Xbox Series X's mini-ITX chassis isn't gargantuan

Microsoft's new next-gen console has a PC tower-like shape, but it's actually not that big.

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The next-gen Xbox Series X is bigger than current consoles, but it's not not ridiculously huge. It should still fit on the shelf of your entertainment center when laying down.

Xbox Series X's mini-ITX chassis isn't gargantuan 4

Microsoft just announced its new monster Xbox Series X console with a very distinct shape. PC gamers will notice right away it looks like a mini-ITX build, somewhat akin to the Corsair One with a more rectangular prism shape. It also looks like the giant obelisk from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Looks are pretty deceiving though and it won't actually be as big as you think.

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While Microsoft hasn't given exact dimensions of the Xbox Series X, Venture Beat did some approximations using the Xbox One controller for scale. Their findings show the Xbox Series X is around 6 inches (152mm) deep, 12.75 inches (323mm) wide, and 6 inches (152mm) high when on its side. This is how most people will use it, safely tucked away onto a shelf below their TV.

When standing as it's shown in the teaser images, the Xbox Series X is 6 inches deep, 6 inches wide, and 12.75 inches high.

Ultimately this isn't much bigger than current consoles, unless of course the Xbox SX is standing. It's just a different shape. Venture Beat aptly notes the shape and dimensions make the Xbox Series X like two Gamecube consoles taped together.

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Windows Central has slightly different dimensions, placing the Xbox Series X's standing dimensions at around 6.2 inches long (157mm), 6.18 inches (157mm) wide and 12.28 inches (312mm) high. These numbers were based on the standardized USB port shown on the front of the box.

This shape is needed to keep internal components cool and quiet. Xbox division boss Phil Spencer boasts the system is pretty quiet even under load, and the system is expected to push taxing and demanding performance like native 4K 60FPS thanks to its onboard 12TFLOP Navi GPU.

Advanced features like ray tracing, adaptive sync, and variable rate shading will provide true next-gen visuals while matching ultra-fast speeds thanks to a new proprietary SSD.

Xbox Series X is due out by Holiday 2020. No pricing has been announced.

Check below for confirmed specs and details, and a huge content listing of everything we've heard about Xbox Series X so far:

Xbox Series X confirmed details (Formerly Project Scarlett):

  • 8-core, 16-thread Zen 2 CPU
  • Navi GPU on RDNA architecture
  • Highly customized 7nm SoC from AMD
  • GDDR6 memory
  • 2x Xbox One X's 6TFLOPs of GPU perf
  • 4x CPU power of Xbox One generation
  • Can deliver up to 40x more performance than Xbox One in specific use cases
  • Adaptive sync supported
  • Super-fast SSD that can be used as VRAM
  • Supports 8K resolution (likely media playback)
  • 120FPS gaming
  • Variable refresh rate (adaptive sync/FreeSync)
  • Variable Rate Shading
  • Raytracing confirmed with dedicated raytracing cores
  • Backward compatible with thousands of Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games
  • New controller with a dedicated share button
  • Compatible with Xbox One accessories

Lockhart (Unconfirmed lower-end Xbox Series hardware)

  • 1440p 60FPS
  • No disc drive
  • Super-fast SSD that can be used as VRAM
  • 7nm AMD SoC w/ scaled-down 8-core, 16 thread Zen 2 CPU at 3.5GHZ and Navi GPU
  • Lower GDDR6 memory pool (Possibly 12GB)
  • ~6-8 TFLOPs of power?
  • Aims to rival PS4 Pro/Replace Xbox One S
  • Full backward compatibility with all Xbox One games
  • Cheaper MSRP

Anaconda/Xbox Series X/Project Scarlett

  • 4K 60FPS
  • Disc drive with 4K UHD playback
  • Super-fast SSD that can be used as VRAM
  • 7nm AMD SoC with 8-core, 16 thread Zen 2 CPU at 3.5GHz and Navi GPU
  • 16GB GDDR6 RAM
  • 12 TFLOPs of power
  • 2x GPU power as Xbox One X/aims to replace Xbox One X
  • Full backward compatibility with all Xbox One games
  • More expensive MSRP

Xbox Series X coverage:

Derek joined the TweakTown team in 2015 and has since reviewed and played 1000s of hours of new games. Derek is absorbed with the intersection of technology and gaming, and is always looking forward to new advancements. With over six years in games journalism under his belt, Derek aims to further engage the gaming sector while taking a peek under the tech that powers it. He hopes to one day explore the stars in No Man's Sky with the magic of VR.

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