Verdict: The Xbox Series X remains a compelling high-end console if you want fast loading, convenient game switching, broad backward compatibility and access to Xbox’s game ecosystem. Its strengths are real, but the experience is not a guarantee of 4K at 60fps in every game, and the 1TB model’s usable space can feel tight. This is an update based on Stuff’s review, originally published on 5 November 2020 and updated on 18 December 2024—not a fresh 2026 hands-on test.
What Stuff’s Xbox Series X review found
Stuff rated the Series X 4/5, praising its speed, power, Quick Resume, improvements to some older games and Game Pass. The publication also flagged a bulky design, a storage drive that can fill quickly and a limited selection of optimized launch titles. Those are Stuff’s review findings, not new test results.
In the reviewer’s experience, the console ran quietly and loaded games much faster than an Xbox One S, including in a comparison involving Forza Horizon 4. The review also liked Quick Resume—the ability to move between supported games without starting each from scratch—but qualified that praise with “when it works.” Treat these as observations from that review, not a guarantee about every game or current software version.
Performance: powerful hardware, game-specific results
Microsoft’s current specifications list a custom Zen 2 CPU with eight cores, running at 3.8GHz or 3.6GHz with simultaneous multithreading, and an RDNA 2 GPU rated at 12 TFLOPS with 52 compute units at 1.825GHz. The console has 16GB of GDDR6 memory. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent performance measurements.
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- FASTEST, MOST POWERFUL XBOX — Experience next-generation performance with 12 teraflops of processing power, delivering smoother gameplay, richer worlds, and faster responsiveness than any previous XBOX.
- TRUE 4K GAMING UP TO 120 FPS — Enjoy breathtaking visuals with true 4K resolution, HDR, and frame rates up to 120 FPS, plus hardware-accelerated ray tracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 1TB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 1TB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF GAMES — Play thousands of games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX, with many titles enhanced for better visuals and performance on XBOX Series X.
Microsoft advertises performance of up to 120fps, but that is a ceiling for supported content rather than the default for every game. Its 4K-at-up-to-120fps claim requires both a compatible game and display. Actual resolution and frame rate vary by title and mode; as Stuff noted, a demanding game may offer a choice that trades resolution for a higher frame rate. Check the mode options for the specific games you play rather than assuming native 4K at 60fps—or 120fps—is universal.
The console supports HDMI 2.1. To benefit from high-refresh-rate output, you also need a display and game that support the relevant features. The headline hardware figures help describe the system, but do not tell you how a particular game will perform.
Loading, Quick Resume and older games
The most immediately useful improvements in Stuff’s account are shorter waits and the ability to switch between games with Quick Resume. Both depend on the title and the feature working as intended; the review’s “when it works” caveat matters if you expect every game to resume in the same state.
Rank #2
- What's in the box: Xbox Series X console, 1 Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black, Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, Power cord.
- Equipped with AMD's Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, DirectX ray tracing delivers true-to-life lighting, shadows and accurate reflections to create dynamic, living worlds.
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6 w/320 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6 GB @ 336 GB/s; Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: True 4K; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; High Dynamic Range: Up to 8K HDR; Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
- Bundled with HDMI_Cable
Backward compatibility extends the console’s usefulness if you already own Xbox games. Microsoft says thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games are supported. That does not mean every older title works. For supported games, benefits can include faster loading, higher resolution, smoother frame rates or HDR, depending on the game. Check whether the exact titles in your library are supported and what enhancements they receive.
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For games that have multiple Xbox versions, Smart Delivery can provide the appropriate version on supported titles. The “Optimised for Xbox Series X|S” label identifies games designed or updated for the newer consoles. Neither label means all games receive the same performance or visual enhancements.
Storage: choose capacity with your library in mind
Stuff reported that 802GB was available for games and system use on its 1TB review unit. That figure describes the unit reviewed, not guaranteed free space on every configuration or under every software version. The review found that large game installations could consume the space quickly, so your tolerance for deleting or moving games is worth considering before you buy.
