The Xbox One X has arrived.
Microsoft’s new high-powered $500 console hit store shelves Tuesday, as gamers in 35 markets around the world got their hands on the company’s latest gaming device.
Microsoft’s marketing engine was at full throttle, as the tech giant hosted launch parties with celebrities at its retail stores. And yes, there were lines, though some stores only sold consoles for customers who pre-ordered.
The weather is mild. The store is green and the line is long. It's almost # XboxOneX time. pic.twitter.com/J0E51gCREN
— Larry Hryb #XboxOneX (@majornelson) November 7, 2017
These people in Taiwan are in line for the #XboxOneX launch!
One dude has a tent and is playing PS4 inside it ??? pic.twitter.com/buDchgEYHV— Xbudz™ (@Xbudz) November 6, 2017
Things just got kicked up a notch here in New York. @ConanOBrien & @SHAQ dropped to congratulate @XboxP3 & the team on the #XboxOneX launch pic.twitter.com/ySWvAAXWsO
— Larry Hryb #XboxOneX (@majornelson) November 7, 2017
Had a blast hanging with @Xbox at the Microsoft Store in NYC tonight! Even got to challenge fans to @NBA2K on the new #XboxOneX pic.twitter.com/KXFuWLCuU9
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) November 7, 2017
Thank you to our friends at the Bellevue @MicrosoftStore for letting some cool dudes hang for a bit this evening! ? #XboxOneX pic.twitter.com/vuTjkvs0Tt
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) November 7, 2017
Well @cliffavril knows how to play defense! He picked me off and won 6-0. Next time… #XboxOneX #FeelTruePower Launch day!! pic.twitter.com/HKPAyudbER
— Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) November 7, 2017
The Xbox One X is hailed by Microsoft as the “world’s most powerful console,” and it certainly lives up to that title. The device is faster and has more computing power than its predecessors, the original Xbox One and newer Xbox One S. It also supports crisp and vivid 4K video, with 8 million pixels and high-dynamic range (HDR).
You can read our review of the Xbox One X here. Our main takeaway: If you’re an avid gamer with a 4K TV in your home, and the money to spare on a premium console, the Xbox One X is for you. But for a large portion of the gaming population, there will be better alternatives, including Microsoft’s own Xbox One S.
The Xbox One X launch comes as Microsoft is investing more time and money into its gaming business. Bloomberg reported this week that the company is measuring success more with game, subscription, and service sales, rather than pure console revenue.
Be sure to check out video reviews from veteran tech guru Andru Edwards, co-host of our weekly Geared Up podcast and live video show, who has also been testing the Xbox One X.