Entry № 041-2 / V-556 · 0:00 synced

Xbox Series X/S Design Impressions!

Marques Brownlee@mkbhd2.5M viewsSep 18, 20207:48
Source
YT
Views
2.5M
Subscribers
21M
Critic
?
Audience
?

0 up · 0 down · 0 ratings

Promos

My first impressions of $499/$299 Xbox Series X and Series S hardware. PS5 Impressions: youtu.be MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: Who Are You by C2C Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl Dummies provided by Microsoft for video. ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD

Start
AI OverviewDefault language

The video offers Marques Brownlee’s first impression look at the Xbox Series X and Series S, focusing on the industrial design, form factors, and placement considerations. He starts by laying out the basic pricing and availability, noting that the Series X costs $499 and the Series S costs $299, with both launching on November 10. He then presents the two consoles side by side for scale, highlighting the Series X as a matte black, boxy flagship with a single top fan and subtle green accents, and praising the Series S for its white, monolithic, compact footprint and clean aesthetic. Marques discusses orientation options, showing that both consoles can be placed vertically or horizontally and that the port labeling accommodates either orientation. He walks through the front and rear features, including drives, USB ports, network, and storage expansion, and emphasizes how the hardware is designed to be powerful yet unobtrusive under a TV. The core point is that both systems aim to deliver the same software experience at different performance targets: Series X targets 4K at 120 FPS with 1TB of storage, while Series S targets 1440p at 120 FPS with 512GB (expandable), with the shared features like eight-core CPUs, ray tracing, and variable refresh rate across both. Marques then weighs practicality and value, arguing that for most 1080p or non-4K setups the Series S offers a compelling value with high frame rates, while early adopters with 4K displays may prefer the Series X for future-proofing. He notes practical considerations such as color and material durability, potential yellowing of the white Series S over time, and the general appeal of a compact, understated design that blends under most entertainment centers. The discussion also touches on the broader console strategy, including the price gap relative to PlayStation models and the expectation that most buyers will weigh long-term value against upfront cost. In closing, Marques invites viewer input on which model they’d choose and asks for feedback on shorter impression videos, signaling a shift toward concise, hands-on format while reaffirming that the internal components and performance are the key differentiators behind the exterior design. Overall the video blends design critique with practical purchase guidance, emphasizing form factor, ease of placement, and the two-tier performance strategy that lets consumers decide between a future-proof 4K experience or a more affordable, still-capable 1440p option. The tone remains accessible and consumer-focused, appealing to early adopters and budget-conscious buyers alike, while framing the consoles as part of a broader launch year in 2020 for both major platforms.

Topics · technology · hardware · consumer_electronics · gaming · design · video_reviews · product_reviews

Questions answered

What is the price of the Xbox Series X and Series S at launch?
Series X is $499 and Series S is $299, with both launching November 10.
Which console offers 4K at 120 FPS and which targets 1440p at 120 FPS?
Xbox Series X targets 4K at 120 FPS, while Series S targets 1440p at 120 FPS.