Xbox Series X was launched in 2022 with an uphill struggle to tempt players away from PS5. Two years on and it looks like this powerful games console has finally caught up. The console is now more than just a powerhouse but a platform with a surprisingly strong release schedule, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
The new controller is a nice addition too, bringing a more ergonomic design with textured surface and some interesting colours. It’s lighter than the original and feels good in your hands. It’s also available in a selection of fun colours, including Electric Volt, DayStrike Camo and Pulse Red.
One of the best things about Xbox Series X is that it offers backwards compatibility with almost every game ever released for the console. It even has a feature called FPS Boost that can quadruple the frame rate of older Xbox One games, so they look better than ever and feel more responsive on a high-end TV.
This is especially true of older titles that have been painstakingly remastered for the system, like Gears 5, which was built from the ground up for Xbox Series X and has incredible visuals thanks to its ‘next generation’ graphics engine. It also supports HDR and is capable of running at 120fps, so it’ll look gorgeous on a 4K TV.
Other highlights of the list include the first-person RPG Avowed, which sees you exploring the mystical world of Eorzea with a release window of early 2024. Meanwhile, South of Midnight is a third-person adventure set in the American Deep South and focuses on magic realism. It joins the likes of Ori and Hollow Knight: Silksong, a sequel to the excellent Hollow Knight that will be free with Xbox Game Pass at launch.
Another major highlight is Hellblade II, a spooky indie title from Ninja Theory that will support Xbox Series X’s high-end capabilities with incredible visuals and atmospherics. It follows Senua, a Pict warrior fighting to save the soul of a loved one from Helheim.
Rounding out the list is Ark II, a dinosaur-packed survival game from Stoic Studio, which has a 2024 release window. It will feature a range of different creatures and is a bit more action-oriented than its predecessor.
Other games with release windows in 2024 include STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl, a timed exclusive for Xbox Series X and PC that takes place in the radiated remains of the plant. Thunder Lotus Games is also working on 33 Immortals, a co-op action roguelike in which you play as a condemned soul awaiting God’s final judgement. It’s a little confusing to keep track of all the new releases this year but with an ever-growing roster of games and some big releases on the way, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2023 for Xbox Series X. We’ll update this article as more games get added so keep checking in. If there’s a particular release you’re looking forward to, let us know in the comments below.
