Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: Which to Choose?

The fight for the best next-gen gaming console is on. Microsoft has put out the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Gamers are now choosing which one to buy. They wonder: Which Xbox is better for value and performance? We'll explain the main differences. This will help you pick the right Xbox.

Key Takeaways

• The Xbox Series X is more powerful and costs more. It does true 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second.
• The Xbox Series S is cheaper and only plays digital games. It aims for 1440p gaming but has less power.
• Both have the same games you can play and are good with old games. But, they are different in how much they can store, what quality games they can play, and how well they run.
• The Series X is larger and has a disc drive. It's good for those who like real game discs. The Series S is smaller and only plays digital games. It's for those who want a smaller, simpler system.
• Xbox Game Pass is also important. It lets you play lots of games. You can use it on both consoles.

Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are new in the gaming world. They are competing against Sony's PlayStation 5. This makes picking the right Xbox a big decision for gamers. They must think about their gaming needs and what fits their budget.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

One big difference is their size and weight. The Xbox Series X is larger, measuring 11.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches, and heavier at 9.8 pounds. The Xbox Series S is smaller and lighter, coming in at 10.8 x 5.9 x 2.6 inches and 4.3 pounds. If you don't have much space, or want something compact, this is important to consider.

Performance is key too. The Xbox Series X is very powerful with 12 teraflops of GPU power, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB storage. On the other hand, the Series S has 4 teraflops, 10GB of RAM, and a storage of 512GB or 1TB. These differences affect things like how sharp the game looks, how smooth it plays, and the cool visual effects you can enjoy.

How they handle game discs is another difference. The Series X can use discs and play Blu-ray movies thanks to its disc drive. The Series S, however, is all digital. It doesn't have a disc drive but is smaller and simpler because of that choice. If you like having a collection of discs or prefer buying cheaper used games, this might be important to you.

"The Xbox Series X and Series S offer a range of advanced features and capabilities that cater to different gaming preferences and budgets."

To wrap it up, your decision on the Xbox Series X or Series S depends on what you value most. Each console has special features that fit different gaming styles and budgets. So, it's wise to think about what matters the most to you before buying.

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: Price Comparison

The next generation of gaming brings us two options: the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. The Series X is powerful and packed with features, priced at $499. On the other hand, the Series S is more affordable, selling at $299. This $200 difference in price can make a big impact. It might make those watching their spending lean towards the Series S, given today's financial challenges.

The Series X shines with its beefier hardware. It includes a custom 8-core, 3.8 GHz AMD Zen 2 CPU and a strong AMD RDNA 2 GPU that offers 12 teraflops of power. The Series S, however, uses the same CPU but has a less powerful GPU at 4 teraflops. Beyond that, the Series X has 16GB of RAM; the Series S makes do with 10GB.

Another area of difference is storage space. The Series X wins here with a 1TB SSD. The Series S, in comparison, offers 512GB or 1TB choices. It's also worth noting that the Series X supports 4K gaming at up to 120 FPS, while the Series S is designed for 1440p at 60 FPS.

For those who like using physical game discs, the Series X is the better pick because it has a 4K Blu-ray drive. But if space is an issue, the Series S wins there because it's more compact.

Picking between the Xbox Series X and Series S comes down to what you want, your budget, and your gaming habits. Both consoles are great for next-gen gaming. By considering price and features, you can find the one that meets your gaming needs.

Performance and Hardware Specifications

The new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S have unique specs. They meet different needs and budgets. The Series X, Microsoft's top model, shines with its cutting-edge features. It includes a Zen 2 CPU, a 12-teraflop GPU, and 16GB of RAM. These parts are expertly crafted to offer stunning visuals and peak performance.

CPU and GPU Power

The Xbox Series X contains an impressive 8-core AMD Ryzen CPU. It runs at a base speed of 3.8GHz, but can hit 3.6GHz with SMT. The Series S has a similar 8-core CPU. However, it runs slightly slower, at 3.6GHz without SMT. What really sets them apart is the GPU. With 52 CUs, the Series X can achieve 12 teraflops. Yet, the Series S has a 20 CU GPU, reaching 4 teraflops.

RAM and Storage Capacity

The Series X is loaded with 16GB of RAM, while the S has 10GB. In regards to storage, the Series X wins with a 1TB SSD. The S offers a 512GB or 1TB SSD. These differences show which console is better for intense versus lighter gaming experiences.

Specification	Xbox Series X	Xbox Series S
CPU	8-core AMD Ryzen Zen 2-architecture CPU at 3.8GHz (3.6GHz with SMT)	8-core AMD Ryzen Zen 2-architecture CPU at 3.6GHz (3.4GHz with SMT)
GPU	AMD Navi/RDNA 2-family GPU with 52 CUs at 1.825GHz (12 TFLOPS FP32)	AMD Navi/RDNA 2-family GPU with 20 CUs at 1.565GHz (4 TFLOPS FP32)
RAM	16GB GDDR6	10GB GDDR6
Storage	1TB SSD	512GB or 1TB SSD
Dimensions	11.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches, 9.8 pounds	10.8 x 5.9 x 2.6 inches, 4.3 pounds
Price	$499	$299

In comparing the Xbox Series X to the Series S, the focus is on what's better for you. The Series X offers premium gaming experiences. Meanwhile, the Series S is more budget-friendly, still packing a punch. Both consoles aim to provide a path into next-gen gaming, fitting different player needs.

