Xbox One vs Xbox Series X - is it worth upgrading?


As we get closer to the next-gen console launch, more information is being released about both the Xbox Series X and the PS5. Those who already own the Xbox One will be wanting to know whether it’s worth the upgrade to the new console.

The Xbox One has had a tricky existence so far and is definitely considered to have lost the battle to the PS4, but Microsoft has come out swinging with the next iteration.

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Xbox One vs. Xbox Series X: Release Date & Price 

The Xbox One came out in 2013 and has a few revamps since then. Depending on functionality and game packages, you are now paying between £199 ($249) and £299 ($349)for an Xbox One or Xbox One X. The reality is this price will crash when the Xbox Series X is released.

The price of the Xbox Series X hasn’t been released yet but the lessons of the PS3 in 2006 going way too high are still fresh in everyone’s memory. The expectation is for it to be around the £449 ($499) mark.

Xbox One vs. Xbox Series X: Specs 

A few days ago Microsoft announced the next round of specifications of the Xbox Series X and it’s impressive.

  • CPU: 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.8GHz (3.6GHz with SMT) 7nm
  • GPU: 12 TFLOPs, 52 CUs at 1.825GHz, Custom RDNA 2
  • Memory: 16GB GDDR6
  • Storage: 1TB custom NVMe SSD
  • Optical drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray
  • 120 fps support
  • Potential 8K resolutions
  • Ray-tracing technology
  • Variable Rate Shading for more stable frame rates
  • Compatible with Xbox One accessories

You can see from the advertising that Microsoft is focusing on the 12 teraflop GPU as its selling point. This is twice the power of the Xbox One X which is needed for the state of the art graphics card.

Storage and resolution are moderately better than its predecessor, but the specs are what is separating the two in price and capability. In short, this is what you’re upgrading for. Load times should be annihilated and the ability to jump between apps and games seamlessly is a huge plus of the new console. 

Xbox One vs. Xbox Series X: Games

We are still waiting to hear more about the launch games that will come with the Xbox Series X. Halo Infinite is the lead title, but it remains to be seen whether this will be Series X only. For a true comparison, it’s worth remembering that Microsoft is committed to backward and forward capability and has repeated that recently.

Games are likely to be available cross-platform and therefore, the real difference is going to be the improvements to graphics and speed from playing on the Xbox Series X as opposed to the Xbox One.

Over time more games will come out on the Xbox Series X that will leverage the power of the GPU and therefore need to be edited or not even released on backward compatibility, but for now, this is a close one. 

Xbox One vs. Xbox Series X: Verdict

The Xbox Series X is growing in popularity based on the information being revealed. Whilst there will still be a huge debate about this console vs the PS5 when it comes to comparing to its predecessor its a no-brainer.

The difference in spec is huge, and even the Xbox One X saw a jump in visuals and experience that was noticeable. So the idea of doubling that again makes this an easy upgrade to make.

There won’t be the list of games that entice people to say goodbye to their current console, but that's more about increased commitments to compatibility and console developers trying to look after consumers a little better - and we welcome that.

If you are adamant about getting an Xbox One, wait until the Xbox Series X has launched and you will be able to pick up a bargain around Xmas 2020.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Buying Guides, Features, Gaming, Hardware, and Next-Gen pages.