Microsoft’s super console finally has a price and a release date – along with a new name. The newly christened, the “Xbox One X” (clunky title) will be out in November – and for once, Aussie gamers aren’t getting slugged with an Australia Tax. Here are the pricing, specification, release date details and other frequently asked questions.
What is the Xbox One X?
Formerly known as Project Scorpio, the Xbox One X is Microsoft’s answer to the PlayStation 4 Pro. Like the Pro, the Xbox One X is not a “next-generation” console. Rather, it’s a ‘suped up version of the original console that is fully compatible with existing Xbox One games. Many of these games will sport enhanced graphics, similar to how Blu-ray players upscale DVDs, but on a grander scale.
It has the same connectivity options as the Xbox One S: an HDMI output and HDMI input, three USB 3.0 ports (one on the front, two in the back), an infrared repeater and SP/DIF digital audio output, and an Ethernet port for wired internet. The Microsoft Kinect port has been removed, but you can still use the motion controller via a USB adaptor.
So, what’s different?
Microsoft is billing the Xbox One X as the most powerful console ever created. It uses a custom-designed 6-teraflop GPU with a 16-nanometre chip boasting 17 billion transistors. It also has an eight-core CPU with 320 gigabits of memory bandwidth and a new vapor chamber cooling system to keep everything running smoothly. In practice, this means the Xbox One X will be capable of generating far more realistic and complex graphical routines with the potential for native 4K/HDR gaming at 60 frame per second.
Like the Xbox One S, it also comes with a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive so you can watch 4K Blu-ray discs on the console. (This is a feature that the PlayStation 4 Pro controversially lacks.)
In terms of appearance, the Xbox One X looks virtually identical to the Xbox One S, but finished in black instead of white. This will be sure to please audiophiles who want a uniform home entertainment center.
It’s slightly heavier than the previous versions, presumably due to the new GPU and liquid cooling system. (For those wondering, the power supply unit is hidden inside the console. Hurrah!)
Will Xbox One X replace existing Xbox consoles?
No. Microsoft plans to sell the Xbox One X alongside the Xbox One S and original Xbox One. Confusingly, this means consumers now have three Xbox consoles to choose from, all of which play the same games.
Xbox One X Specifications
The hero of the Xbox One X is its new GPU but that’s not the only improvement beneath the hood. Here are the chief specifications:
| CPU | Custom-built, 2.3Ghz chipset (8 cores) |
| GPU | Six teraflop GPU at 1,172 MHz, 40 compute units |
| Memory | 12GB GDDR5 at 326 GB/s + 8GB Flash |
| Resolution | 2160p @ 60Hz |
| Storage | 1TB |
| Connectivity | HDMI-in, HDMI-out, 3x USB 3.0, IR receiver/blaster, SPDIF digital audio, Ethernet |
| Optical drive | 4K UHD Blu Ray |
| Weight | 3.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 300×240×60mm |
Xbox One X Australian Release Date
The Xbox One X will be out worldwide on November 7.
Xbox One X Australian Price
In Australia, the 1TB Xbox One X will be priced at $649. That actually works out cheaper than its US RRP of $US499, once exchange rates and sales tax are calculated. It’s possible that Microsoft will also release a 500GB version which should sell for even less.
Comments
4 responses to “Microsoft Xbox One X: Australian Pricing, Specs And Release Date”
Harrumble! All my complaints about the white-only Xbox One S must have gotten back to Redmond HQ.
ahh… except for moving the location of the bluray slot, moving the front USB location and some other changes… yeah… “virtually identical”…
None of those things really affect the outward appearance.
I don’t currently own an Xbox to compare, but the placement of both those things on the PS4 Pro is pretty awful. Thankfully I’ve only played one game since I bought it, so I’ve only had to push the edge of the disc into the front of the console once so far.
Major nelson confirmed ONLY 1 SKU which is the 1TB in an interview with Jeff K after the presenation. He also confirmed that there are to colours the “black” for retail customer and a special colour only for Microsoft employees that worked as a part of the team which will not be sold publicly
“In Australia, the 1TB Xbox One X will be priced at $649. That actually works out cheaper than its US RRP of $US499, once exchange rates and sales tax are calculated.”
The cheaper part is not true ?
$649 AUD is equivalent to $521 USD
Which the way I learned math makes it more than $499
Good try though
Yeah except you’re replying to an article 3 months after it was posted.
Exchange rates change daily.
Good try though.
Once us sales tax is added will cost more than $521. In Georgia it would add 7%