Everything to know about Xbox Series X|S (Except how to get one)

Quick Resume

Quick resume is a new feature powered by the technical capabilities and the innovative Xbox Velocity Architecture.

It enables you to continue up to 3 Series X|S games from a suspended state almost instantly, returning you to where you were without waiting through loading screens.

The feature is enabled by default and works in the background.

Suspended games do not take up additional storage space, the Xbox automatically the partitions drive meaning usable storage isn't affected!

Suspended games do not affect console performance.

Quick Resume FAQ:

How many games can be suspended at once?

The Quick Resume feature allows the Xbox Series X|S consoles to store three save-states for full memory Xbox Series X|S games. Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox consoles games use less memory, so the consoles can store more
than three when theses games are saved.

Do suspended games take-up additional storage space?

No. Storage for games and apps doesn't change when the console stores Quick Resume save-states.

Will my console performance get worse the more games I have suspended?

No. Because the games that are saved for Quick Resume aren't running on the console. there's no impact to how the console performs.

How do I see which games are suspended at this time?

At this time, the team isn't planning on displaying a list if which games have a Quick Resume save-sate.

Does this feature work for apps as well?

Quick Resume is built specifically for games. The feature doesn't support apps, but typically, app load times are much faster than games.

Which games don't quick resume?

Quick Resume works across most-played titles. Some games that are played less frequently won't be supported but the team is working all the time to add Quick Resume support for more games.

Storage

Xbox Series X comes with a 1TB SSD and the Xbox Series S comes with 512GB SSD both consoles storage can be upgraded with the 1TB SSD Storage Expansion Card.

USB 3.1 and USB 3.2 drives can still be used to play Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Original Xbox games on Xbox Series X|S. They can also be used to store Optimized for Series X|S games.

You can not play Optimized for Series X|S games on a USB drive.

You will receive this error message if you try and play Optimized for Series X|S game on a USB drive.

"Newer games need faster storage.

You can install [Game Name] on a USB drive. But to play it, you'll need to move the game to the console's internal storage or a Storage Expansion Card."

Controller

The Xbox Series X|S is all about speed, compatibility across generations and the power to create deeper experiences. The Xbox team wanted to develop the controller that helps fully realize these promises, keeping in mind that
even improvements that may seem small initially can make a big impact.

The Xbox Design Team developed a next-generation controller to deliver what fans wanted most:

- Easier Sharing

Gaming is an important way people connect with each other. It's often how friends hang out and stay in touch.

Capturing and sharing epic or meme-worthy moments are part of that experience and should be as quick and easy as possible.

Adding a Share button is the best way to make capturing and sharing instantaneously. Now it's easy to grab a screenshot or record a video without needing on-screen menus.

You can easily access and share content with your favourite social platforms or directly with friends.

- Improved Ergonomics

By accommodating hands similar to those of an average 8-year-old, and accessibility comfort is improved for hundreds of millions more people without negatively affecting the experience for those with larger hands.

This was done by rounding the bumper, slightly reducing and rounds parts around the triggers, and carefully sculpting the grips.

- Better Cross-Device Connectivity

Not only is there cross-compatibility between Xbox Series X|S and Xbox consoles and controllers, but the controller can also be used across iOS, Android and Windows 10 devices.

- Reduced Latency

Dynamic Latency Input (DLI) synchronizes inputs with what is on the screen to reduce input latency between you and the display.

This means reduced response time and better control in fast-paced competitive games. This runs entirely in the background and does not require user input.

Backwards Compatibility

Xbox is all about putting games at the centre of their experience and backwards compatibility is a pillar of that vision.

As we move into the next generation with Xbox Series X|S backward compatibility has become more important than ever.

You can play thousands of games from four generations of Xbox with backward compatibility including optimized tiles at launch. You can use your Xbox one games accessories including controller, headsets and more on Xbox Series
X|S.

- You can play with other gamers across Xbox Generations eg you can play Call of Duty Black Ops 2 with players from Xbox 360, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

- You can access all your previously purchased games and subscriptions from Xbox One.

- Digital library and Game Pass will be accessible on Xbox Series X|S

Please note Kinect games are not supported on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Series S may not play the Xbox One X Enhanced version of a game. Xbox Sires S will play games at the best performance it can, since it isn't a 4K device, it
may not be running games at the performance of the Xbox One X. However, you can still experience many benefits such as improved loading times, Quick Resume and HDR.

Forwards Compatibility

With every new console generation, there's a transition phase when new games release just before the launch of a new system.

All Xbox One, Xbox Sires X|S saves are stored in the cloud automatically no subscription required.

The Achievements you have been pilling up for years will migrate. Gamerscores will be retained and remains the standard for how in-game accomplishments are officially measured.

