Xbox Series X: Here's what ray-tracing looks like in Minecraft

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A new Xbox Series X tech demo shows ray-tracing in action

A new tech demo shows how much a difference the Xbox Series X's ray-tracing tech makes when playing a game like Minecraft, where you can see dramatically-enhanced lighting, shadows, and reflections.

Colors are more dynamic, shadows vary in darkness depending on how close to the object you are, and the glow of lava reflects off rails. The whole presentation takes on a more natural aesthetic, with nuanced lighting effects that travel through and carry the colors of transparent objects. It's by far the most realistic Minecraft has ever looked, and probably the current best demonstration of ray-tracing's effect on graphics on the Xbox Series X.

Below are some comparison shots from Xbox Wire showing Minecraft running with and without ray-tracing:

(Image credit: Mojang/Xbox Game Studios)

(Image credit: Mojang/Xbox Game Studios)

Another Xbox Series X gameplay reveal - this time showing State of Decay 2 - shows how much faster the new console boots up compared to the Xbox One. Microsoft also confirmed exactly how big the console itself is, so now you can clear out enough space under your TV.

Here's a rundown of everything we learned this week about the Xbox Series X, including what the newly-revealed specs say about what the new console can do.

Jordan Gerblick
Jordan Gerblick

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.