Xbox Sequence X Digital Version: two-minute evaluate
The Xbox Sequence X Digital Version is without doubt one of the new additions to Microsoft’s current-gen console household, ditching the disc drive fully with a view to supply the gaming console at a decrease, probably extra compelling worth level.
There’s actually sturdy attraction to this; for folk who need Microsoft’s strongest current-generation console without having to pay the most important bucks, the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version is a compelling possibility because it is available in $50 / £50 cheaper than the flagship Xbox Sequence X. And when you’re under no circumstances fussed about proudly owning bodily copies of the greatest Xbox Sequence X video games, then this all-digital console would be the one to go for.
It’s additionally a superb selection when you just like the attraction of Xbox Sport Go, Microsoft’s digital games-on-demand subscription service that allows you to obtain a whole bunch of video games at a month-to-month (or annual) payment. The less-powerful Xbox Sequence S console is nice for Sport Go, too, however with this Sequence X mannequin, you’ll be getting full-fledged current-gen gaming experiences with no graphical compromises.
Furthermore, it’s a slick little bit of equipment from an aesthetic standpoint. I really choose the Robotic White coloration scheme of the Digital Version over the Carbon Black of the disc-drive console (to not point out the fairly gaudy Galaxy Black of the brand new 2TB mannequin). In fact, the aesthetic distinction has no bearing on total efficiency. And on that word, you’re getting an an identical expertise in comparison with the disc-drive mannequin – and similar to it and the Xbox Sequence S, this new all-digital console is impressively quiet throughout play.
That being stated, I feel the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version’s price ticket nonetheless errs on the upper aspect, coming in at $449.99 / £429.99. Whereas that does match the worth of the PS5 Slim Digital Version within the US, it’s £40 dearer than Sony’s all-digital machine within the UK. On high of that, the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version solely comes with round 800GB of usable storage (roughly 200GB is claimed by the working system) in comparison with the PS5 Slim’s approximate 850GB. That’s additionally kind of the identical as what’s usable within the Xbox Sequence X disc-drive console.
That isn’t something new for this console technology’s 1TB machines; all of them have needed to reserve house for the important software program wanted for them to perform. With out some additional storage capability, nevertheless, the worth proposition of the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version isn’t massively implausible when in comparison with the disc-drive mannequin and even the 1TB Xbox Sequence S. Granted, the latter is a much less {powerful} system, however it’s a less expensive digital possibility ($349.99 / £299.99) with the identical quantity of storage.
Additionally, you will possible wish to keep away from the Digital Version when you don’t have significantly good obtain speeds by way of your web service supplier. The shortage of a disc drive right here means you aren’t capable of depend on bodily media, and thus gained’t have the ability to set up video games offline so are absolutely depending on a powerful web connection.
In abstract, then, the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version is nice for folk after optimum graphical capabilities from the present crop of Xbox consoles at a decreased worth – particularly when you don’t thoughts the absence of a disc drive or wish to absolutely embrace Xbox Sport Go. However when you really feel you’d miss the choice for bodily video games, it’s value stumping up that additional $50 / £50 for the bottom console as an alternative.
Xbox Sequence X Digital Version: Value and availability
- $449.99 / £429.99 / AU$699
- That’s $50 / £50 cheaper than the disc-drive Xbox Sequence X
- In the meantime, the 1TB Xbox Sequence S prices $349.99 / £299.99
The Xbox Sequence X Digital Version retails at $449.99 / £429.99. It’s that can be purchased from the official Xbox on-line retailer, in addition to loads of huge field retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Finest Purchase, Argos, and Currys.
Regardless of the dearth of a disc drive, the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version nonetheless finds itself in direction of the upper finish of the Sequence X|S worth spectrum. As talked about above, the usual Xbox Sequence X prices $499.99 / £479.99 after a worth hike in 2023. For additional comparability, the 1TB model of the Xbox Sequence S is available in at $349.99 / £299.99, making the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version the priciest discless possibility throughout the Sequence X|S ecosystem.
You’re on the very least getting the complete brunt of the Sequence X’s graphical chops right here, so these wanting a less expensive possibility for that can discover worth right here. However, in case your important drive for proudly owning a current-generation Xbox is to play lots of video games at a considerably cheaper price level, then that 1TB Xbox Sequence S mannequin often is the one to go for right here.
