Xbox Series X Review: Super-Fast Load Times Thanks to Its Next-Level SSD

If you’ve ever waited patiently (or impatiently) for a game to load, only to get caught in yet another loading screen, you’ll appreciate what the Xbox Series X brings to the table. Spoiler alert: it’s speed—and lots of it.

Microsoft’s Xbox Series X isn’t just a next-gen console with fancy graphics. It’s a performance powerhouse packed with next-level hardware. But what really sets it apart from its predecessors—and even some gaming PCs—is its custom solid-state drive (SSD). In today’s review, we’ll dive into how this SSD changes the game (literally), along with other standout features that make the Series X a serious contender for the best console on the market.

A Quick Look at What’s Inside the Xbox Series X

Before we explore the super-fast SSD, let’s break down what makes the Xbox Series X tick. Under the hood, you’ll find:

• Custom 1TB NVMe SSD: The real MVP of the system, drastically reducing load times.
• 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU: Blazing-fast performance that supports high frame rates.
• 12 teraflops AMD RDNA 2 GPU: Delivers stunning 4K gaming visuals.
• 16GB GDDR6 RAM: Smooth multitasking and efficient game handling.
• Backwards compatibility: Supports thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games.

In everyday terms? This machine is a beast.

SSD: The Secret to Lightning-Fast Game Load Times

Let’s be honest—load times can suck the fun out of gaming. Remember the days when you could go grab a snack while a game booted up? The Xbox Series X says goodbye to all that.

With its custom 1TB SSD, the console kicks load times to the curb. Booting up games is nearly instant, and transitioning between game scenes feels seamless. Compared to older consoles like the Xbox One or even gaming PCs with mechanical hard drives, the performance difference is night and day.

Some early stats speak for themselves:

• Red Dead Redemption 2 loads in under 40 seconds on Series X, compared to nearly 2 minutes on Xbox One.
• Gears 5 launches in about 15 seconds—half the time it used to take.
• The “Quick Resume” feature lets you jump between multiple saved games in seconds without closing them.

What does this mean for you? More time gaming, less time waiting.

How Does an SSD Make That Big a Difference?

Think of the SSD like switching from dial-up to fiber internet. Traditional hard drives read data using spinning disks and mechanical arms, which takes time. SSDs, on the other hand, use flash memory that lets data be retrieved instantly—no moving parts needed.

In gaming terms, that means assets (like characters, textures, and environments) load quickly, letting developers create more immersive experiences with fewer interruptions.

Design That Means Business

The Xbox Series X has a simple, sturdy look. It’s shaped like a black tower—taller than the Xbox One, but more compact looking than you’d think.

It has proper ventilation, with a large fan on top to keep things cool without sounding like a jet engine. And trust me, you’ll barely hear it, even during intense gaming sessions. If you live in a small space, you’ll appreciate how quietly this machine does its thing.

Gameplay That Feels Next-Gen

Speed is important, but what about actual gameplay? This is where the combination of powerful hardware really shines.

With many games supporting 4K resolution at 60 frames per second—and even 120 FPS in some cases—the Series X delivers smooth, beautiful gameplay. You’ve got minimal lag, crystal-clear graphics, and fast response times. Whether you’re exploring open-world environments or playing competitive shooters, the experience feels polished.

Games like:

• Forza Horizon 5 look stunning in native 4K.
• Halo Infinite performs flawlessly even in fast-paced multiplayer.
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla benefits from shorter in-game travel times thanks to faster rendering.

And let’s not forget backward compatibility. Many older Xbox games not only play smoothly on the Series X, but also perform better thanks to the hardware upgrade.

Quick Resume: A Game-Changing Feature

Ever played a game, then switched to another one to take a break, only to lose your progress or wait to reload? With the Quick Resume feature, you can switch between recent games without actually closing them. It’s like having multiple tabs open, but for real-time gaming.

You can jump from Halo to FIFA to Fable in seconds—and pick up exactly where you left off. No more waiting for game saves to reload or main menus to scroll through.

Game Library and Xbox Game Pass

Of course, a console is only as good as its games. Luckily, Microsoft delivers a solid library, and it’s only growing.

The Xbox Game Pass is one of the best features of the Series X ecosystem. For a monthly fee, you get access to hundreds of games, including:

• First-party titles on release day (think Halo, Forza, Starfield)
• Third-party hits (like Outriders or MLB The Show)
• Classic fan favorites

It’s basically the Netflix of gaming. And yes—it also takes advantage of the speedy SSD, meaning even downloaded Game Pass games load incredibly fast.

Storage: The Only Small Hitch?

There’s just one little bump in the road—storage space. The built-in 1TB SSD gives you about 802GB of usable space after system files. And if you’re playing modern AAA games, you’ll notice they take up some serious real estate. (Looking at you, Call of Duty!)

The good news? You can expand with the official Seagate expansion card or use an external drive for older games.

Is the Xbox Series X Worth It?

Let’s wrap it up. The Xbox Series X is many things: fast, powerful, innovative. But the real star of the show is the SSD. It revolutionizes how we play by removing the most frustrating part of gaming—waiting.

If you’re a casual gamer tired of laggy load times, or a hardcore player looking for cutting-edge performance, this console delivers. While the price might be a bit higher than older consoles, what you get in return is worth it.

So, is the Xbox Series X worth it?

Absolutely. For the first time, you may find yourself smiling when you boot up a game—not because of the game itself, but because it starts almost instantly.

Final Thoughts

Gaming has come a long way, and with the Xbox Series X, the future is officially here. From its blazing-fast SSD to smooth gameplay, sleek design, and a massive game library, it sets a new bar for how consoles should perform.

Looking to upgrade or make the jump into next-gen gaming? Microsoft’s flagship console checks all the boxes.

And who knows? With these load times, you might finally stop checking your phone during game launches.

What’s your favorite feature of the Xbox Series X? Drop a comment or let us know!