Xbox Series X vs. Series S: Which Console Should You Buy?

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S represent Microsoft’s dual approach to next-generation gaming, offering premium power and budget-friendly access respectively. Launched in 2020, these consoles have evolved with refreshed models, catering to diverse setups from 4K TVs to compact living spaces.

Design and Build: Size, Style, and Practicality

The Xbox Series X stands as a tower of gaming might, measuring about 15.1 x 15.1 x 30.1 cm and weighing 4.45 kg, with a black cylindrical design optimized for vertical orientation. Its robust build houses advanced cooling via vapor chamber technology in original models, transitioning to efficient copper heat pipes in 2024 refreshes for lower power draw.

In contrast, the Xbox Series S is remarkably compact at 6.5 x 15.1 x 27.5 cm and just 1.93 kg, available in white or black (1TB variant). This disc-less design prioritizes a sleek, horizontal-friendly form that’s ideal for media consoles or small entertainment units. Both share a quiet operation, but the Series S edges out in noise levels during extended play.

• Series X advantages: Sturdy construction, includes disc drive for physical media.
• Series S advantages: Space-saving size, modern all-digital focus.

Hardware Specifications: Power Under the Hood

At their core, both consoles use AMD’s Zen 2 CPU architecture, but differences amplify in GPU, RAM, and storage. The Series X boasts 12 teraflops via an RDNA 2 GPU clocked at 1.825 GHz, 16GB GDDR6 RAM (10GB high-speed + 6GB standard), and 1TB NVMe SSD (802GB usable). The Series S counters with 4 teraflops at 1.565 GHz, 10GB GDDR6 (8GB high-speed + 2GB standard), and 512GB SSD (364GB usable) or 1TB option.

These specs translate to the Series X targeting native 4K at 60 FPS (up to 120 FPS or 8K), while Series S aims for 1440p at 60 FPS with 4K upscaling. Refreshed 2024 models, like the 1TB Series S and digital-only Series X, enhance storage without bloating size.

Gaming Performance: Graphics, Speed, and Features

The Series X delivers unparalleled visuals, supporting hardware ray-tracing for realistic lighting and shadows in titles like those with advanced RT effects. It excels in draw distance, texture quality, and frame rates, rendering games at native 4K—evident in comparisons where it outshines the S in crispness on 4K displays. Load times are blistering on both thanks to Velocity Architecture SSDs, enabling Quick Resume for seamless game switching across four titles.

Series S holds its own at 1080p/1440p, with solid 60 FPS performance and limited ray-tracing. In games like Highguard, it runs at native 720p upscaled to 1080p, appearing softer but stable, versus Series X’s 1108p to 1440p. Both support Auto HDR, VRR, and spatial audio via HDMI 2.1, but Series X’s Blu-ray drive adds media versatility.

• Ray-tracing: Full support on X, selective on S.
• Frame rates: Both hit 120 FPS where optimized, but X sustains higher fidelity.
• Upscaling: S uses AI for 4K output, playable but not native.

Storage and Expandability: Managing Your Game Library

Modern games demand space—titles often exceed 100GB. Series X’s 1TB offers more headroom, while base S’s 512GB fills quickly, though expandable via official Seagate cards (1TB ~$150). The 1TB S variant resolves this for ~$350. Both delete least-played games automatically, but frequent management suits S users.

Backward compatibility spans four generations: Xbox One, 360, and original Xbox (Kinect-excluded), with enhancements like Auto HDR boosting classics.

Game Library and Ecosystem: Shared Access, Varied Experience

Identical digital libraries via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate provide day-one access to hundreds of titles, cloud gaming, and PC integration. Series X enhances visuals on big screens; S shines for portable or secondary setups. Few exclusives exist, but optimizations favor X’s power.

Controller and Accessories: Familiar Comfort

Both ship with the Xbox Wireless Controller—ergonomic, textured triggers, share button, and 40-hour battery via AA or recharge pack. Elite Series 2 offers customization. Series S pairs effortlessly, maintaining input lag under 10ms.

Pricing and Value: Budget vs Premium Investment

Series X retails ~$500 (digital variant cheaper), S at $300 (512GB) or $350 (1TB). Bundles with Game Pass sweeten deals. S suits 1080p/1440p users or kids’ rooms; X future-proofs for 4K/8K.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

• Xbox Series X Pros: Supreme power, 4K native, disc drive, future-proof.
• Xbox Series X Cons: Bulkier, pricier.
• Xbox Series S Pros: Affordable, compact, same games/Game Pass.
• Xbox Series S Cons: Lower res, less storage/RAM, no disc.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose Series X for immersive 4K gaming, media playback, and longevity. Opt for Series S if prioritizing cost, space, or casual play—it’s no slouch, delivering next-gen features accessibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Xbox Series S play 4K games?

It upscales to 4K but renders natively at 1440p max, suitable for most TVs via AI enhancement.

Is Xbox Series X backward compatible?

Yes, supports thousands of Xbox One, 360, and OG Xbox titles with upgrades.

Which has better storage expansion?

Both use proprietary cards; S benefits more due to smaller base capacity.

Do they support ray-tracing?

Series X fully; Series S selectively in optimized games.

What’s the price difference?

Typically $200, making S ideal for budgets.