Gaming Experience

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S each offer unique gaming experiences. They suit different user needs and the type of displays people may own. The Xbox Series X aims at providing the best gaming quality. It can play games in 4K and at 120 frames per second.

It uses ray tracing to make lighting and reflections look very real, enhancing game visuals. The Xbox Series S, on the other hand, focuses more on 1080p and 1440p gaming. Its highest frame rate is 120fps. Although it also has some ray tracing, it's not as advanced as the X's, making the Series X the better choice for amazed eyes, especially on the prettiest screens.

Resolution and Frame Rates

For those who love top-notch visuals, the Xbox Series X is your pick. It can run games in native 4K and up to 120 frames per second. Alternatively, the Series S performs well for those who don't need the highest settings. It's great for 1080p and 1440p gaming and can still run smoothly at 120fps.

Ray Tracing and Graphics Quality

The Xbox Series X stands out from the Series S with its advanced ray tracing. This makes the lighting and reflections in games look incredibly real. The Series S supports some ray tracing, but it's not as advanced. This leads to a less polished visual experience compared to the X.

In the end, if you want the most immersive gaming with stunning visuals, especially on high-quality screens, the Xbox Series X is the way to go. However, if you're after great performance and value, and visuals aren't your top priority, the Xbox Series S is a great alternative.

Specification	Xbox Series X	Xbox Series S
Resolution	Up to 4K, 60fps	Up to 1440p, 60fps
Max Frame Rate	120 fps	120 fps
Ray Tracing	Supported	Limited support
Graphics Quality	Highly detailed, realistic	Slightly less polished

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are the latest from Microsoft. They aim at different parts of the market with unique features and prices. Both support old games and share a library. But they stand apart in how they elevate the gaming world.

Xbox Series X is priced at $499, offering top-notch performance. It can do 4K gaming at 60 fps, and up to 120 fps at lower settings. In comparison, Xbox Series S costs $299. It aims for 1440p resolution at 60 fps. Plus, it doesn't play discs because it's digital-only.

Feature	Xbox Series X	Xbox Series S
Price	$499	$299 (standard), $349 (1TB Carbon Black)
Storage	1TB	512GB (standard), 1TB (Carbon Black)
Resolution	Up to 4K (2160p)	Up to 1440p
CPU Power	12 teraflops	4 teraflops
All Access Pricing	$34.99/month for 24 months	$24.99/month for 24 months
Size and Weight	Larger and heavier (nearly 10 lbs)	Smaller and lighter (about 60% smaller)
Frame Rates	Up to 4K at 120fps	Up to 1440p at 120fps
Disc Drive	Optical disc drive	Digital-only, no disc drive

The Xbox Series X has much more CPU power than the Series S. This means it can handle higher resolutions better. The Series X can do 4K at 120 fps, but the Series S tops at 1440p and 120 fps.

Both consoles use the Xbox Velocity Architecture and have Quick Resume, ray tracing, and special audio support. Yet, Series S might have trouble with constant performance in games using ray tracing. This is because its GPU isn't as strong as the one in Series X.

Your choice between Series X and Series S depends on what you care about most and your budget. The Series X is for those who want the best in Xbox gaming. The Series S is a more affordable pick for people with lower screen resolutions.

No matter which Xbox you go with, you get to enjoy a lot of cool games. You can also get Xbox Game Pass and connect smoothly with other devices. This makes gaming a really enjoyable experience.

Physical vs. Digital: The Disc Drive Dilemma

The Xbox Series X and Series S choice isn't just about power and cost. A big difference is the presence of a disc drive. Series X has a 4K Blu-ray drive for games, movies, and shows. In comparison, the digital-only Series S has no drive.

The Advantage of Physical Media

Downloading games is easy, but physical media has its strengths. Game discs feel like you really own something. You can also sell, loan, or trade them. Plus, you don't need subscriptions to play them anytime.

Physical media might also look better than downloads. A 4K UHD disc can give quality up to 108Mbps. That's better than Netflix's 16Mbps 4K stream.

Yet, the digital-only Xbox Series S has its pros. It means quicker access to games and media with no discs to store.

Feature	Physical Media	Digital Media
Ownership and Permanence	Tangible ownership, can be resold or traded	Digital license, potential loss of access
Media Quality	Superior quality (e.g., 4K UHD discs)	Dependent on internet speed and streaming quality
Convenience	Requires physical storage and management	Instant access, no physical space required
Subscription Requirements	No ongoing subscription needed	Potential subscription requirements

Choosing between having a disc drive in the Xbox Series X or not in the S is personal. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Users should think about their gaming habits to decide.

