The Xbox is one of the most popular game consoles in the world, along with Nintendo’s Playstation and Wii. Currently you can buy the Xbox One X, the most powerful on the market at the moment, which directly challenges the PS4 Pro in terms of performance, graphics resolution and loading speed, however there are also available the Xbox One S and the basic model Xbox One.
Here is a complete in-depth look at the technical features, functionality, games and services related to the world of Xbox.
Xbox One: technical features and functionality
Xbox One is the version that anticipated Microsoft’s last two consoles, the Xbox One S and X, which represented the evolution of the old Xbox 360 model, now quite dated and obsolete, although you can find on sale consoles but with a depleted game park. The Xbox One has a fairly boxy design, designed primarily for the performance of the machine that the aesthetic aspect, with a weight of 3.5 kg and dimensions of 34.3 cm wide by 26.3 cm deep.
Inside houses an octa-core AMD Jaguar processor with a clock speed of 1.75 GHz, with GPU TFLOPS 1.2, 8 GB of RAM and internal memory of 500 GB or 1 TB depending on the version. The console features a 6x DVD/Blu-ray player, with Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth connectivity, HDMI input and output, support for 4K and 1080 pixel resolution, with Kinect Next-Gen motion sensor, S/PDIF audio output and 3 USB ports. The software of the Xbox One is obviously Windows x64, with which you can connect to apps, make video calls and browse the Internet, in addition, almost all Xbox 360 games are compatible.
Xbox One S: features and specifications
In 2016, the S version of the Xbox One was released, a less imposing console than the original model, with some substantial differences, including the power supply included in the structure and more compact dimensions, with a weight reduced to less than 3 kg, a width of 29.5 cm and a depth of 23 cm. The Xbox One S is available in three versions, with 500 GB, 1TB and 2 TB of internal hard disk space, all with support for 4K Ultra HD and a maximum resolution of 3840×2160 pixels.
The console guarantees extremely impressive and sharp graphics, thanks to HDR technology, High Dynamic Range, which ensures brilliant colors, compatible with Blu-ray and Ultra HD video streaming in 4K for Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. Interesting is the Dolby Atmos audio support, to optimize music playback in games, or apps like Spotify and Youtube. The hardware of the Xbox One S is composed of an 8-core AMD processor at 1.75 GHz with 8 GB of RAM, while the integrated Kinect connection has been removed, to be used via USB ports or Bluetooth connection.
Xbox One X: how the game console works
The most powerful gaming console made by Microsoft, the Xbox One X, is a compact device capable of ensuring very high performance, at the highest levels in the field of Gaming. Inside it mounts an octa-core AMD Radeon RX 480 processor, with two extremely performing quad-core Jaguar modules, with a clock speed of 2.3 GHz, 12 GB of GDDR5 RAM, 1 TB internal memory and an integrated GPU of 6 Teraflops. These aspects allow for exceptional graphics, with support for 4K in Ultra HD, Blu-ray, HDMI and compatibility with HDR10.
The console has a management system with artificial intelligence, which ensures continuous optimization of performance, with hyper-realistic details and a loading speed that has reached 326 GB per second. The Xbox One X has a remarkable audio quality, with Dolby Digital 5.1 Atmos and DTS 5.1. Connectivity includes the best of modern technologies, with Wi-Fi Direct, IR Blaster signals and Bluetooth 5.0, with 3 USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet input and 2 HDMI ports.
Prices of Xbox One gaming consoles
With regard to prices surely the most expensive console is the Xbox One, purchasable on Amazon or from official retailers at an average cost of about 250/350€. However included in the price are often some games, among which the most common are Rainbow Six Siege and Gears of War Ultimate Edition and Forza Motorsport 6. To save a little bit you can buy the old Xbox 360, which is easily found at a cost below 200€, but you have to consider the gradual exit from the market of some games.
The Xbox One S console has an official price of 249.99€, sold in the 1TB version with a game of your choice between Fortnite, Battlefield V, Forza Horizon 4 or Minecraft. On Amazon you can find the console with a wireless controller for just 185€, but without games or accessories. The price of the Xbox One X, on the other hand, is much higher, with a base cost of 450€ and a game included between Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, Gold Rush Special Edition Battlefield V, Metro Saga, Shadow of Tomb Raider, Fallout 76 or Forza Horizon 4.
Xbox One X vs PS4 Pro: which is the better console?
The Xbox One X has been presented as the most powerful gaming console in the world, in fact it is sold with a price of about 100€ higher than its direct competitor, Sony’s Playstation 4 Pro, while waiting for the new version. The decision is not easy, as both offer similar features, such as support for 4K and streaming, while on the one hand the Xbox One X is really more powerful than the PS4 pro, but the latter boasts interesting features, such as the VR viewer integrated in the standard equipment.
