If you’ve ever owned a display screen for the PSone or the GameCube, the xScreen will look immediately acquainted. The xScreen is an 11.6-inch (1080p) show that attaches to the rear of an Xbox Series S, and it transforms Microsoft’s miniature console into extra of an Xbox laptop computer for on-the-go gaming. It’s a contemporary tackle the tiny 5-inch cramped LCD shows we’ve seen connected to consoles up to now, and it’s an important accent for those who by no means wish to fear about attaching an Xbox to a TV while you’re touring.

Unfortunately, that portability that doesn’t low cost. The xScreen is $249, practically the identical value as an Xbox Series S, so that you’re going to actually wish to have a transportable Xbox to purchase into this. I’ve been testing an xScreen over the previous few weeks, and I believe it’s probably the greatest executions of the idea of transportable console gaming. But it’s removed from good.

Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

The xScreen is de facto all about its show. The 11.6-inch panel helps as much as 1080p at 60Hz and has surprisingly good viewing angles. If you’re seeking to play exterior, the panel is rated at 350 nits, and it’s matte, which helps loads in direct daylight. The solely actual limitations to enjoying exterior are merely that you simply’ll want a wire lengthy sufficient to energy the Xbox Series S.

I performed a number of video games for hours with the xScreen and by no means observed any extreme enter latency or ghosting points. It’s a stable panel, apart from black ranges. If you’re enjoying titles which have numerous low-light scenes, the panel typically struggles to actually nail the black ranges, and video games can lack some element in consequence.

The xScreen manages to connect to the Xbox Series S by a USB-A port and the HDMI port. You must lineup the USB first earlier than the unit slots into place and is secured by latches at both facet. The attachment feels very safe, and I by no means skilled any connection points or nervous about it changing into indifferent.

Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

UPspec Gaming, the makers of xScreen, has achieved a stable job of matching the dimensions of the xScreen to the Xbox Series S, so all of it folds right into a neat little bundle when you’ve completed enjoying. The white of the xScreen doesn’t fairly match the Xbox Series S, however it’s shut sufficient that I solely observed underneath sure gentle after I was intently inspecting the xScreen.

Setting the xScreen up does contain some work, although. The Xbox Series S instantly defaults to 720p output for the xScreen, and I needed to swap to 1080p within the Xbox settings menu to rectify that. I additionally enabled the HDMI CEC choices in order that after I shut the show, it turns the Xbox Series S off. This is neat integration, however you’ll need to make use of the Xbox energy button as well up the console once more.

To keep away from any harm to the xScreen or Xbox, I additionally had to make sure the Xbox Series S had Energy Mode enabled, so it absolutely powers off as an alternative of sitting in standby. This is essential, because the xScreen covers the primary vent on the Xbox Series S when it’s folded down, and the Xbox will nonetheless output some warmth which might harm the show if it’s operating in Standby mode. Thankfully, the Xbox Series S boots tremendous quick, so not having standby mode is a minor inconvenience.

Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

The xScreen will get its energy from the Xbox Series S USB port, so that you don’t have to fret a couple of separate energy provide, and easily connecting the Xbox to a wall works like regular. You’ll want to make use of Wi-Fi for connectivity, although, because the xScreen blocks off the Ethernet port on the Series S and the extra USB port. That leaves solely the USB port on the entrance open for added equipment.

UPspec Gaming has additionally enabled an non-obligatory cross-hair overlay to be used in FPS video games, and there are a bunch of built-in controls for display screen settings and the amount of the built-in audio system. The audio system get surprisingly loud — however not in a great way. There’s no mute shortcut, and the amount controls don’t appear to have an effect on the amount after a sure degree. The audio system are undoubtedly a disappointing facet of this $249 accent.

If you wish to prop the entire thing up, there are non-obligatory toes that transfer all the unit right into a stand-mode orientation. I not often used the xScreen this fashion, however it might be helpful for those who’re restricted for house otherwise you need the display screen to be larger up in sure environments.

Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

I believe the non-obligatory carry case is crucial for the xScreen, although. When connected to the Xbox and folded down, I observed that the xScreen will creak and wobble for those who apply any strain to it from above. I’m unsure I’d belief this being knocked round in a backpack with out some safety. The exhausting carry case does a great job of defending the xScreen, however it’s a $59.99 non-obligatory additional.

Speaking of the construct high quality, I’m additionally barely nervous concerning the hinge on the xScreen. I haven’t pushed all of it the best way again to check, however it does really feel a bit flimsy, and I wouldn’t suggest this for small children that may not deal with it delicately sufficient to not harm it. It’s most likely a non-issue for many, however for those who plan to make use of the stand-mode orientation, then that is the place the potential for harm appears excessive.

Despite a number of the drawbacks of the xScreen, I’ve had hours of enjoyable with this little show. UPspec Gaming has created one thing distinctive right here for the Xbox Series S, and it’s in a neat little bundle that integrates rather well. You’re actually paying a excessive $249 price ticket for that neat integration, significantly when there are such a lot of good transportable screens on the market that can just do nearly as good a job at half the worth.

There’s nothing fairly just like the xScreen, although. It has made me want I used to be a child once more, taking my Xbox all over the place with me and never having to fret a couple of TV to plug into or a great web connection for Xbox Cloud Gaming. It’s an old-school concept, in a contemporary and well-executed bundle.