Consoles & handhelds / Review roundup

Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X reviewed by Tom’s Guide
Image: Tom’s GuidePhoto from the review; Xbox Series X

Roundup updated 2026-10-08 · Summary based on 2 review sources

What reviewers found

Review summary

TechRadar: The system features backward compatibility across three prior Xbox console generations and works with existing Xbox One accessories. TechRadar: The console generates notable heat similar to the Xbox One X, requiring adequate surrounding clearance for its top vents. Tom’s Guide: The cooling system operates quietly and effectively despite containing powerful components in a compact chassis.

A roundup of published reviews; we haven’t tested this product. How we work

At a glance

Good for

Players checking their game library, controls and full ownership cost

The catch

The console generates notable heat similar to the Xbox One X, requiring adequate surrounding clearance for its top vents.; The matte black chassis and controller surfaces are susceptible to noticeable scuff marks and scratches.

Compare with Nintendo Switch 2 →

Where to buy

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Strengths and limitations

Pros

  • The system features backward compatibility across three prior Xbox console generations and works with existing Xbox One accessories.
  • The cooling system operates quietly and effectively despite containing powerful components in a compact chassis.
  • Quick Resume lets users switch between multiple suspended games and jump back in where they left off much faster than booting from scratch.
  • Cross-platform cloud synchronization effortlessly pulls older save data from the cloud so players can resume previous game progress.

Cons

  • The console generates notable heat similar to the Xbox One X, requiring adequate surrounding clearance for its top vents.
  • The matte black chassis and controller surfaces are susceptible to noticeable scuff marks and scratches.
  • The bundled controller continues to rely on AA alkaline batteries rather than an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
BENCHMARK COVERAGE

Benchmarks not available yet

We don’t have published benchmark results for this model yet.

In depth

TechRadar · Heat Emission

The console generates notable heat similar to the Xbox One X, requiring adequate surrounding clearance for its top vents.

TechRadar

TechRadar · Matte Finish Prone to Scuffs

The matte black chassis and controller surfaces are susceptible to noticeable scuff marks and scratches.

TechRadar

TechRadar · Usable Storage Capacity

The included 1TB internal SSD provides 802GB of usable space, with system files occupying 198GB.

TechRadar

TechRadar · Extensive Backward Compatibility

The system features backward compatibility across three prior Xbox console generations and works with existing Xbox One accessories.

TechRadar

Tom’s Guide · Quiet and Cool Operation

The cooling system operates quietly and effectively despite containing powerful components in a compact chassis.

Tom’s Guide

Tom’s Guide · Quick Resume Feature

Quick Resume lets users switch between multiple suspended games and jump back in where they left off much faster than booting from scratch.

Tom’s Guide

Tom’s Guide · AA Battery Powered Controller

The bundled controller continues to rely on AA alkaline batteries rather than an integrated rechargeable battery pack.

Tom’s Guide

Tom’s Guide · Seamless Save Synchronization

Cross-platform cloud synchronization effortlessly pulls older save data from the cloud so players can resume previous game progress.

Tom’s Guide

Specifications

Check storage, included accessories, game compatibility and subscription requirements.

TechRadar · Xbox Series X

CPU
8x Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
Die Size
360.45 mm2
Process
7nm Enhanced
Memory
16 GB GDDR6 w/ 320b bus
Optical Drive
4K UHD Blu-ray Drive
Performance Target
4K @ 60fps, Up to 120fps
TechRadar

Tom’s Guide · Xbox Series X

Processor
Custom AMD Zen 2, 8-core, 3.8GHz
RAM
16GB
Storage
1TB
Display (Targeted)
4K, 60 fps
Display (Max)
8K, 120 fps
Tom’s Guide

Still unknown

  • Some specifications differ between reviews. Check the manufacturer’s details before buying.

Published reviews & comparisons

TechRadar ·

Used in this summary

TechRadar review ↗

Model and test details

Reviewed model: Xbox Series X. See the original review for test settings.

Tom’s Guide ·

Used in this summary

Tom’s Guide review ↗

Model and test details

Reviewed model: Xbox Series X. See the original review for test settings.

Specification references

TechRadar — Reviewed model: Xbox Series X. See the original review for test settings.

Tom’s Guide — Reviewed model: Xbox Series X. See the original review for test settings.

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