What are the differences between Xbox Series X and Series S?

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the distinctive features that set Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series
S apart. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking for peak performance or a casual player interested in a more
budget-friendly option, this article informs you of what each console offers. We explore game compatibility,
graphics, storage, and cost considerations. We’ll also discuss backward compatibility and new technology
integrations that enhance gaming experiences. Stay with us to become an informed buyer, and find out which Xbox
console holds the best value for you.

The best Xbox

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Choosing between the Xbox Series X and Series S largely depends on your gaming preferences and budget. If you’re
looking for uncompromising performance, the Series X is your go-to. It boasts superior hardware specifications
that cater to high-resolution gaming and robust future-proofing.

On the other hand, the Series S serves as an affordable, yet mighty contender. Although it offers less robust
hardware compared to the Series X, it still delivers an excellent gaming experience, especially if you use a
1080p display. Ultimately, both consoles excel in different areas, making your choice dependent on needs and
budget constraints.

Less for less

Microsoft Xbox Series X

The Xbox Series X stands as the powerhouse of the current generation of Xbox consoles. It’s engineered with a
powerful GPU capable of rendering games in stunning 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second. This console
caters to gamers looking to experience their games in the highest possible quality.

With 12 teraflops of computing power, the Series X effortlessly handles demanding titles, ensuring smooth
gameplay with minimal load times. Its sleek design incorporates advanced cooling techniques, maintaining
optimal performance without overheating, providing durability and efficiency during extensive gaming sessions.

Microsoft Xbox Series S (512GB)

Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S is designed for cost-effectiveness without significant performance degradation. It
caps out at 1440p resolution but can still upscale to 4K. This console offers a balance between performance and
affordability, making it an attractive option for players not fixated on cutting-edge graphics.

Despite its smaller storage of 512GB, the Series S maintains the same CPU performance as the Series X, enabling
it to run next-gen games efficiently. Its compact design fits seamlessly into any home setup, appealing mainly
to gamers interested in digital libraries due to the absence of a disc drive.

Microsoft Xbox Series S (1TB)

The recently introduced 1TB variant of the Xbox Series S addresses storage concerns, offering more room for
games and apps. With identical specifications to the 512GB model, this version effectively meets the demands of
players who require additional storage without a significant increase in price.

This model bridges the gap for those who like the Series S for its affordability but find the base model’s
storage restrictive. Providing more storage enhances the console’s appeal, inviting a broader audience.

A little more storage for a little more money

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Investing in the Xbox Series X means securing ample onboard storage with its 1TB SSD, allowing for quick load
times and efficient management of large game files. Additionally, its expandable storage options make it even
more versatile for handling various game sizes and updates.

For those who often purchase new game releases, the storage capacity combined with the ability to expand
memory via Seagate expansion cards will prove invaluable, ensuring no disruption to gaming experiences.

Microsoft Xbox Series S (512GB)

The base Xbox Series S comes with 512GB SSD storage, which, while sufficient for several games, may require
regular management to free up space for new titles. This is a key consideration if you plan to maintain a large
digital library.

Given its lower price point, the Series S is an excellent option if you don’t mind deleting older games you no
longer play, or if you select games that require less storage space.

Microsoft Xbox Series S (1TB)

The 1TB Xbox Series S variant thus becomes a cost-effective solution for gamers who love downloading games but
don’t want to constantly manage storage. It effortlessly accommodates ever-expanding game libraries.

With additional storage, this model broadens the accessible gaming library, offering convenience without
sacrificing performance.

The research

Setup

Setting up either the Xbox Series X or Series S is straightforward, thanks to Microsoft’s user-friendly
interfaces and quick-start guides. Both consoles offer plug-and-play capabilities, integrating well with modern
televisions via HDMI 2.1 support.

Additionally, both systems are designed to easily connect to Xbox Live services, boasting seamless
connectivity to the online gaming ecosystem.

Load times

Both consoles benefit from Microsoft’s proprietary velocity architecture, significantly reducing load times.
Whether you’re immersing yourself in a vast open-world game or quickly jumping into a multiplayer match, the
loading speeds on these consoles enhance your gaming experience.

The custom SSDs in both consoles allow for fast asset streaming, meaning game environments load quickly and
smoothly, minimizing disruptions to gameplay.