Xbox Sequence X Digital Version: Specs
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 |
| Value | $449.99 / £429.99 / AU$699 |
| Dimensions | 5.9in x 5.9in x 11.9in / 15.1cm x 15.1cm x 30.1cm |
| Weight | 9.8lbs (4.5kg) |
| Capability | 1TB SSD (800GB of usable storage) |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6, ethernet |
| CPU | Customized Zen 2 CPU |
| GPU | Customized RDNA 2 GPU |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Reminiscence bandwidth | 10 GB at 560 GB/s, 6 GB at 336 GB/s |
| Ports | 3 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x energy, 1 x ethernet, 1 x storage enlargement |
Xbox Sequence X Digital Version: Design and options
- Robotic White coloration scheme matches the Sequence X like a glove
- No disc drive, however in any other case an identical when it comes to look and options
- 3 USB-A ports in addition to HDMI, energy, ethernet, and one other for storage enlargement
The Xbox Sequence X Digital Version maintains the placing cuboid design of the unique mannequin. In actual fact, when you’ve ever laid eyes on an unique Xbox Sequence X, this new one is basically that with out the disc drive and in a slick Robotic White coloration scheme. I’m fairly a fan of this aesthetic change; not solely does it distinguish the mannequin from its Carbon Black counterpart, it’s additionally extra in keeping with different all-digital fashions just like the Xbox Sequence S (particularly with the Carbon Black Xbox Sequence S being phased out and never accessible for buy in Australia). I feel it additionally seems to be fairly good contrasting towards my black TV stand.
All the things else in regards to the console is an identical to the 2020 mannequin. The shortage of a disc drive means the entrance of the unit is with none indentations, save for the Xbox brand energy button and a solitary USB port that are each in the identical place. It is also value noting that Microsoft hasn’t opted so as to add any USB-C ports right here like Sony has with the PS5 Slim Digital Version. That actually would’ve made connecting sure third-party controllers or headsets by way of wi-fi dongle a lot simpler. In any other case, the built-in vertical stand can also be current, resting on the backside of the console, with air flow right here in addition to on the high of the unit.
The again aspect of the console can also be the identical as its disc-drive brethren. Ports for energy, HDMI, ethernet cable, and a slot for storage enlargement just like the Seagate Xbox Storage Growth Card or the WD Black C50 are right here, in addition to two extra USB ports. There are additionally extra air flow holes again right here, making certain that the console runs cool and quiet all through your play classes.
The Xbox Sequence X Digital Version can also be the identical when it comes to dimensions and, in line with the official Xbox web site, weighs the identical 9.8lbs (round 4.5kg) because the disc-drive mannequin. Nonetheless, this digital console ought to be ever so barely lighter than that because of the absence of the disc drive. Within the grand scheme of issues, this doesn’t have any bearing on the general bulkiness or kind issue of the console; whereas actually smarter and extra compact than the unwieldy PS5 silhouette, you continue to gained’t wish to transfer your Xbox round an excessive amount of given its dimension and weight.
Boxed contents for the console are very simple. In addition to the console, you get a Robotic White Xbox Wi-fi Controller – which I really feel seems to be a lot nicer than the pretty bog-standard Carbon Black. The distinction of the black thumbsticks, d-pad, and face buttons pops out actually properly right here on the Robotic White controller. In any other case, you’ve bought an influence lead and HDMI cable for hooking the console as much as your TV.
Sadly, there’s no inclusion of an Xbox Sport Go subscription, which I feel would’ve been a welcome addition given the console’s all-digital nature, and with it largely being geared toward of us who’re seeking to purchase into the present Xbox technology at a cheaper price level.
When you boot up the console and have all of it arrange, you’ll be greeted with the same old Home windows 11-based Xbox dashboard. There are not any adjustments right here from different current-generation Xbox items which is to be anticipated.
Xbox Sequence X Digital Version: Efficiency
- Full fats Sequence X expertise, together with assist for 4K and framerates as much as 120fps on supported TVs
- Impressively quiet efficiency whereas gaming
- 800GB of usable space for storing doesn’t go very far
Due to teardown movies, we all know that the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version has barely revised inner parts, choosing a smaller motherboard, a distinct cooling system, and total barely decrease wattage than the launch Sequence X. Nonetheless, there are not any notable shifts in efficiency right here. The Digital Version shouldn’t be a PS5 Professional-style improve; you’re getting Xbox Sequence X efficiency albeit in all-digital kind.
The Xbox Sequence X Digital Version helps decision as much as 4K, although you will discover that almost all video games compromise on framerate with a view to obtain this goal. Consequently, most of the greatest Xbox Sequence X video games supply efficiency mode choices, permitting you to go for larger framerates at the price of picture high quality. On that entrance, the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version can goal framerates of as much as 120fps.
There are even some video games that provide efficiency modes concentrating on this. However do remember the fact that you’ll want a suitable gaming TV with a view to make use of this. Similar to the launch mannequin, the Digital Version additionally boosts efficiency for the greatest Xbox One video games by default, so that you’ll be getting the easiest out of these older video games too.
The Xbox Sequence X Digital Version additionally has assist for top dynamic vary (HDR) and variable refresh charge (VRR). The previous leverages the tech of suitable TVs (usually OLED and QLED fashions) to supply a a lot richer and crisper coloration palette. In the meantime, VRR is ready to clean over video games with rocky efficiency at 40fps or larger, making a extra secure play expertise total.