Smart Delivery

Smart Delivery lets you buy Xbox One games right now, knowing you will get the most out of your game on Xbox Series X|S. All Xbox Game Studios exclusives offer Smart Delivery.

Third-party developers can implement Smart Delivery on all Xbox One games it will be up to the individual developer to determine whether they take advantage of Smart Delivery.

Smart Delivery FAQ

How do I know if I brought the right disc?

If you brought a Smart Delivery game, all of its discs will work you will get the best version of the game for your Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. Many Smart Delivery games will have the Smart Delivery icon in the upper
right corner on the front of the box and "Smart Delivery" listed on the back of the game case. Some games that were released on Xbox One prior to Xbox Series X|S console release, like Gears 5 for example, may have older cases that do not include the Smart
Delivery icon. The Xbox One disc will still work in an Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery will provide you with the best available version.

How do I know if a game supports Smart Delivery?

New Games

Here's how to find out if a new game you want to play supports Smart Delivery.

- Digital games: Look in the Store for the Smart Delivery Icon.

- Games on disc: Smart Delivery game disc cases have an icon in the upper right corner on the front of the game case and "Smart Delivery" listed on the back of the box.

Existing Games

- Look in the Store for the Smart Delivery icon

How do I know if I have the Xbox Series X|S optimized version of my game?

Depending on your console, go to My Games and Apps and filter to Xbox Series X|S games. If the game is listed then your game has successfully been upgraded to the best available version. If the optimized version has been released
but it is not listed check your download queue or update section. Which can happen if you do not have auto-update setting enabled.

Can I eject the disc while the game is updating online?

We recommend that you don't eject the disc while the game is updating.

Can I install the "legacy" version of the game on my Series X|S?

Smart Delivery makes sure that you get the best available version for the console you are playing on. If the Xbox series X|S Optimized version is available, that's the only version available to download and install on Xbox Series
X|S consoles for all players of the game.

Can I do a network transfer of a Smart Delivery game between my Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One?

Yes. When you transfer the game to an Xbox Series X|s the Xbox Series X|S optimized version will be downloaded and installed if it's available. If it's not, the backward compatible version will be installed. When you transfer
the game to an Xbox One, the Xbox One version will be downloaded and installed.

Can I transfer the Xbox Series X|S version of a Smart Delivery game onto my USB external drive?

Yes. Xbox Series X|S Optimized games can't run from a USB drive but you can transfer them to store or move to another Xbox Series X|S.

When the Xbox Series X|S upgrade is ready for my Smart Delivery game, will the game also be upgraded on my Xbox One console?

No, this upgrade will only happen on your Xbox Series X|S console. The Xbox One version won't be impacted.

If a game doesn't support Smart Delivery, does that mean it won't work on my Xbox Series X|S console?

Xbox Series X|S optimized games that don't support Smart Delivery can be played on Xbox Series X|S console. Xbox One Games that support backwards compatibility can also be played on the Xbox Series X|S.

Will, my progress be saved when switching between an Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One?

Yes. For Smart Delivery games, game saves, achievements and progress will all continue where you left off.

Video Capability

The refresh rate of your display refers to how many times per second the screen refreshes the image. With higher refresh rates comes smoother gameplay and potentially reduced reaction times, making for an improved gaming experience.
To achieve a refresh rate of 120Hz there are minimum requirements such as the TV/ Monitor needs to support HDMI 2.1.

The refresh rate (Hz) of a display does not affect the frames per second. However, if your frames per second are higher than your refresh rate, your display will not be able to display all of the frames your console is producing.

Remote Play

Remote Play is a feature of the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One that allows you to play games from your console straight to your Android or iOS device. Where cloud gaming lets you stream gameplay from an Azure data center using the
Xbox Game Pass app, Remote Play allows you to stream gameplay from your own console. This is an enhanced version of the current PC streaming capability on Xbox One. Remote Play for Windows 10 will come later.

Remote play works with Optimized for Series X|S and Xbox One games. Remote Play does not work for Xbox 360 and Original Xbox games.

To Remote Play you need:

- A compatible phone or tablet

- Bluetooth 4.0 and greater

- Xbox Wireless Controller connected via Bluetooth or USB cable

- Xbox One or later console

- Internet connection 5ghz or mobile data 10Mbps down

- Xbox App

Console Placement

Xbox Series X|S consoles can be placed either horizontally or vertically. The console should be placed on a stable surface, that is well-ventilated, relatively cool and away from direct heat sources. You should not put objects
on, under or right next to the console.

For proper ventilation and to prevent overheating you need to be sure the consoles have a minimum of 4-6 inches of clearance on all sides. The console should not be placed inside an enclosed cabinet. None of the console's vents
should be blocked.

What happens if there is not proper ventilation?

The console will automatically shut down and you will be presented with a message when you next turn on your console.

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