UPspec Gaming xScreen (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Official Store: https://upspecgaming.com/
In the late-2000s, my brother showed me an intriguing accessory that he had fetched in a second-hand store for his PSOne: the Sony PSone LCD Screen. It had terribly large bezels and a rather small screen; but even then it emanated a unique charm as it essentially made the console an all-in-one system that doesn't have to be tied to a TV set. It could even be considered as a portable console and probably contributed to my budding love for such systems.
Later consoles like the GameCube would also be graced by such add-ons but newer-gens seemed to have been deprived of such fascinating oddities. It was a personal downer as I look forward to such quirky mods for consoles to make the most (unexpected) use of these devices. Luckily, UPspec Gaming revived the console screen attachment concept with the xScreen for the Xbox Series S.
The Australia-based startup launched a Kickstarter campaign last year to fund the project and it was successfully backed by fellow gamers. The units are now shipping to backers and UPspec Gaming was kind enough to provide a consumer unit to review. Given how I loved such mods for retro systems like the PSOne, I was thrilled to try out a dedicated screen attachment built for a current-gen console.
First off, portable screens are nothing new. You can easily find the likes of the Vinpok Split or the ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHP that deliver crisp 1080p images and hook your current-gen system to via HDMI. With such a setup, you can have your own makeshift ‘portable’ next-gen system (portable to wherever a power source is available)
However, what sets the xScreen apart is that it has been designed specifically for the Xbox Series S. This 11.6" IPS screen bears the exact 27.5 x 15.1cm dimension of the top of the console and sits neatly on top of it as a thin white slab. It plugs into the Series S with its in-built HDMI and USB connections; where the HDMI connection handles the screen and audio signals while the USB one powers the screen. Yes, there is no need for extra cables while using the xScreen as it is powered directly by the console.
Moreover, the colour of the xScreen closely matches that of the Series S. I say closely because while at a glance it will be hard to tell where the console ends and the screen starts, upon closer inspection you can tell the difference based on the slight colour tone difference. The dotted patterns on the sides of the Series S are also matched in the xScreen’s design which also bears such openings on its sides for the latches to attach to. The design of the xScreen has been well thought of to make the Series S look and feel as a complete unit with this mod on.
Setting up the xScreen on your Series S is very easy. Align the HDMI and USB plugs on the xScreen to the corresponding port on the console and fit those in. Afterwards, you’ll need to ensure that the screen remains fixed to the console while plugged in and this is done with the included latches on each side of the console/screen. Other coloured options are available (sold separately for $10) and I particularly like the Kickstarter green one; although for a more seamless look, the included white latches are a good choice as they blend with the colour scheme. Having different coloured latches can be handy to quickly differentiate who's Xbox is who’s, in cases you have different xScreen-equipped Series S in your household/multiplayer party.
Once the attachment is done, the xScreen will endow your Xbox with a laptop-like configuration where you can close/open the screen 180° along its hinge. The latter is rather sturdy and stays in place at whichever angle you tilt the screen to. This laptop configuration also works to protect the screen when not in use as you can close the lid on top of the console. With some settings fiddling, you can even configure your Xbox to shut down when the lid is closed; which is a handy feature as it can help prevent overheating and potential damage to the screen when it is facedown.
The ability to flip the screen 180° also lets you use your Xbox while it is in a ‘standing’ position to add some viewing height should you need some. UPspec Gaming also sells dedicated $25 xScreen Stand Feet to keep your console stable in this configuration. These just clip onto the sides of the Xbox and provide an easy yet secure solution if you prefer using your console with some extra height.
When I first powered on my xScreen-equipped Xbox Series S, I was overflowing with excitement as it brought me back to the days I discovered the Sony PSone LCD Screen; or my first experience with a portable screen on a home console. The xScreen also has some noticeable bezels but offers more screen real estate than the former. And with the screen sitting right on top of the console and enabling you to use the system on your lap gives a unique, up-close, personal experience that I cherish in gaming (and is one of the reasons I personally favour pocketable and handheld consoles).
The xScreen’s display also greatly adds to the experience as it delivers crisp 1080p images from the moment it is booted to the moment it is turned off. Games’ visuals are faithfully delivered with the colours feeling warm and details vibrantly pop while in action. The 1080p 60hz resolution of the screen is also well suited for this experience and the device handles it well.
Also adding to the experience are the integrated stereo speakers. They are of more than decent quality, enabling you to rely on them to enjoy your gaming soundtrack, without needing any external surround system.
In fact, UPspec Gaming seems to have designed the xScreen to be used as an all-in-one device for a very portable, wireless-enabled system. It’s a plug-and-play device that’s easy to transport and perfectly fits the Xbox Series S. You can adjust the brightness, sound volume and screen settings from the hardware keys underneath the screen. There’s even a crosshair overlay (4 types in 2 colours) that can be handy in FPS games. The only limiting factor to the all-in-one aspect of the setup is a power source for your Xbox. You will inevitably need to be next to one in order to use your Xbox Series S at all.
But this focus on wireless might be a double-edged sword for some as with the xScreen attached, access to some ports on the Series S is hindered. Namely, it blocks the remaining USB port at the back as well as the ethernet port. As such, you’ll want to have a reliable WiFi connection while using the device on your Xbox Series S. Thankfully the storage expansion slot has been accounted for and is still easily accessible while the xScreen is mounted.
UPspec Gaming also designed a handy, dedicated $60 EVA carrying case that fits your Xbox fitted with the xScreen as well as holds your power cable and controller. It really helps to neatly store and protect the set up and enables you to carry it all in one go. It’s probably the must-have accessory among the xScreen ecosystem that I would recommend, although I wish the casing had an opening for the power cable so that you can use your Xbox while it is housed within the case.
When it comes down to it, the $250 price tag of the xScreen might sound steep, especially considering that the Xbox Series S is itself a budget new-gen console. But the xScreen is a niche device that will appeal to a specific subset of gamers/Series S owners. It won’t deliver visuals better than 1080p and isn’t as portable as a handheld gaming PC like the AYANEO NEXT. But if you’re looking to give some more love to your Xbox Series S, the xScreen will surely deliver on that.
In my case, UPspec Gaming has convinced me of using my Xbox Series S solely with the xScreen attached as it isn’t much space occupying in my space-limited studio; and is also a great fit for a lap desk like nerdytec’s Couchmaster CYWORX. Even if it is a niche device, we need more mods like the xScreen on the market to keep fostering some quirky and fun innovation in the gaming sphere; and I look forward to what UPspec Gaming will bring next!
Verdict
- Crisp image quality
- Design blends seamlessly with Xbox Series S console
- No need for extra power source for the screen
- Mod hinders access to ethernet and one USB port when attached
- No option to use while stored in storage case
