The Xbox Series S has been a major topic of discussion in the gaming world since its release. Positioned as an entry-level, next-gen console, it provides players with a budget-friendly option without compromising the essential features that make next-gen gaming so appealing. While the Xbox Series X grabs much of the spotlight due to its raw power and larger price tag, the Xbox Series S offers incredible value for those who want a more affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem.
In this article, we will dive deep into what the Xbox Series S has to offer, covering its performance, design, key features, and why it’s a great choice for many gamers.
What is the Xbox Series S?
Launched on November 10, 2020, the Xbox Series S is part of the latest generation of gaming consoles by Microsoft. It’s a smaller, more affordable alternative to the Xbox Series X, designed to deliver next-gen gaming experiences at a lower price point. While the Series X boasts more powerful hardware, the Series S is optimized for a digital gaming experience, meaning it does not feature a disc drive. This is a significant difference, but it’s not a deal-breaker for those who are comfortable with downloading or streaming their games digitally.
The Xbox Series S is compact, sleek, and lightweight, designed to fit easily in a living room setup without taking up much space. Despite its smaller frame, it packs plenty of performance, offering an impressive mix of speed, graphics, and game library access at a fraction of the cost of the Series X.
Key Features of the Xbox Series S
Powerful Performance at an Affordable Price
- The Xbox Series S is equipped with a custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU and a Zen 2-based processor. While not as powerful as the Series X, it still delivers impressive graphical performance and supports ray tracing, Variable Rate Shading (VRS), and 120Hz gaming. Gamers can expect enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay in their favorite titles.
- The SSD storage in the Series S is fast, allowing for quick load times and virtually eliminating long waiting times when booting up games or loading new levels. With a 512GB NVMe SSD, players can enjoy faster access to their game library and operating system, making for a more seamless experience overall.
Optimized for 1440p and 120Hz
- The Xbox Series S is designed to run games in 1440p (2K resolution) while still offering support for 4K output through upscaling. This makes it a perfect option for gamers with 1440p monitors or those who prioritize smooth 120Hz gameplay over the absolute highest graphical fidelity.
- The 120Hz refresh rate is particularly useful for competitive gamers, offering faster reaction times and smoother visuals in fast-paced games. It’s worth noting that while it may not natively output 4K like the Series X, it still provides an excellent visual experience on supported titles.
Digital-Only Gaming Experience
- One of the standout features of the Xbox Series S is that it’s digital-only, meaning it lacks a physical disc drive. For those who are already in the habit of buying digital games, this won’t be an issue, and it allows for a cleaner, sleeker design. However, for players who prefer to buy physical copies or have an extensive collection of physical games, this may be a limitation.
- Fortunately, Xbox has been pushing the Xbox Game Pass service, which provides access to a huge library of games digitally for a monthly fee. This makes the Xbox Series S even more enticing, as subscribers can download and play hundreds of titles without needing a physical disc.
Game Pass and Backward Compatibility
- A major selling point of the Xbox Series S is its compatibility with Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that gives players access to a large catalog of games, including Xbox Game Studios titles, indie games, and third-party releases. Xbox Game Pass is a game-changer for the Xbox Series S, making it even more affordable, as you can download and play a vast range of games for a flat monthly fee.
- Additionally, the Xbox Series S supports backward compatibility, allowing gamers to play many of their Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles on the new system. This feature ensures that your game library from previous generations can still be enjoyed, alongside the latest Xbox Series X|S titles.
Quick Resume & Enhanced Load Times
- One of the most praised features of the Xbox Series S is Quick Resume, a function that lets players switch between multiple games instantly without waiting for lengthy load times. This is especially useful for players who enjoy playing a variety of games but don’t want to lose progress in one while they try another.
- Load times in general are significantly improved thanks to the SSD storage. Games load faster, and the console boots up nearly instantly, saving you valuable time when jumping into a game.
Compact and Sleek Design
- The Xbox Series S is incredibly compact, measuring just 10.8 inches wide, 5.9 inches tall, and 2.5 inches deep. This makes it the smallest Xbox console to date, a perfect fit for any entertainment center.
- Its minimalist design features a white color scheme with a large black vent on the side, which is not only stylish but serves to keep the system cool and quiet during use.
How Does the Xbox Series S Compare to the Xbox Series X?
While both consoles are part of the same generation, they cater to different types of gamers. Here’s a quick comparison of the two:
| Feature | Xbox Series S | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 (USD) | $499 (USD) |
| Resolution | 1440p native, 4K upscaling | Native 4K |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| GPU | 4 teraflops (RDNA 2) | 12 teraflops (RDNA 2) |
| Physical Disc Drive | No | Yes |
| Ray Tracing | Yes | Yes |
| Frame Rate | 120Hz max | 120Hz max |
As shown in the table above, the Xbox Series X is significantly more powerful, offering native 4K gaming and more storage. However, for those who don’t mind sacrificing some graphical fidelity and are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Xbox Series S is still a fantastic choice.
Who Should Buy the Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S is perfect for a variety of gamers:
- Casual Gamers: If you’re a casual gamer who enjoys gaming but doesn’t require the highest graphical performance, the Xbox Series S offers a great balance of value and performance.
- Gamers on a Budget: If you want to jump into next-gen gaming but are restricted by budget, the Series S is an affordable alternative to the more expensive Series X.
- Digital-Only Gamers: Those who prefer downloading games digitally or already use Xbox Game Pass will find the Series S ideal, especially with its compact design and digital-only gaming model.
- Those New to Xbox: If you’re new to the Xbox ecosystem or considering switching from PlayStation, the Series S offers an affordable entry point with many of the benefits of Xbox’s next-gen tech.