As with the bottom mannequin, the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version is exceptionally quiet throughout gaming. You’ll solely ever hear the followers whirring on a recent boot. I examined every thing from light-weight indie video games like Hole Knight and Vampire Survivors all the way in which as much as extra demanding AAA releases like Lies of P and Forza Horizon 4. Until you’re actually listening out for it (even then you definately’d virtually must press your ear up towards the console itself), you gained’t hear a peep out of your console throughout gameplay, downloads, or installs.
The one factor when it comes to total efficiency that could possibly be a dealbreaker for you is the quantity of usable space for storing accessible on the console. As talked about, you’re getting round 800GB of usable house. It’s completely a 1TB SSD within the console, however roughly a fifth of that house needs to be taken up by its working system and important software program.
The truth is that you just’re not gaining any extra space for storing by going all-digital; on variations of the console with a disc drive, bodily video games nonetheless have to be put in with a view to be performed. And though it’s a less expensive console relative, that’s not by a lot. I’d in fact suggest investing in one of many greatest Xbox Sequence X onerous drives and SSDs, however the $50 / £50 worth drop compared to the bottom Sequence X console doesn’t offset the excessive value of these inner storage playing cards from Seagate or WD Black.
You’ll be able to in fact go for a less expensive exterior storage resolution, however it’s value noting that these will be unable to run Xbox Sequence X|S video games or enhanced titles; you’ll strictly be restricted to storing them right here till you switch them to the console’s important SSD.
If the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version was barely cheaper or supplied a real 1TB after the important installs, then I’d really feel way more snug recommending it. In abstract, I really feel that Microsoft might have performed extra particularly with the console nonetheless costing effectively above $400 / £400.
On a greater word, it’s value noting that console setup is very simple and, in case you have an present Microsoft account, you possibly can carry over your complete sport library, save information (together with cloud saves), subscriptions, and fee particulars when you’ve owned Xbox consoles prior. You don’t even must have any earlier consoles switched on concurrently for this, and the entire course of could be performed by way of the Xbox app in your iOS or Android cellphone.
Ought to I purchase the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally contemplate…
The Xbox Sequence X Digital Version isn’t your solely possibility on the subject of current-generation Xbox consoles. You may additionally wish to contemplate the next choices.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Xbox Sequence X Digital Version | Xbox Sequence X | Xbox Sequence S 1TB |
| Value | $449.99 / £429.99 / AU$699 | $499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799 | $349.99 / £299.99 / AU$549 |
| Dimensions | 5.9in x 5.9in x 11.9in / 15.1cm x 15.1cm x 30.1cm | 5.9in x 5.9in x 11.9in / 15.1cm x 15.1cm x 30.1cm | 2.6in x 5.9in x 10.8in / 6.5cm x 15.1cm x 27.5cm |
| Weight | 9.8lbs (4.5kg) | 9.8lbs (4.5kg) | 4.25lbs (1.9kg) |
| Capability | 1TB SSD | 1TB SSD (2TB on the Galaxy Black Version) | 1TB SSD (512GB on the usual mannequin) |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6, ethernet | WiFi 6, ethernet | WiFi 6, ethernet |
| CPU | Customized Zen 2 CPU | Customized Zen 2 CPU | Customized Zen 2 CPU |
| GPU | Customized RDNA 2 GPU | Customized RDNA 2 GPU | Customized RDNA 2 GPU |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB | 10GB |
| Reminiscence bandwidth | 10 GB at 560 GB/s, 6 GB at 336 GB/s | 10 GB at 560 GB/s, 6 GB at 336 GB/s | 8 GB at 224 GB/s, 2 GB at 56 GB/s |
| Ports | 3 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x energy, 1 x ethernet, 1 x storage enlargement | 3 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x energy, 1 x ethernet, 1 x storage enlargement | 3 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x energy, 1 x ethernet, 1 x storage enlargement |
How I reviewed the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version
I examined the Xbox Sequence X Digital Version over a interval of every week and a half, pairing it with the included Robotic White Xbox Wi-fi Controller and my LG CX OLED TV, which let me make use of options like 4K/120fps assist in addition to HDR and variable refresh charge.
I examined a wide range of video games from my present Xbox library, together with AAA hits like Forza Horizon 4, Sea of Thieves, and Elden Ring alongside indie favorites like Hole Knight and Vampire Survivors. I additionally performed backwards suitable titles together with Ridge Racer 6, Sonic Unleashed, and Crimson Skies.
General, I discovered efficiency to be consistent with the unique Xbox Sequence X when evaluating the 2 fashions straight, with no noticeable downgrades or enhancements. Relaxation assured that when you’re choosing the Digital Version, you’ll be getting a real Xbox Sequence X expertise at a cheaper price level.
First reviewed October 2024.