Both for the CPU and the GPU the Xbox One X comes out the winner of the clash, the same for RAM capacity and memory bandwidth, equal instead the storage space, graphics support and input and output ports. If the Xbox is better for performance, power, graphics and gaming experience, the Playstation 4 Pro is still superior for compatibility with virtual reality viewers, interface and price. Both are two excellent gaming consoles, powerful and reliable, so the choice becomes quite subjective.
Xbox One S vs Xbox One: which one to choose?
One of the doubts for a novice gamer is the choice between the Xbox One and the S version, apparently very similar. In reality, the Xbox One S is a recent and updated version, with adequate support to achieve good quality resolution, appreciable speed and performance suitable for modern console games. In particular, it features latest generation hardware components, not as powerful as those of the Xbox One X, but definitely superior to the basic version.
However, the choice also depends on your TV, in fact the Xbox One has a resolution up to 1080 pixels, so unless you have a 4K Smart TV the Xbox S version becomes virtually useless, losing part of its technical advantage. Another important factor is the price, definitely cheaper for the Xbox One S than the Xbox One. In principle, it is advisable to opt for the Xbox One S, which is more powerful, advanced and economical than the Xbox One, but it remains, as mentioned, a personal decision.
Accessories for Xbox: what they are and how much they cost
On the official store of Microsoft you can buy different accessories, compatible with the Xbox One, One S and One X.
Between the most popular devices there are of course the wireless controllers, available in a wide variety of colors, compositions and fittings. The price of an Xbox One controller ranges from 50€, for a simple and little elaborate model, up to 150€ for the most advanced devices of the latest generation, including the Elite wireless controller present in white or black. Some devices have been designed to perfectly adapt to particular games, such as the wireless controller for Combat Tech or the one for Minecraft Creeper.
The technical details are quite similar, in fact they present a 3.5 mm stereo audio jack connector, Bluetooth technology, button mapping and compatibility with all consoles of the One series and Windows 10.
The Elite version of the wireless controller for Xbox instead ensures high precision, with interchangeable and customizable levers, ideal for more experienced players who must perform complex maneuvers. The Elite version of the wireless Xbox controller is a highly accurate controller, with interchangeable and customisable sticks that are ideal for advanced gamers who need to perform complex manoeuvres, plus an app to make changes digitally, managing aspects such as sensitivity and button functionality, with an ergonomic design and weight of just 348 grams.
Xbox for the family: what it is and how it works
Microsoft provides services for families, so adults can play together with their children, leaving children alone without running any risk, thanks to the remote control system. An interesting feature is Copilot, which allows you to connect two controllers together, to use them as if they were one. In this way, you can even race with small children, preventing them from getting lost in the game, using the support of the main controller.
Also in the Xbox game collection there is a wide choice of options for children, including Ugly Dolls and Brief Battles for the little ones, or Noir Chronicles: City of Crime and Astroneer for those who are a few years older. Finding a game for children is very easy, just go to the Xbox gaming store, select among the available filters the option Children and Family, checking compatibility with the age of the child in the section of Additional Information, under the heading Age groups.
Xbox app for Windows 10: how it works
Thanks to the Xbox app you can increase the integration of the console, to participate in live group games, with compatibility for PC with Windows 10 operating system, Android smartphones and iOS devices. The app allows you to load your favorite games on any device, join the Xbox Live community and stay connected at all times by connecting Xbox wireless controllers to your computer and mobile devices. The app is compatible with other external applications, such as Messenger and Youtube, and also features remote control, game history, streaming, group chat and multiplayer modes.
Best Games for Xbox One, Xbox One S and Xbox One X
The game offerings for Xbox One, One S and One X are high and varied, with all the most popular and sought-after gaming of the moment, as well as plenty of new releases every month.
Among the games optimized for Xbox One X, with support for 4K graphics and HDR resolution, there are Anthem, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Battlefield V, Black Desert Online, Call of Duty WW2, Darksiders III, Destiny 2, F1 2018, Fallout 76, EA Sports FIFA 19, Final Fantasy XV, Fortnite, Forza Horizon 4, Metro Exodus and many more titles, whose complete list can be consulted on Microsoft’s official Xbox website.
To avoid buying games individually, it is possible to subscribe to Xbox Games Pass, a subscription that costs €9.99 per month, with the first month being promotional for only €1. The service allows you to get your games on launch day, download them for use both online and offline, and also provides exclusive discounts of up to 20% off the list price.
Xbox Game Pass is also present within the Xbox app, to use the service on any mobile device or directly on your PC.