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Xbox One X with controller in front and vertical Xbox One S to the left

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The Xbox One X looks unremarkable, except for its size

How does it stack up to the rest of its family?

By Samit Sarkar
Photography by Austin Pikulski and Shai Ben-Dor/Vox Studios

The Xbox One X, the significantly more powerful version of Microsoft’s current-generation gaming console, is almost here. The system will launch worldwide next Tuesday, Nov. 7, but Microsoft sent us a review unit ahead of time so we could bring you our impressions of the hardware upgrade.

We can’t tell you about the Xbox One X just yet, due to embargo restrictions. But we recently took some glamour shots of the new console — including some alongside its older current-generation brothers — and we’re able to share them with you right now.

The Xbox One X isn’t the best-looking piece of electronics equipment ever made. It’s very similar in appearance to last year’s Xbox One S, but we prefer the older console’s striking white color to the more traditional black finish of the Xbox One X. Regardless, it is impressive in its size (or lack thereof), especially when compared to the launch Xbox One model.

Microsoft bills the Xbox One X as “the smallest console we’ve ever made,” which is remarkable considering how powerful the device is, even if the Xbox One X is only a hair slimmer than the Xbox One S. Both of them are approximately 40 percent smaller than the original Xbox One. See how all three consoles stack up below!

Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X stack - front right angle view
Well, that’s a lopsided ice cream sandwich. (From top to bottom: Xbox One X, Xbox One S, Xbox One.)
Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X stack - rear view
The Xbox One S and the Xbox One X have identical rear port arrays, even if the spacing is different. Note that only the original Xbox One has a Kinect port.
Xbox One X - right side close-up of ‘Hello from Seattle’ engraving
A friendly, inviting touch: The right side of the console is engraved with the greeting “Hello from Seattle — Xbox One X.” (Technically, Microsoft is headquartered in the Seattle suburb of Redmond, Washington.)
Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X stack - left side view
Xbox One X on top of Xbox One S
Microsoft rearranged some of the elements on the front of the console. The USB 3.0 port and IR sensor have swapped sides, while the eject button is now below the disc slot rather than to its right.
Xbox One X controller close-up in front of console
The controller included in the box matches the matte black finish of the Xbox One X. It’s the latest design of the gamepad, with the built-in headphone jack and Bluetooth radio.
Xbox One X - console corner with Xbox logo
It’s perfectly fine to stand up the Xbox One X, as evinced by the alignment of the Xbox branding on a vertically oriented console.
Xbox logo on bottom of Xbox One X
Yes, there’s even an Xbox logo on the underside of the Xbox One X.
Xbox One X - box contents
Here’s everything that comes in the Xbox One X box: The Xbox One X, one Xbox One controller with two Duracell AA batteries, one power cable (which happens to be interchangeable with the Xbox One S power cord) and one HDMI 2.0 cable.
Xbox One X controller standing in front of vertical console
The Project Scorpio Edition of the Xbox One X, which is exclusive to early pre-orders, comes with a vertical stand; Microsoft will also sell it separately.
Xbox One X controller standing in front of vertical console and Xbox One X box
It’s one Xbox One X next to one Xbox One X box!

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