Microsoft challenges Sony with powerful new Xbox One X

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The new Xbox One X (left) and Xbox One S are introduced at the Xbox E3 2017 Press Conference in Los Angeles on Sunday. Photo: EPA

Published: 10:42am, 12 Jun 2017Updated: 10:41am, 12 Jun 2017

Microsoft on Sunday unveiled Xbox One X - billing it as the most powerful video console ever made, and escalating a battle with market king PlayStation 4.

The US$499-addition to the lineup was built with the muscle for seamless play on ultra-high definition 4K televisions and will be available worldwide on November 7, according to Xbox team leader Phil Spencer.

Spencer introduced the much anticipated Xbox One X, called Scorpio during development, at a Microsoft event ahead of the official opening of the major Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.

Aiming at the hearts of gamers, Microsoft also showed off 42 coming games, with 22 of the titles being tailored for exclusive play on Xbox One consoles.

Patrick Soderlund, Executive Vice President of Electronic Arts, talks at the Xbox E3 2017 Press Conference in Los Angeles. Photo: EPA

Game play on 4K screens, whether they be televisions or personal computer monitors, is expected to be among themes at E3 this week. Enabling ultra-rich visuals also tunes into the budding trend toward virtual reality games.

Sony PlayStation 4 has dominated the market when it comes to the latest generation of consoles, outselling Xbox One by 2-to-1, according to industry trackers.