Xbox Official Xbox Series X thread

[Strychnine]

Don't waste your points on the lottery. You're squandering them as surely as if you walked into a Casino headed toward the slot machines with a fistful of cash.

I have mine set to donate to a food pantry where I live. I had some spare points, so I gave it a shot.

 

[Madmick]

I have mine set to donate to a food pantry where I live. I had some spare points, so I gave it a shot.

Quite noble of you.

 

[Strychnine]

Quite noble of you.

I know where they're at because I've been where they've been.

 

[Madmick]

Xbox Series X/S can use standard SSDs in the expansion card slot, it’s claimed
USER DISCOVERS THAT OTHER DRIVES CAN BE CONVERTED TO WORK IN THE CARD’S SLOT

A modder has managed to convert an internal SSD into an external Xbox Series X/S expansion card, and theorises that other non-proprietary SSDs could work too.

A member of Chinese website BiliBili has written a detailed blog on how they managed to buy another external SSD and get it running on the console as if it were the Seagate card.

The user says they discovered while watching a teardown video of the console that it used two PCIe 4.0 x2 slots, one for the internal NVMe SSD storage and another for the Seagate expansion card.

They also noted that the expansion card was a CFExpress card, which also uses the NVMe protocol. They theorised that as long as they could find the right PCIe 4.0 SSD, they could convert it to fit into the expansion card port using an adapter.

The SSD they opted for was a 1TB Western Digital SN530 m.2 2230, because according to the user, this is the same internal SSD that’s actually used in the Xbox Series X hardware (as discovered on other forums in the past).

By connecting this SSD to a CFe to NVMe adapter, the user was able to plug the SSD into an Xbox Series S via the expansion card.

The console recognised it, and listed it in the storage as ‘Storage Expansion Card’, giving the user 867 GB of extra storage.

The user stresses that they have only tested this with the same SSD that is used as the Xbox Series X/S internal storage, and it’s not guaranteed that other storage will work at this point.

“If there are experts out there who can try other NVMe PCIe 4.0 solid state drives, especially the 2280 length, which can be expanded to 4T or more, then the value of this discovery will be great,” they said (VGC’s translation). “I hope someone can give feedback if they test it.”

They added: “Someone tried inserting their camera card (CFexpress Type B, PCIe 3.0 x2, 2000MB/s) into the Xbox and got an incompatible pop-up.

“So the hard drive needs to support PCIe 4.0. It’s not clear whether there is a limit to the size of the hard drive capacity, and it’s also not clear whether PCIe 4.0 x4 can be used. If it can, [theoretically] PM9A1 and a large number of hard drives can be used. I’m looking forward the experts’ tests.”

I found one such adapter for $16.49 on Amazon with nearly 2K reviews (there are some as cheap as $10 from other vendors):
https://www.amazon.com/Sintech-Adapter-Upgrade-2013-2015-MacBook/dp/B01CWWAENG/

Assuming other PCIe 4.0 SSDs work even if only running at the reduced x2 speed, this could drop the total price of an expansion SSD to $147 (before tax/shipping) right now. That's a significant reduction from the $220 Seagate Expansion Card.

 

[Strychnine]

Xbox Series X/S can use standard SSDs in the expansion card slot, it’s claimed
USER DISCOVERS THAT OTHER DRIVES CAN BE CONVERTED TO WORK IN THE CARD’S SLOT

I found one such adapter for $16.49 on Amazon with nearly 2K reviews (there are some as cheap as $10 from other vendors):
https://www.amazon.com/Sintech-Adapter-Upgrade-2013-2015-MacBook/dp/B01CWWAENG/

Assuming other PCIe 4.0 SSDs work even if only running at the reduced x2 speed, this could drop the total price of an expansion SSD to $147 (before tax/shipping) right now. That's a significant reduction from the $220 Seagate Expansion Card.

Please don't lock this out Microsoft. Heck, you're giving away Windows 11 for freaking free for Pete's sake.

