【Xbox Series X/S】 Released on November 10, 2020! Still going strong! What kind of devices are the Xbox Series X/S, continuing to advance at the forefront of the Xbox Series?

The Xbox Series X/S, launched by Microsoft under the banner “Power Your Dreams,” is not just a next-generation console. It can be called an engine for turning dreams into reality. These two models, introduced in 2020, each have a distinct personality while both delivering the next-generation gaming experience to users. The Series X, which excels in power and speed, and the Series S, which offers a compact and affordable way to feel the breath of the next generation. This flexible configuration superbly addresses the diversification of entertainment that gaming provides.

The Xbox Series X, by its very design philosophy, aimed for “the strongest.” Based on AMD's RDNA2 architecture, it achieves both astonishing processing speed and rendering power. Performance capable of 4K/120fps as a standard, and even handling 8K resolution and realistic lighting effects via ray tracing, effortlessly surpasses the framework of a home console. Despite having specifications akin to a high-performance gaming PC, operation is intuitive, allowing you to jump straight into the game world upon startup. This “silent persuasion of power” is something you will feel more and more the more you use it.

On the other hand, the Series S is a model with uncompromised performance despite its minimal configuration. By limiting the image quality to WQHD, the size has been reduced and the price kept down. Nevertheless, its fundamental performance is on par with the Series X, with high-speed loading via SSD and RDNA2-based graphics processing both intact. It is the perfect choice for those new to Xbox or users considering it as a secondary console. A genuine gaming experience, even in a small package—that is the characteristic appeal of the Series S.

One of the major appeals of the Xbox Series X/S is its powerful backward compatibility. The fact that games from the past three generations—starting with the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One—can be played as is on the Series X/S is truly like an archive of gaming culture. Furthermore, it's more than just compatibility; it's astonishing that users benefit from reduced loading times and stable frame rates. For long-time fans, the continued viability of their game library as an asset is a huge draw.

Another feature to note is “Smart Delivery.” This is a system where, once a game is purchased, the optimal version is automatically provided for whatever generation of hardware you are playing on. There's no need to buy the game again, and upgrading requires no effort. This user-first design has revolutionized the relationship between hardware and software. It indicates that the act of ownership is transforming from merely possessing a physical item to continuously sharing an experience.

While Xbox has struggled in the Japanese market until now, that trend is certainly starting to change with the arrival of the Series X/S. A combination of factors, including the introduction of Game Pass, an increase in Japanese titles, and rising prices for competing consoles, is helping it steadily expand its fan base. Cumulative sales are growing at a pace that will surpass previous models, and its return to the Tokyo Game Show is a symbolic event. The day is coming when “Xbox” will once again be naturally discussed as a viable option in Japan.