"The Xbox Series X Digital does not offer a significant size difference compared to the Xbox Series X with an optical drive, and the two versions share the same internal components."

The Xbox Series X might cost more, but the digital version doesn't save much. This means the digital Xbox might not save enough money. Players who like having discs should lean towards the Series X.

Design and Form Factor

The Xbox Series X and Series S have unique designs. They cater to different user tastes and home sizes. The Xbox Series X is 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide, following a more traditional Xbox look. On the flipside, the Xbox Series S is smaller and more compact. It's only 10.8 inches long, 5.9 inches wide, and 2.6 inches deep. This makes it the smallest Xbox ever. The smaller size is because the Series S doesn’t have a disc drive and has a reshaped power supply. It's 40% smaller than the Xbox One S.

The design of both the Xbox Series X and Series S is all about "Intelligent Geometry." This means the engineering and design teams worked together. They wanted to make the consoles both efficient and small. These geometric aspects are highlighted by the choice of colors and materials. This makes the consoles look high-end and fit well in any home.

Both consoles can stand up or lay flat without needing anything extra. This gives users more ways to set them up. Placing the Series X horizontally means it's less than six inches tall. So, it fits easily on most shelves. The Series S only needs 8 inches of depth when considering power and HDMI cables. This makes it even easier to find a spot for it.

The Xbox Series X’s design centers around a single axial fan. This fan keeps the console cool and helps keep its size down. Microsoft focused on working together in the design. They wanted to offer gamers a console that's both small and powerful.

Game Library and Backward Compatibility

The Xbox Series X and Series S let players enjoy a huge range of games, thanks to their backward compatibility. They can run many games from the Xbox One, Xbox 360, and the original Xbox. This means gamers can dive back into their favorites on the latest systems.

Players also get access to the Xbox Game Pass. It's a service filled with digital games, renewing regularly. You can play these games on either the Series X or Series S. This mix of old games with new ones expands your choices and keeps the fun coming.

Accessing the Xbox Games Catalog

The new Xbox consoles boost old games, making them look and play better than before. A lot of work - more than 500,000 hours - went into testing this. Some old games even get clearer and more beautiful, with resolution upgrades up to 4K. Plus, some games can now run with a lot more frames per second, making the action smoother.

Xbox's backward compatibility doesn't stop at running old games. It adds features like Auto HDR to make games' visuals pop without changing the original design. Together with better performance and resolution, this makes gaming better than ever.

The Xbox Games Catalog, along with the Game Pass, is a treasure chest of games. It grows all the time, giving players lots of titles to explore. With this, you can dive into both new and classic games, ensuring you're always entertained.

"The backward compatibility team has spent well over 500,000 hours of gameplay across the entire backward compatibility catalog to enhance the gaming experience on the new Xbox consoles."

With the Series X and Series S, you can easily continue your gaming adventures. These consoles make sure you can play from your old collections. Along with the huge game library, Xbox offers an amazing experience for everyone, from new fans to those who've been around for a while.

Xbox Game Pass and Subscription Services

The Xbox Series X and Series S offer the Xbox Game Pass. This gives gamers a huge collection of games to enjoy. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $14.99 per month. It's more than the $9.99 per month for the standard Xbox Game Pass for PC or Console. Yet, it also includes EA Play and Xbox Live Gold memberships. With this service, Xbox owners can play hundreds of games on their consoles, PCs, and even the cloud. Plus, they can save up to 20% on some games in the Pass collection.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has a great perk. Subscribers can play new Xbox Game Studios games on release day. This way, gamers never miss a big game. The service also includes EA Play, which offers top EA games and special in-game items. If you're not happy, you can cancel and get a refund within 30 days. But, you can only do this once per Microsoft account.

For cloud gamers, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is excellent. It lets you stream some games to a range of devices, as long as you have the right controller and fast internet. Xbox All Access is another good choice. It lets you get an Xbox Series X or Series S and 24 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. You can pay for this with no added fees over time. This is done through Citizens Pay Line of Credit or Affirm for Verizon purchases.

To sum up, the Xbox Game Pass is a top pick for Xbox's latest models. It offers tons of games, cloud gaming, and playing new games right from the start. These are big reasons to pick an Xbox console.

Conclusion

The choice between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S really depends on what you're looking for. The Series X is the top pick if you want the best. It has more power and better features. This includes an 8-core AMD Ryzen Zen 2 CPU and a 12.15 TFLOPS GPU. It supports 8K gaming and has 1TB of storage.

The Series S is a great budget-friendly option, selling for $300. It's also smaller and lighter at 1.93kg. Even though it might not run all games at 60fps, it still gives you access to a large game library. It also loads games faster. This makes it a good choice if you're on a budget or you don't mind lower display settings.

When picking between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, think about what matters most to you. Do you want the highest quality gaming or are you more worried about the price and size? Both consoles offer great gaming. It's all about what you value the most. No matter your choice, you can't go wrong. This makes the decision interesting but also fulfilling when choosing which to buy.

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