Microsoft’s Xbox Series X doesn’t have it easy – on the one hand it should inherit the praised Xbox One X and at the same time provide enough arguments to be an alternative for those interested in Playstation 5. In the absence of powerful exclusive titles, the technology, multimedia and software functions as well as the apps must be convincing.

Until the market launch at the 10. November 2020 it is still a while – but Microsoft has already sent us an Xbox Series X. It does not work with the final one yet Operating system version, but otherwise already corresponds to the retail version. We were able to play around with this for a few days, understand the setup process, measure volume and power consumption for the first time, test new functions and try out numerous games. So much has been said in advance: The gaming cube made a decent impression – in many ways.

The Xbox Series X in the preview Before plugging in The Xbox Series X looks less brawny in the living room ensemble than the images floating around on the net suggest. Due to its simple, rectangular shape, it fits quickly into the existing environment – it neither disturbs nor is it a design eye-catcher. It doesn’t matter whether you set it up vertically or horizontally – as long as you make sure that the ventilation outlets remain free. The Xbox Series X measures 30 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm.

Xbox Series X next to the Xbox One X.

Microsoft supplies the retail version with an HDMI 2.1 cable and a controller in addition to the standard power cable. At first glance, the latter can hardly be distinguished from its predecessor: In comparison, it is ergonomically optimized, which is particularly beneficial for small hands, but it is still very easy to use with large hands. The feel of the control pad (D-Pad) has been changed: There is a sharp rise towards the edges, which means that the thumb lies deep and secure in a depression.

The Xbox Series X has an HDMI 2.1 connection, three USB ports (USB 3.1 Gen 1), an Ethernet port and a memory expansion slot.

(Image: heise online / how)

The entries in games and in menus are now a little more precise than with the old controller, but do not come close to the level of the second version of the Elite controller. A new share button allows game scenes to be shared more directly. Another new feature is a non-slip surface in the thumb root area, which might irritate some haptically sensitive players, but is an improvement for many. Overall, playing with the new controller feels good and precise.

Put into operation The Xbox Series X can be set up quickly and easily using the Xbox smartphone app.

(Image: heise online / mfi)

Setting up the console is quick and easy: the Xbox apps for Android and iOS help. We used the preliminary, not yet released iOS app. Here you log in with your Microsoft account, activate the console and enter a code visible on the television in the app to pair your mobile phone and console. From now on you have to work your way through options such as language, location and WLAN, after all the Xbox carries out the latest updates. Then you select the energy-saving mode (“Energy-saving” or “Fast startup”), configure login security and advertising information and finally update the controller. The whole procedure only takes a few minutes – unless a major update is due.

Annoying: Microsoft only shows the update progress as a percentage, the actual download rates remain hidden. Our VDSL line, synchronized with around 290 Mbit / s, was bored – more than 200 The Microsoft server did not send MBit / s. Incidentally, this also applied to game downloads.

Freshly set up, we first pulled down a few games – and waited. And at the same time discovered that 1 TByte is pretty tight in current games. Once Call of Duty here, Doom Eternal there, Red Dead Redemption 2 and no