Disclosure: Microsoft provided the Xbox Series X for review. We are under no obligation to produce content, and do so at our own discretion. Learn more about our transparency policy here.

Microsoft’s Xbox Series X is scheduled for release on 10 November 2020 and has a suggested retail price of USD $499/ZAR R11999 (affiliate link). Vamers was lucky enough to be approached for an early review experience, and part of it includes unboxing the official retail box customers will receive at launch. As such, I had the privilege of filming and enjoying the Xbox Series X Unboxing well before many other people around the world, and today I finally get to share that experience with you, our dear readers.

Watch Hans unbox the official retail version of the Xbox Series X

The Xbox Series X we received for review arrived in a simple cardboard shipping container. For those who choose to purchase the console from a store, chances are it will be acquired without this particular box. With that said, it was quite interesting to note how the shipping box actually had a unique design on in the inside – a series of concentric Xbox circles, reminiscent of the Xbox 360 era.

Once the shipping box has been removed, the official consumer packaging is revealed. In this sense the Xbox Series X box is black with hints of green in colour, with an isometric view of the console’s power button and top vents taking centre stage on the front; with mentions of 4K 120fps capabilities, velocity architecture and the storage designation (1TB in this case). The rear has an image of Master Chief and a variety of information about Xbox Game Pass and other console features, with the left side showcasing what is included in the packaging, and the right and top showcasing images of the console and included controller.

Opening the main console packaging for this Xbox Series X Unboxing was very easy, as Microsoft appears to be using the same sort of plastic tags used to seal Xbox physical game releases. Once removed, and unlike traditional packaging, the Xbox Series X opens up like a ring box. In this sense, the experience feels incredibly premium, with the lid sliding upwards effortlessly to reveal the Xbox Series X, sitting promptly in the centre of the packaging. In addition to being wonderfully wrapped (and it really is), it is surrounded by hard protective foam and also features a placard sealing the unit with the “power your dreams” slogan. Everything about the initial experience is, and I must reiterate, incredibly premium in feel, design and thought.

Sitting just behind the wonderfully wrapped console is an accessory box with a power cable, Ultra Hi-Speed HDMI 2.1 cable, and the Xbox Series X controller (with two AA batteries). There is also a regulatory information booklet and another placard featuring a ‘quick start’ guide – detailing how to setup the console.

Thereafter, the Xbox Series X unboxing can proceed by unwrapping the console and enjoying its monolithic design. In this sense, it highly resembles a solid rectangular block; with green tinged vents at the top and a non-removable rubber base at the bottom. There are also four extra sets of rubber feet on the right side of the console for those who wish to display the console horizontally. The front is sparse, save for the power button, disc drive, disc eject button, a 5-Gbps USB-A port and a pairing button (which also doubles as an infra-red remote port). The rear of the console features a power port, HDMI-in, gigabit ethernet port, two 5-Gbps USB-A ports, memory expansion port (for extra SSD storage) and a Kensington lock.

The Xbox Series X unboxing is unlike any other console I have had the privilege of opening. The entire experience, from the moment the box is opened to when the console is unwrapped, is incredibly premium feeling. Unlike many other products, save for those from Apple, it is quite clear Microsoft want people to feel special when opening and unboxing the Xbox Series X. In this sense, they have absolutely nailed the experience on the head; and I am very much looking forward to putting the console through its paces over the next several days.

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Owner, founder and editor-in-chief at Vamers, Hans has a vested interest in geek culture and the interactive entertainment industry. With a Masters degree in Communications and Ludology, he is well read and versed in matters relating to video games and communication media, among many other topics of interest.