 

[Deadwing88]

Someone leaked a bunch of info and images from a early build of Redfall..

Summarized:

-Game is described as open world game in line with something between Borderlands and Breath of the Wild. A core story taking you across the world, but also a myriad of side arcs, missions, and fights.

- Gameplay style/loop is very similar to Borderlands

- Seamless openworld compared to the likes of BoTw and Ghost of Tsushima

-Can be played solo or co-op

- 6 Playable characters to chose from

-Each character has a unique hero ability

-One character had a bird that acted as a sort-of drone, and the other could cloak for added stealth. Another character had something similar to a shadow hop or other short-range teleport move (Blink ability in Dishonored)

-Game can be tackled stealth or guns blazing

-Get XP from killing enemies and doing missions (theres side missions)

-There are bossfights in the game similar to bosses of Borderlands

-Size of the map is similar in scope to Fallout 76 or Ghost of Tsushima

-Mix of traditional weapons like rifles and handguns, and also more unique stuff like a Stake Launcher.

-Enemies are a dynamic mix of ranged, melee, vampire, and human.

- There are NPCs, but not AI partners replacing human co-op like in Left 4 Dead. Closer to Borderlands or Assassin's Creed NPCs.

 

[Madmick]

-Can be played solo or co-op

Fingers crossed for cross-platform co-op.

This needs to become the new norm. It's still rare, and even more rare for campaigns/PvE versus online multiplayer/PvP. It's so dope being able to play with your friends on console.

 

[Hitman81]

Any headset recommendations? I'm leaning towards the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2.

 

[SherDoggyDogg]

Any headset recommendations? I'm leaning towards the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2.

Astro a40 is cheap but good
Arctic pro by steel series is what me and my friend have. It's great

 

[Deadwing88]

Fingers crossed for cross-platform co-op.

This needs to become the new norm. It's still rare, and even more rare for campaigns/PvE versus online multiplayer/PvP. It's so dope being able to play with your friends on console.

I presume there will be given the increased integration between PC/Xbox..

You can play Halo etc, cross platform.

 

[rikwebb]

 

[Strychnine]

Of course you know Halo... But do you know the REAL story behind Halo?

 

[Madmick]

Any headset recommendations? I'm leaning towards the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2.

You'll find many here:
Sherdog > Gaming headsets thread

My favorite lab, and always my first stop for reviews:
Rtings: Best Xbox Gaming Headsets

I've customized a table for the Xbox Series X/S here:
https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/table/62343

Notes on custom table:

• "Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless" is there so you can filter for any headsets that aren't truly wireless on the newest Xbox systems. This includes filtering out those that specifically don't offer a non-Bluetooth connection (for lower latencies).
• "Wireless Gaming" is their score that weights all their different individual measurements with an aim towards presenting the best overall wireless headsets. FYI, you can use your mouse cursor to hover over the blue question mark next to any of these categorical scores to see how they weight it precisely.
  
• "Neutral Sound" indicates raw, objective sound quality. The best score here are the best-sounding headsets.
• "Passive Soundstage" and "Imaging" are, theoretically, the most important metrics for sound in gaming for those interested in a competitive advantage (i.e. headsets with the best scores here will offer the most accurate directional cues to where a sound is originating in a virtual 3D environment)
• Finally, I included "Base/Dock Charging" because I know a lot of console gamers like to have a station to hang up their headphones next to their console/TV since they don't have a PC tower or monitor with a headset hanger, and the only meaningful other function such a dock serves is to charge the headset (pretty useless without that). Either way, it's not a huge deal, because the console has power-carrying USB ports, and almost all of these wireless headphones now charge via USB.

