Xbox Series X Long Term Review | Two Years Later...

The Xbox Series X is still my favourite home console as we hit 2023 and this long term review runs through the games situation, and compares it vs the Sony PS5. While the Xbox Series X isn't a portable wonder like the Steam Deck, I still think it's the best choice against the PS5. Game Pass, the excellent software support and other features make it an excellent choice, and you can actually buy it in 2023 too!

Microsoft has made sure that plenty of games now support the full potential of the Xbox Series X, from the 120Hz action to the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos capabilities. As long as you have a telly and sound system to keep up with it, this console can pump out some seriously impressive graphics and audio.

Game Pass remains one of the most compelling reasons to buy yourself an Xbox Series X two years post-launch however. Those day one releases are coming thick and fast and the catalogue is as diverse and addictive as ever. I seriously haven't bought a fresh game in months, because there's too much to play here!

So have you been enjoying the Series X as much as me? Let me know below!

Xbox Series X Long Term Review Chapters:
0:00 - Blather
0:55 - Design
1:55 - Startup & updates
2:34 - UI
3:47 - Games catalogue
4:43 - Visuals & audio
6:21 - Game Pass
7:41 - Storage
8:09 - Best console for 2023?
8:51 - Entertainment
9:27 - Verdict

[ToesDownWithBass]

Series X is legit! It's so silent and games load super fast. I don't mind the aesthetics because I can tell they went full on function over looks.

[budthecyborg]

I started playing Resident Evil 2 on hardcore difficulty and Quick Resume is a lifesaver, this feature genuinely makes the Xbox better than the PC version.
Normally playing on hardcore means you're forced to finish the game in only a dozen play sessions because saving progress is limited by the number of ink ribbons you find in game, but on Xbox I can start up and stop playing as often as I like because Quick Resume doesn't end the play session when I turn off the console.

[Kameleonic]

I have the Series S, and it's wonderful in comparison to my outdated PC, particularly sweet for those like me that cannot afford a Series X or PS5, and still play the newest games that look great on a 4K TV.

[kenosabi]

External drive is where it's at. I have a 4tb and it's been excellent.

[SpontaneousWeasel]

Loved gaming on the mini fridge since launch - whisper quiet, great 4k gaming out of the box, gamepass is very impressive value, quick resume is very convenient. Honestly I expected to spend more time on the ps5 this gen but Microsoft have really surprised me with this one. I would recommend grabbing a 4tb HDD to slap in the back for extra storage - for any non 'series' games - I picked one up for around £60

[ManCave]

I must admit it took me a loooong time to take the plunge and get a series X as I really didn’t see it as a necessary upgrade. As it happens the performance and speed of the series x is a big big improvement over my XBox One. I used to have lots of slow loads, and issues switching between games, but the X has dispensed with all those issues and everything is slick and loads fast with no weird getting dumped back on the home page.

[ajdube]

I get to pickup my X next week! The old Xbox was alright but it's really struggling to keep up on the new COD. I looked at the PS5 but I have way too much invested in Xbox games. Excited for the quick load times!

[Noct]

Got mine today, last one at gamestop. My uber driver crashed on the way back, it's like the universe was doing everything it could to stop me from getting one, but I finally did it.

[Del-Canada]

I remember waiting 20/25 minutes for games to load on the Vic 20 tape drive. Crazy how far we have come.

[sweetswing]

I love the design of the xbox. It's monolithic. When you have it vertical, it looks like it's floating due to the hidden stand.

[matthewpotter]

It’s great. Bought it for myself last Christmas (even though I wouldn’t consider myself a hardcore gamer). Whisper quiet and the quick resume/load times are a game changer for me. Even on my 4k HDR (non 120HZ) screen, games look awesome. Backwards compatibility is sweet and game pass…. Well game pass. It’s brilliant. All in all, not a purchase I regret. As you’ve highlighted, my only real annoyance is the interface…. It gets the job done but not the cleanest in my opinion!

[derekf]

Game pass is really good! I have a series x and PS5, in addition to a steam deck and I find myself on game pass the majority of the time on my series x..

[OcarinaHero]

The series X is interesting and the Xbox brand in general to me now. It doesn’t have the same energy that the Xbox 360 era did and it saddens me. I love the 360 and the games that came out for it. It was a time like no other, it really is indescribable. The Xbox One and Series X have had the same vibe which is not bad but not magical as before and perhaps that’s just me getting older but I still can’t help but feel this way. Nonetheless, the series x is a great machine, I just hope some of that magic returns someday.

[fuiers]

The fact I still play AC: Valhalla tells something. What a journey it has been. Still have not finished the main storyline.

[steeevebt]

Just completed Guardians OTG .loved it. Now I'm half way through High on life. Loving Game Pass Ultimate.

[jimthehitmanable]

Great review 👍 happy Christmas to you and your family tech and thanks for the great show s all year 🎄👍

[hughmungus_]

had one for 7 or 8 months and honestly, the only feature that blew me away was the quick resume. It's paired with an LG C1 in my living room so it also has the GSYNC/Freesync compatibility too but honestly I'm kind of underwhelmed.
Gamepass lacks the abundance of true AAA day-one releases that it promised and although there are some indie gems it does not warrant the subscription cost for me, I can understand that this will vary from person to person. I continue to play 95% of the time on my PC and await a truly great experience on the series x in the future

[samtalbot-cross]

One of the best things about the Series X after two years of experience with it is just how easy everything is. Game pass means I never have to buy a game, performance never falters and it’s silent

[confusedhop]

Just switched from PS4 to the Series S, kinda miss the single-player exclusives that I didn't get a chance to play. But.. oh man did I upgrade. The Series S cost me just a bit more than my used PS4 back in the day and that GamePass along with the snappy load times just makes such a difference. Not to mention the number of friends on PC I can now play with because of the extended cross-platform support. The Series X and PS5 is definitely a powerhouse, but I would say get the Series S, because it's a solid bang for the buck.

[bill]

After using both consoles, I do like the Xbox a little bit better