A fast, familiar user interface

The user interface of the Xbox Series X and Series S remains consistent with prior Xbox generations, albeit with
optimizations for quicker navigation and ease of use. This familiarity ensures that players can transition
easily between console generations.

New features like Quick Resume further enhance the experience by allowing players to swap between multiple games
seamlessly, offering immediate continuation of gameplay.

Xbox Series X vs. Xbox Series S: What’s the difference?

Better graphics on old games, great graphics on new games

The Xbox Series X provides superior graphical performance, supporting 4K gaming with ease. Enhanced framework,
ray tracing, and high visual fidelity on new titles ensure unparalleled graphical detail and performance.

The Series S, with its 1440p target, still leverages features such as ray tracing but at a lower resolution.
Nonetheless, both consoles enhance visuals of backward compatible games, breathing new life into older titles
through their increased processing power.

You can still play your old games—and they’ll look better

Backward compatibility is a standout feature for both consoles. Players can revisit their extensive library of
Xbox One and certain Xbox 360 titles, enjoying optimized performance and enhanced load times.

While the Series X might provide these games with 4K enhancements, the Series S ensures the old favorites run
smoother than ever. This makes either console a fantastic choice for nostalgic gamers looking to dive back into
beloved classics.

Storage

Storage is a pivotal factor when comparing these two consoles. The Series X, with its 1TB SSD, offers gamers ample
room to store an extensive game catalogue. However, frequent game install sizes and updates can quickly fill
available space.

In contrast, the smaller internal storage of the Series S models urges its users to manage space efficiently or
consider the 1TB expansion. For many, this necessity could be outweighed by the Series S’s lower initial cost.

Why should you get an Xbox Series X|S?

How much do the Xbox Series X and Series S cost?

Price is a significant differentiator between the two consoles. The Series X, priced at approximately $499,
targets hardcore gamers seeking top-tier performance. The Series S’s lower price tag of around $299 (or slightly
more for the 1TB version) makes it a more accessible entry point into next-gen gaming.

The varying expense makes these consoles address different market segments: those looking to invest in enhanced
graphics and processing, and those who prioritize budget over power.

Are the Xbox Series X and S backwards-compatible?

Both consoles have made definitive strides in backward compatibility, supporting a vast library of Xbox One and
select older games, preserving the rich gaming history through continued playability. Microsoft prioritizes
backward compatibility to enhance the console’s value proposition.

This feature carries significant weight for players invested in the Xbox ecosystem, ensuring that transitioning
to the new generation doesn’t mean leaving their favorite games behind.

Do the Xbox Series X and S support 4K? What about 4K/UHD Blu-ray?

The Xbox Series X supports native 4K gaming and includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, appealing to users who
leverage the console as a multimedia device. This capacity extends to streaming services with 4K content
availability.

Conversely, the Series S focuses on 1440p output, upscaling to 4K when possible but does not come with a disc
drive, driving the user towards digital purchases and streaming solutions.

The Xbox Series Controller

The Xbox Series X|S controller retains the refined design of its predecessors while introducing improvements in
tactile feedback and ergonomics. Its compatibility across the new and older Xbox models is an added advantage.

These controllers include enhancements like improved grips, redesigned D-pad, and reduced latency, making them a
seamless addition for any player transitioning through different Xbox generations.

Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass serves as Microsoft’s standout content service, offering a vast catalogue of games for a
monthly subscription. This service transforms gaming on both the Xbox Series X and S by providing immediate
access to hundreds of games, including new releases.

From indie titles to blockbuster franchises, Game Pass is a strategic move by Microsoft that doesn’t just focus
on hardware but equally values content delivery, making it an integral part of the Xbox experience.

What to look forward to

Do the Xbox Series X and S support variable refresh rate?

Both consoles feature support for variable refresh rate (VRR), enhancing visual output by synchronizing the
game’s frame rate with compatible displays. This results in smoother animations and a significant reduction in
screen tearing during fast-paced gaming moments.

VRR support underscores Microsoft’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences, ensuring either
console remains competitive as display technology progresses.

Do I need a new HDMI cable?

While both consoles include an HDMI 2.1 cable in the box, maximizing performance features like 4K at 120Hz
requires an HDMI 2.1 compatible TV or monitor. However, they are also backward compatible with older HDMI
standards, ensuring flexibility in setup.

