The game console formerly known as Project Scorpio has evolved into the Xbox One X and it’s being touted as the most powerful game system in existence. That’s absolutely true (until a new system comes out trumping these specs). The Xbox One X is an absolute beast of a home system, and it should have zero problems running all the latest and greatest software in 4K, leading gamers into the next generation’s next generation.

So if you’re still on the fence about making the transitional jump to the more powerful hardware, here’s everything you need to know about the new Xbox in simple terms.

The Price

At $500, the Xbox One X gives a lot of bang for the buck. To put it in perspective, with the sudden price jacks of PC gaming cards, you’re getting a fully-functional, cutting edge piece of hardware for the equivalent of a single high-level video card. The Nvidia 1070’s are currently over $400 and the highest-end 1080TIs are well over $600. In other words, you’re getting one of the best pieces of gaming hardware on a budget.

For what it’s worth, the Xbox One X is $100 more than the PS4 Pro, which is weaker across the board.

What Can It Do?

The best part of the Xbox One X is its bridging of the gaps between hardware generations. This isn’t like going from the 360 to the One.

• Every Xbox One game will play on the One X, and most will run with a smoother framerate and upscaled graphics if the developers want to go back and support that.

• Xbox One controllers and headsets will work on the One X.

• Select digital Xbox 360 games can be played on the One X.

• HDMI 2.1 — those with Freesync monitors will have an extra smooth experience with no screen tearing.
• Simply put — the Xbox One X is 30% faster than the Xbox One and roughly four times the graphical horsepower with its new video card. Various reports state that it can possibly even run at higher framerates at ultra high definition.

Will the Xbox One X support VR?

The hardware can absolutely handle VR, but as of right now, Microsoft has no plans on releasing a headset or supporting VR. Xbox head honcho Phil Spencer told the BBCthe following during E3: “I think there are just issues with, my TV’s across the room, I’ve got cables hanging out… When I do this on my PC, I’m closer to my PC, that seems to be a more user-friendly scenario today.”

In other words, Microsoft sees the relatively small userbase on the PSVR, its cameras, controllers and lack of user-friendly peripheral bundles, and for now, just wants to focus on the best console experience there is. It’s kind of a bummer considering how well VR would work with this system’s specs. They know that, and they’ll likely roll out a headset as soon as it makes sense. Spencer told Cnet as much.

Is it worth it if you have a 4K TV?

This is the best scenario for anyone in the market for an Xbox One X. If you don’t have a 4K TV, Microsoft promised that the games are still going to run smoother and look better than the Xbox One even on 1080p screens, but if you have a 4K TV, yes. Yes, this will be worth it. The new Forza game, Assassin’s Creed and others will make use of the HDR lighting and effects only available on 4K.

The Release Date

The Xbox One X drops on November 7th, with preorders beginning well before that. (As of this writing, the usual suspects of Gamestop, Amazon and other retailers don’t have preorder pages open, but you can sign up to be alerted when preorders do open.)

If you’re looking forward to Star Wars Battlefront 2, Assassin’s Creed Origins or any of the latest games and want to see them in the best possible form, then picking up a launch console is absolutely worth it. This holiday marks the gaming season that will show the first transitions into the world of 4K gaming.