Rank #3
- BEST VALUE IN GAMING — Experience next-gen speed and performance in the smallest XBOX ever. The XBOX Series S delivers powerful all-digital gameplay in a sleek, compact design.
- UP TO 120 FPS GAMEPLAY — Enjoy smooth, responsive gaming with frame rates up to 120 FPS, powered by XBOX Velocity Architecture, a custom NVMe SSD, and DirectX Raytracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 512GB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 512GB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF DIGITAL GAMES — Play thousands of digital games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX with backward compatibility. Many titles are enhanced for better visuals and performance. Smart Delivery ensures you always get the best version for your console.
Microsoft’s US product page lists three Series X configurations:
| Configuration | Disc drive | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Black | Yes | 1TB |
| Robot White | No; all-digital | 1TB |
| Galaxy Black | Yes | 2TB |
These are the configurations listed for the United States; availability and pricing vary by market and retailer. Confirm the model and current local price before purchasing. A disc drive is useful if you buy or already own physical games, while an all-digital model suits a library acquired digitally. The 2TB model offers more built-in room, but the right choice depends on the price difference and how many large games you keep installed.
Expansion cards versus USB drives
Microsoft says its Series X|S Storage Expansion Cards connect through the console’s dedicated expansion port and match the internal SSD’s performance. They are the option to consider when you want additional space for games that need the console’s full storage performance. The trade-off is the separate accessory cost; a card is not essential if you are comfortable managing the built-in capacity.
Rank #4
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
Standard USB external drives can also be used for storage and transferring games. Stuff’s review distinguishes that use from playing optimized Series X games: a USB drive is not a substitute for the performance-matched expansion card when a game needs to run from fast storage. Check the requirements of the titles you want to keep or play from external storage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Games and subscription value
Stuff treated Game Pass as a major part of the Series X’s appeal, alongside the wider Xbox ecosystem. Whether a subscription is good value for you depends on the games you want and the plan’s terms. The review page’s service details are dated, and the available information here does not establish current plan names, prices, catalogues, cloud access or regional conditions. Check the current offer in your country before making the console’s value depend on it.
The library question is personal: weigh the Xbox games you want to play, the titles already in your account and the services you actually use. A subscription can broaden access, but it does not replace checking whether a specific game is available in your region or included under the plan you are considering.
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There is no universal winner based on the information available here. Stuff’s comparison points readers toward preferences and priorities, including games, performance, design and online services; it is not a current price comparison. Compare the consoles against your own library and setup:
- Games: Which console has the franchises and specific titles you want?
- Services: Compare current local subscription plans, prices, catalogues and included features before assigning either platform a value advantage.
- Performance: Look at the actual modes for games you play and whether your display supports them. Hardware headline figures do not establish a universal winner in game performance.
- Existing library: Check backward compatibility for the exact games you own.
- Media and storage: Consider whether you buy discs, how much built-in capacity you need and the cost of expansion.
- Setup: Account for physical placement, display capabilities and your network needs.
Is the Series X the right Xbox for you?
Microsoft positions the Series X for native 4K gaming and offers a UHD Blu-ray drive on disc models. The Series S is designed for 1440p with upscaling to 4K and is disc-free. Those distinctions make Series X the more suitable fit if you prioritize the higher-resolution target or want a disc drive, while the Series S may suit someone who is comfortable with an all-digital, lower-resolution-targeted console. Check current local model choices and prices before comparing total cost.
The Series X is a strong fit if you want a premium Xbox, value quick loading and switching, or have a substantial compatible Xbox library. Think carefully about capacity if you keep many large games installed, and about whether the disc or digital model matches how you buy games. Stuff’s review supports the console’s core appeal, but its hands-on observations are not a 2026 retest, and current service terms and local prices need to be checked separately.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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