Must-Have Exclusives for Xbox Series X & S
The Xbox Series X and Series S have some excellent exclusive games that showcase the power and potential of these new consoles. Here are some must-have exclusives that no Xbox owner should miss out on.
Halo Infinite
The iconic Halo series makes its triumphant return with Halo Infinite. This first-person shooter has you once again stepping into the boots of Master Chief to battle the Banished threat. Features include:
- Open world exploration of Zeta Halo
- Grappleshot for increased mobility and combat options
- Upgraded graphics and larger-scale battles
- Engaging campaign and multiplayer modes
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is a must for racing fans, with its huge open world set across beautiful Mexican landscapes. Key features include:
- Largest and most diverse open world of any Forza Horizon game
- Realistic driving physics with over 500 vehicles to choose from
- Dynamic weather effects like tropical storms that alter driving conditions
- Cross-platform multiplayer support to race against friends
Grounded
This unique survival game shrinks you down to the size of an ant as you navigate a suburban backyard. Details include:
- Craft equipment and build bases using various materials
- Fend off giant insects like spiders and ladybugs
- 4 player co-op for exploring and surviving together
- Environment changes dynamically as you alter the world
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator provides a stunningly realistic flying experience with the entire planet mapped out. Highlights are:
- Detailed 3D scanned versions of real cities, landmarks and airports
- Dynamic real-time weather and environmental conditions
- Variety of planes from light props to commercial jets
- Visuals enhanced even further with Xbox Series X power
Psychonauts 2
This mind-bending platformer has you delving into different brains to take on emotional baggage. Features include:
- Imaginative mental worlds tied to core emotional concepts
- Fun platforming action using psychic abilities
- Quirky characters and humor throughout the story
- New gameplay mechanics not seen in the original
The Xbox Series X and S have strong exclusives that show off their capabilities. Titles like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Grounded, Microsoft Flight Simulator and Psychonauts 2 are must-play games for the platforms.
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Backwards Compatibility on Xbox Series X & S
One major advantage of the Xbox Series X and Series S is their extensive backwards compatibility with previous Xbox console generations. This opens up a huge library of games for players to experience.
Supported Xbox Generations
The Xbox Series X/S can play games from the following older Xbox platforms:
- Original Xbox
- Xbox 360
- Xbox One
This gives access to four generations of Xbox gaming history. Many popular franchises like Halo, Forza and Gears of War have entries across these platforms.
How Backwards Compatibility Works
The Xbox Series X/S use advanced emulation techniques to simulate older Xbox hardware and systems:
- Custom processor allows accelerated emulation performance
- Original game code is converted on-the-fly during gameplay
- Allows adjustments to resolution, frame rate, loading times etc.
This provides a seamless backwards compatible experience without having to port games individually.
Enhanced Legacy Games
Select Xbox and Xbox 360 games get optimization enhancements when played on Xbox Series X/S:
- Increased resolutions up to 4K UHD
- Higher frame rates up to 120 fps
- Faster load times due to SSD storage
- Auto HDR for improved color and contrast
For example, Fallout 3 runs in native 4K on Xbox Series X while maintaining its original art style.
Accessing Your Library
You can access backwards compatible games in the following ways:
- Insert original physical discs
- Download previously purchased digital games
- Stream games through Xbox Game Pass
Your save data can also transfer over via cloud saves or external drives.
Key Benefits
Some great advantages of backwards compatibility on Xbox Series X/S are:
- Play historic games from older generations
- Experience last-gen games with improvements
- No need to purchase remasters or ports
- One unified library across multiple platforms
Overall, the extensive backwards compatibility opens up a huge variety of gaming content for Xbox Series X/S owners to enjoy.
Immersive Gameplay on Xbox Series X & S
The Xbox Series X and S provide deeply immersive gameplay thanks to their powerful hardware and advanced features that draw you into the virtual world.
Stunning Visuals
With the GPU power of 12 teraflops on Series X and 4 teraflops on Series S, games display incredibly detailed and realistic visuals in up to 8K resolution. Ray tracing also enables complex lighting effects and reflections for new levels of graphical immersion.
Spatial Sound
The custom 3D audio processor replicates surround sound effects in real-time based on your in-game movements and perspective. This allows for pinpoint directional audio so you can hear enemies, environments and events with lifelike clarity.
Fast Loading
The SSD storage eliminates loading screen wait times, with near instant fast-travel and respawns. Games boot up ultra-quickly too. This keeps you engaged in the experience without interruptions.
Advanced Controllers
The new Xbox Wireless Controllers further enhance immersion with:
- Textured triggers and bumpers
- Hybrid D-pad improves precision
- Ergonomic design maximizes comfort
- Low latency input minimizes lag
Tactile Feedback
With immersive haptic feedback in the controllers, you can feel sensations like driving over gravel or pulling back a bowstring. This physical feedback draws you deeper into gameplay.
