It's new console season, and that means it's unboxing season. We've already taken the Sony PlayStation 5 out of the box for a first look at the system, and now it's the Xbox Series X's turn.
We'll have more coverage of Microsoft's newest game console (and its little sibling, the Xbox Series S) soon, but for now here's a look at the physical Xbox before its Nov. 12 release date. Note: Xbox Series X pre-orders are hard to come by right now, but keep your eyes on the prize.
To start, here's a video unboxing, for your viewing pleasure:
Let's look at the Xbox Series X. This is a box. It's the most apt name for a console since the Nintendo GameCube (which was about as close to a cube as you could get). It's a big, black block measuring 6 by 6 by 12 inches, with all of the hard-right angles of a shipping container. Its sides are smooth and black, while the top has a grid-like grille with green highlights that evoke the black-and-green look of the original Xbox.
This system is meant to stand up, and is big enough that making room for it in your media center could be a chore. The front face features a slot-loading optical drive, a USB port, an eject button, a controller pairing button, and a power button. The back holds two more USB ports, an HDMI output, an Ethernet port, an expansion slot for storage, and the power connector.
The lack of an HDMI input is notable, since it means the Xbox Series X (and Xbox Series S) can't passthrough video from a cable or satellite box like the Xbox One could. It's a relatively minor feature that let the previous generation of Xbox systems serve as a media hub, which included controlling your cable or satellite feed, and it's not too surprising to see it missing now. The system will still probably be fairly loaded with streaming services along with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback.
The new Xbox Wireless Controller is nearly identical to the gamepad included with the Xbox One and its variants. The shape and feel are just about the same, down to the slightly matte-textured plastic shell. The only real differences are the new direction pad, which is a more pronounced, octagon-shaped plate rather than a plus-shaped pad, and the new Sharing/Capture button in the controller's center. Everything else feels just like before.
We got the Xbox Series S, as well, and it's about a third the size of the larger console. While they both have similar rectangular profiles, the Xbox Series S is much thinner and can be used more easily on its side.
We'll be digging deeper into the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S soon, so keep an eye on PCMag.com for more coverage, including full reviews of the two systems.