upcoming consoles' resolution capabilities, both companies have stated that their respective consoles will play games in 4k, however, both have also mentioned they will even support 8k. While hypothetically this news is great for the length of a console's life span, 4k televisions have just recently become reasonably priced for consumers.
Furthermore, during this current generation, Xbox and PlayStation both released an improved console halfway through the life cycle. By the time game developers begin to make games that are optimized for 8k resolution, the companies may release a new version of their consoles.
7 Amazing - Xbox Velocity Architecture
Recently, Microsoft revealed Xbox VelocityAchitecture, a component of the Xbox Series X. It is a combination of hardware and software that will allow for games to be processed better than ever before. While the claims are still unproven, if it delivers on the promise, the Xbox Series X will have a throughput 40 times the amount of the Xbox One. That means games will be processed faster and more efficiently.
6 Overrated - Smart Delivery
Microsoft's Smart Delivery is a program that will allow players to upgrade games when switching from the Xbox One version to the Xbox Series X. It will allow players to transition at no extra cost. The service is great for players that intend to buy the new console, but also do not want to wait to buy a game that releases a month before the Xbox Series X. There are two major problems with the service, however. First, not every game will be available for the service, and second, should this service not already be common practice for?
For many PC gamers, like the news of backwards-compatible hardware, Smart Delivery is already happening. When upgrading from a PC with the specifications of an Xbox 360 to one more powerful than the upcoming generation, all games bought through Steam will still be on your account. Just simply download and play.
5 Amazing - Ray Tracing
Over the last two years, ray tracing has become one of the selling points Xbox has promoted to get fans to purchase the upcoming console. While many fans may have tuned it out by now, ray tracing might be the most important piece of technology to push visuals to an all-new level. By drawing rays through the scene the player is looking at, shadows, light and reflections look more real than ever before. For anyone that is obsessed with having the best looking games, this technology is like nothing a console has ever had before.
4 Overrated - Quick Resume
One of the new features that will be at the launch of the Xbox Series X at launch is Quick Resume. This allows players to pause multiple games at once, and come back to them at any time. While this feature is nice when players are switching between games, the fact that Xbox has tried to use this as a selling point is underwhelming. With the implementation of the SSD for the first time in consoles, Quick Resume may only save players a few seconds.
3 Amazing - Internal SSD
Over the past couple of generations, Xbox and PlayStation have released their consoles with internal hard drives. While this move eliminated the use of memory cards, the Xbox Series X has decided to no replace Hard Disk Drives with Solid State Drives.
Over the course of the last generation, the cost of storage has dropped. This has made it possible for companies like Xbox and PlayStation to start using them in their consoles. While they are still more expensive than a hard drive, the advantages of having an SSD outway the extra cost. With games becoming more complex, having SSD will significantly reduce load times.
2 Overrated - Haptic Feedback
When Xbox Series X releases, the controller will have haptic feedback. This type of vibration technology works to better represent what is happening in-game. While it sounds like something that could add to a player's immersions, the technology has already been utilized in Xbox One controllers. Although it potentially could be improved in the Series X controller, clicking a trigger will never truly feel like stepping on a peddle of a car.
1 Amazing - Cross Generation Focused
One thing that the Head of Xbox Phil Spencer has discussed is how the company believes in cross-generation game releases. While this point may hurt the sales of the Xbox Series X at launch, the move will allow players that can not afford to put down a significant amount of money at launch to continue feeling like the company's priority. Throughout gaming history, new releases of consoles usually result in a loss of money for a hardware company. While players on the Xbox One will have to play games at a lower resolution, this keeps them invested in the eco-system.