For those equipped with displays that support these features, acquiring new cables may prove unnecessary unless
aiming to upgrade for future-proofing purposes.

Will my old Xbox accessories work?

One of the Xbox Series consoles’ key benefits is their backward compatibility with Xbox One accessories. Postlaunch
updates have ensured previous-generation controllers and peripherals remain usable, saving gamers from additional
accessory expenses.

This aspect enhances the transition experience, where your familiar gear can still be an integral part of your
next-gen setup.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Xbox Series X and Series S support HDMI-CEC?

Both consoles come with HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) support, enabling seamless integration into your
home theater set-up. This allows the Xbox to control your TV’s power and volume through a single remote, adding
the convenience of unified control over multiple devices.

CEC offers players the benefit of starting game sessions with fewer interruptions and simpler console management.

Do the Xbox Series X and Series S support Bluetooth?

While the consoles do not support Bluetooth audio directly, they include Bluetooth capabilities for controllers
and other peripheral devices. This is mainly leveraged for wireless controller connectivity and pairing to
mobile devices.

Players eager to use Bluetooth audio must look towards alternative solutions, such as using a third-party
adapter or selecting headsets that connect via USB or 3.5mm jack.

Do the Xbox Series X and Series S support Wi-Fi 6?

Although limited to Wi-Fi 5, both consoles maintain stable internet connectivity sufficient for online gaming,
streaming, and downloads. Wi-Fi 6, offering increased bandwidth and efficiency, remains unsupported, reflecting
their design period.

Players invested in high-speed connections may not find the previous Wi-Fi standard limiting, especially with
wired Ethernet connections offering alternative robust network solutions.

Do the Xbox Series X and Series S support Dolby Vision?

Both consoles extend support to Dolby Vision for streaming content, enhancing video quality with superior color,
contrast, and brightness specs. However, full gaming support for Dolby Vision was still in development during
early product life stages.

As updates continue to expand functionality, consoles’ adaptability indicates promising future enhancements.

Do the Xbox Series X and Series S support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X?

Spatial audio support in both consoles makes use of technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing an
immersive audio experience. This support transforms gaming into a enveloping audio experience with three
dimensional soundscapes.

Augmenting traditional stereo outputs with spatial audio demonstrates Microsoft’s desire to enrich the gaming
environment, ensuring audio fidelity matches visual standards.

Meet your guide

Your guide to navigating this crucial decision between the Xbox Series X and Series S involves understanding each
console’s unique strengths and how they align with your gaming aspirations. Consider asking yourself about your
priorities: Do you value raw power, or are you more interested in economy?

Ultimately, informed decisions lead to the best gaming experience tailored to your preferences, ensuring every
game session fulfills your expectations.

Further reading

The Best Gaming Headsets

For a truly immersive gaming experience, investing in a quality headset can significantly enhance audio
immersion. Whether seeking comfort or exceptional sound quality, there’s a headset out there that matches any
player’s needs.

Exploring the best options in the market can lead to discovering devices that enrich gaming across all consoles,
elevating your interaction with each game’s sound design.

The Best Game Consoles

Discover what sets the best game consoles apart in today’s market, evaluating each platform’s strengths and
weaknesses. From Sony’s PlayStation to the Nintendo Switch, understanding each console aids in building a
well-rounded gaming collection.

This comprehensive knowledge informs all purchasing decisions, contributing to a gaming ecosystem that
perfectly fits your lifestyle.

Choosing the Right PlayStation 5

For enthusiasts considering diversifying their console collection, delving into PlayStation 5 options reveals
how Sony’s latest offerings compare to Microsoft’s solutions. Examine hardware, games, and services to find
what aligns with your interests.

Gaining insight into the nuances of each console generation invites gamers to explore multi-platform environments,
heightening their experiences.

Set Up That Gaming Console Before You Wrap It.

Holiday season or not, setting up a new gaming console ahead of time can mitigate unexpected issues, ensuring
your recipient dives straight into fun. Preemptive setup caters to smoother transitions and helps avert
disappointment due to technical hurdles.

Taking the time to configure consoles prior to gifting ensures a seamless first interaction, making the gift not
only thoughtful but efficiently ready for use.

Summary of main points