Smoother Gameplay
Support for up to 120fps refresh rates results in incredibly smooth visuals with no noticeable stuttering or screen tearing. Gameplay flows seamlessly with ultra fluidity.
Engaging Multiplayer
Social features like cross-play with PC, low latency connections, and in-game chat help create engaging multiplayer experiences where you feel connected to other players worldwide.
With these cutting-edge capabilities, next-gen games on the Xbox Series X & S can offer unprecedented immersive gameplay that pulls you into living, breathing worlds like never before.
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Accessibility Features on Xbox Series X & S
The Xbox Series X and Series S have a range of accessibility features to help gamers with disabilities play more easily and comfortably.
Controller Customization
The Xbox Accessories app allows extensive customization of Xbox Wireless Controllers including:
- Button mapping to switch controls
- Stick sensitivity adjustment
- Trigger lock for partial pull control
- Vibration tuning
Difficulty Options
Many games include difficulty adjustments or assist modes such as:
- Aim assist for players with mobility issues
- Increased time limits or health regeneration
- Simplified controls removing complex inputs
- Less enemies or hazards to overcome
Visual Aids
Visually impaired gamers can benefit from:
- Color filters to enhance details
- Magnification tools to zoom in on screen
- Text-to-speech narration in some games
- Descriptive audio for gameplay events
Hearing Assistance
Players with hearing difficulties can make use of:
- Subtitles with capacity to resize text
- Visual sound indicators to see audio cues
- Mono output mixes audio into single channel
The Xbox Accessibility Guidelines also push developers to implement more accessible features in their games.
With these options, Xbox Series X & S aim to provide a platform that is welcoming and playable for gamers of all abilities.
Upcoming Releases for Xbox Series X & S
The Xbox Series X and Series S have an exciting slate of upcoming game releases in 2023 and beyond. Here are some highly anticipated titles Xbox owners should look forward to.
Starfield
This new space epic RPG from Bethesda is set in an entirely original universe with over 1,000 planets to explore. It promises unparalleled scale and next-gen visuals.
Redfall
Arkane Studios brings their immersive first-person expertise to this co-op shooter set in an open world overrun by vampires. Features diverse heroes with unique abilities.
Forza Motorsport
A complete reimagining of the Forza Motorsport racing sim, leveraging the power of Series X/S for stunning graphics and realistic driving physics.
Minecraft Legends
Blends action strategy and tower defense as you defend Minecraft's Overworld from destructive piglin invasions. Features new multiplayer co-op.
Diablo IV
The next evolution of the iconic dungeon crawler returns to grim gothic roots with five fully customizable classes and seamless cross-play.
Final Fantasy XVI
This action heavy FF centers on warring nations where summoners command powerful Eikons. Promises high fantasy drama and political intrigue.
Assassin's Creed Mirage
The Assassin's Creed series goes back to basics with a smaller scale open world set in 9th century Baghdad focused on stealth and parkour.
Everwild
An enchanting new IP from Rare featuring magical natural environments to explore and mysterious lost tribes to encounter.
Avowed
Obsidian brings their RPG mastery to the fantasy world of Eora. First-person immersion in the rich Pillars of Eternity universe.
With big franchise installments and exciting new worlds to explore, there is much to look forward to on Xbox Series X/S.
Getting Amazon Prime for Xbox Game Savings
Amazon Prime provides great benefits for gaming including discounts, free shipping, and more. With some strategic planning, you can maximize the value you get from a Prime subscription when buying Xbox Series X & S games.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Prime members get exclusive discounts on game pre-orders and new releases. Pre-order upcoming Xbox exclusives like Starfield, Redfall or Forza Motorsport a few months before launch to get them for $10-15 off retail price.
Buy More to Save More
Amazon frequently offers increased savings for Prime members when buying 2 or more select games. Add multiple titles like Diablo IV and Assassin’s Creed Mirage to your order to get 25-30% off both instead of just 20% off one.
Use Monthly Store Credit
With the Amazon Prime credit card, you get 5% back on all Amazon purchases. On $100 worth of Xbox games per month, you would earn $5 in store credit to redeem on your next purchase.
Take Advantage of Free Release Date Delivery
As a Prime member, you get free release date delivery on game pre-orders instead of having to pay for expedited shipping. This perk alone can save you $5-10 on big new releases.
Buy and Resell Used Games
Find used Xbox games on Amazon Warehouse at 20-30% off retail price. Resell any you don’t want on Amazon or eBay after playing to recoup some costs.
Share Prime Benefits
Split the cost of an annual Prime membership with a friend or family member. You both get full access to Prime gaming perks and discounts when buying Xbox titles.
Leveraging all the different membership benefits adds up. A bit of planning goes a long way towards offsetting the $139 annual Prime cost when gaming on Xbox Series X & S.