Anyways, it looks like the Steelseries Arctis 9X and Steelseries Arctis 7X are the pretty obvious winners. Pricey, though. We're talking $199 and $143, respectively.
9X: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RJHH6Q8
7X: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Steelseries-Xbox-Arctis-7X-Headset-for-Series-X-S/996217534

 

[Strychnine]

You'll find many here:
Sherdog > Gaming headsets thread

My favorite lab, and always my first stop for reviews:
Rtings: Best Xbox Gaming Headsets

I've customized a table for the Xbox Series X/S here:
https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/table/62343

Notes on custom table:

• "Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless" is there so you can filter for any headsets that aren't truly wireless on the newest Xbox systems. This includes filtering out those that specifically don't offer a non-Bluetooth connection (for lower latencies).
• "Wireless Gaming" is their score that weights all their different individual measurements with an aim towards presenting the best overall wireless headsets. FYI, you can use your mouse cursor to hover over the blue question mark next to any of these categorical scores to see how they weight it precisely.
  
• "Neutral Sound" indicates raw, objective sound quality. The best score here are the best-sounding headsets.
• "Passive Soundstage" and "Imaging" are, theoretically, the most important metrics for sound in gaming for those interested in a competitive advantage (i.e. headsets with the best scores here will offer the most accurate directional cues to where a sound is originating in a virtual 3D environment)
• Finally, I included "Base/Dock Charging" because I know a lot of console gamers like to have a station to hang up their headphones next to their console/TV since they don't have a PC tower or monitor with a headset hanger/rack, and the only meaningful other function such a dock serves is to charge the headset (pretty useless without that). Either way, it's not a huge deal, because the console has power-carrying USB ports, and almost all of these wireless headphones now charge via USB.

Anyways, it looks like the Steelseries Arctis 9X and Steelseries Arctis 7X are the pretty obvious winners. Pricey, though. We're talking $199 and $143, respectively.
9X: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RJHH6Q8
7X: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Steelseries-Xbox-Arctis-7X-Headset-for-Series-X-S/996217534

 

[Steve-French]

I lucked out and was able to get a Series X. I haven't been trying too hard but I checked a notification video and Walmart had them in stock. I was only able to do it via all access as it wouldn't just let me purchase it flat out, but that's okay.

I would rather have just bought it flat out, but this is cool too. $35 a month ($840 after two years) isn't shit and I will always have Game Pass Ultimate for the next two years. I really wanted to get one in time for Far Cry 6 and it looks like I just made it.

Thank you @Strychnine for posting that link to the realtime Youtube alert video ITT. I've been checking it from time to time and I had it open in a tab and it gave me an audio alert when the Series X's were in stock.

 

[Strychnine]

I lucked out and was able to get a Series X. I haven't been trying too hard but I checked a notification video and Walmart had them in stock. I was only able to do it via all access as it wouldn't just let me purchase it flat out, but that's okay.

I would rather have just bought it flat out, but this is cool too. $35 a month ($840 after two years) isn't shit and I will always have Game Pass Ultimate for the next two years. I really wanted to get one in time for Far Cry 6 and it looks like I just made it.

Thank you @Strychnine for posting that link to the realtime Youtube alert video ITT. I've been checking it from time to time and I had it open in a tab and it gave me an audio alert when the Series X's were in stock.

Hey man! Congrats and enjoy! The 4k and frames per sec are just SWEET! Always glad to help a sherbro!

 

[rikwebb]

The Initiative are partnering up with Crystal Dynamics to work on the development of Perfect Dark

 

[WhiteMousse]

I have mine set to donate to a food pantry where I live. I had some spare points, so I gave it a shot.

Your actions are consistent with your words. You have my respect. Of course I'm an asshole so I don't know how much that's worth

 

[Steve-French]

Are the Series X controllers any better. I like the feel of them and everything, but the L3 always seems to break from using the sprint button. I've never actually broken one, but one of my friends has broken 6 or 7 of them by blowing out the L3 button when we play NHL.

He would always return them for me when he breaks them as I kept the receipts, but I tell him to bring his own controller if when he comes over to game now. I have a 1st gen elite controller, but that ended up with stick drift, so I don't use it any more. I was just wondering if these new base controllers are more durable.

 

[Strychnine]

Your actions are consistent with your words. You have my respect. Of course I'm an asshole so I don't know how much that's worth