Earlier this week, Microsoft finally revealed when the Xbox Series X and its digital-only counterpart, the Xbox Series S, would be launching. The upcoming consoles will be unleashed upon the world on November 10, with pre-orders opening up later this month on September 22. Since then we’ve learned couple of new things about the systems, as well as re-branding of the company’s online subscription service, the Xbox Game Pass. Some more information has come about, this is in regards to the Xbox Series S. According to Gamespew, when you play older titles on the system, they will not implement the Xbox One X enhancements.
Here’s the statement made to Gamespew by the Microsoft representative: “Xbox Series S was designed to be the most affordable next-generation console and play next-generation games at 1440P at 60fps. To deliver the highest quality backwards compatible experience consistent with the developer’s original intent, the Xbox Series S runs the Xbox One S version of backward compatible games while applying improved texture filtering, higher and more consistent frame rates, faster load times, and Auto HDR.”
What this essentially means is that when you’re playing older titles on the Xbox Series S, such as Mortal Kombat 11, Battlefield 1, Borderlands 3, and Final Fantasy XV, you won’t get the Xbox One X enhancements. These enhancements include 4k ultra HD, HDR, some of which can go to HDR 10, and other general improvements, and was a huge selling point for the upgraded console in 2017. It’s important to note that this only applies to backwards compatible titles and not new IP’s designed specifically for the Xbox Series S.
While this might be disappointing for some people, especially for those who utilize 4k resolution, it will only affect a certain amount. Obviously all of the main bells and whistles will be featured on the superior Xbox Series X, but that doesn’t leave the Xbox Series S high and dry. It’s still a brand new system that is designed to run, play, and look better than its predecessor. Lets also not forget that those backwards compatible games will still look better than their original systems in general. Either way, the Xbox Series S will more than likely be a huge seller in the 2020 holiday season.