Xbox Series X Gets PS5 Pro-Style Upgrade With FSR 4.1 and Massive Forza Horizon 6 Launch

Xbox's latest advancements indicate a big shift toward longevity support, AI-aided improvements, and a reassertion of the Xbox brand identity. From AMD's upcoming FSR 4.1 support for RDNA 2 hardware to leaked details on the Xbox Elite Series 3 controller and the explosive launch of Forza Horizon 6, Xbox appears to be entering a significant transition period ahead of Project Helix.

The updates also suggest that Microsoft is preparing the Xbox Series X to remain relevant for years through software-based enhancements rather than relying solely on new hardware generations.

Xbox Series X Could Receive a PS5 Pro-Style Upgrade

When the PS5 Pro launched with PSSR, it felt like the first version of Sony's AI upscaling technology was essentially a beta. With the improvements introduced through PSSR 2, the technology has clearly evolved into something that now delivers very strong visual results and smoother performance.

That naturally raises the question of whether similar AI upscaling upgrades can also arrive on the Xbox Series X. FSR is already available on Xbox consoles, and now AMD's upcoming FSR 4.1 support for RDNA2 hardware could potentially deliver a major upgrade for the Xbox Series X as well.

Reports suggest that AMD's AI-powered FSR 4.1 technology could deliver a PS5 Pro-like experience on Xbox Series X, with improved image quality, smoother frame rates, and higher resolutions. AMD Computing and Graphics SVP Jack Huynh confirmed that Radeon gamers are receiving AI-powered FSR 4.1 support for RDNA 3 and RDNA 2 graphics hardware.

That announcement is also being viewed as a major win for gaming handhelds like the ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw A8, as well as Valve's upcoming Steam hardware. However, the Xbox Series X may end up being one of the biggest beneficiaries because it uses the full RDNA2 architecture.

The potential impact here is significant. Xbox Series X is almost six years old, but with software updates like FSR 4.1, it might very well last many years longer. However, the Series X might play a significant role in the future of the Project Helix era, as other platforms, such as Xbox One and PS4, are still supported for years.

There's not much hardware difference between the PS5 Pro and current-generation consoles. Advanced AI upscaling technologies, such as PSSR, are the true key to distinguishing itself. With Xbox finally making FSR 4.1 part of its lineup, gamers might be able to play games at extremely high visual fidelity for years without upgrading to a new console.

As of now, we can expect the technology to be fully operational, potentially in 2027. As such, there is a possibility that the new games, such as Gears of War and Fable, will not be offered with the technology first. Still, the long-term outlook appears promising for Xbox owners who may not want to move to potentially expensive future hardware platforms like Project Helix.

Xbox Rebrands Back to the Classic All-Caps Style

Another notable change involves the Xbox brand identity itself. Xbox leadership recently asked the community whether the brand should continue using the mixed-case "Xbox" style or return to the classic all-caps "XBOX" branding.

The response was overwhelmingly in favor of the original all-caps styling. After more than 19,000 votes, the all-caps version won with 64%, and Xbox leadership quickly began implementing the change across official branding channels.

The move may seem minor, but it has generated a very positive response across the gaming community. Many players still associate the original all-caps XBOX branding with the early "renegade" era of the brand, and bringing it back helps reinforce that identity again.

It is also another example of Xbox leadership actively engaging with community feedback rather than pushing changes without input. The rebrand has kept Xbox in positive headlines and helped strengthen enthusiasm around the platform heading into the next phase of hardware and software announcements.

Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller Leak Reveals New Features

The Xbox Elite Series 3 controller also appears to be arriving very soon. Shortly after reports surfaced about a new cloud-focused Xbox controller, additional leaks from Brazil's Anatel regulator revealed images and specifications for the upcoming Elite Series 3.

Visually, the controller looks very similar to the Elite Series 2, though it features additional buttons and new design tweaks. One particularly interesting addition appears to be a pair of small scroll wheel-style controls positioned near the headphone jack. These are expected to handle headset and microphone volume controls directly from the controller.

The leaked specifications include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth support, a 3.5mm audio jack, interchangeable D-pads, paddles, trigger locks, and a dedicated pair button that switches between local and cloud modes to reduce latency during cloud gaming.

Unlike the Elite Series 2, the new controller may also return to a removable rechargeable battery design. The Elite Series 3 reportedly includes a 1,528 mA battery, compared to the 2,050 mA battery in the Elite Series 2.

Cloud gaming support appears to be a major focus for the new controller lineup. The dedicated cloud mode is specifically designed to reduce latency when streaming games, aligning with Microsoft's broader push toward Xbox Cloud Gaming and Play Anywhere functionality.

But for many players, quality control is a significant worry. Bumper problems, stick drift, and durability issues have been blamed on Elite Series controllers, particularly given their rather high price. As third parties introduce more sophisticated features at a lower price, it will be crucial for Xbox to make its Elite Series 3 more reliable.

There is also a growing rumor that the controller will be officially unveiled at their themed special editions on the 7th and 8th of June, alongside the controller.