Why the Xbox Series S is the perfect staycation companion

I by no means considered the Xbox Series S as a conveyable console – and essentially, it isn’t designed to be one. But after taking Microsoft’s smallest ever Xbox with me on vacation, it’s really way more viable than you may suppose.

In truth, I used to be reasonably shocked by simply how simple it is to pack up the Xbox Series S and take it on the transfer. And whereas it clearly gained’t be a alternative for the Nintendo Switch or upcoming Steam Deck, it’s immediately develop into my go-to console every time I do know I’m going to be away for a number of nights. At least for now...

As it stands, Covid-19 journey restrictions proceed to make the concept of hopping on a aircraft an anxiety-inducing and expensive occasion that I’d reasonably do with out. That’s why since the pandemic, my holidays have centered round reserving close by staycations, as a substitute of sunning myself on a sandy seaside with a cocktail in hand.

Even although a change of surroundings is all the time welcome, it’s onerous to not miss your house comforts if you find yourself mainly staying in… effectively... simply one other house, albeit a fancier one. And with no pool, seaside or lodge entertainment to preoccupy me in the evenings, taking the Xbox Series S on vacation immediately made sense. After all, I knew that there can be a TV, one which might hopefully have an HDMI port.

What’s extra, I’ve additionally stayed at fairly a number of locations which didn’t have Netflix or Amazon Video out there, so with the ability to depart my laptop computer behind and watch my favourite applications on an even bigger display is additionally one thing that the Xbox Series S might present.

Movin’ out

Microsoft Xbox Series S, controller and Beoplay Portal headphones

(Image credit score: Future)

With the Xbox Series S primarily being made up of 4 components: the console, energy lead, HDMI cable and a controller, I discovered that three of those elements could possibly be handily saved in my headphone’s journey case. It meant that I solely wanted to fret about transporting the console safely, one thing which a discarded Amazon field did the job of completely.

I’ll admit that sticking the Xbox Series S in a cardboard field wasn’t the most glamorous resolution, however you may purchase some beautiful little instances which are particularly designed to move your Xbox Series S extra safely (although nothing is as cool as the Microsoft Flight Simulator Xbox Series S baggage).

Before I knew it, then, I had the Xbox Series S packed up and able to go in a matter of minutes. Once I reached my vacation spot, it was merely a case of unpacking the console, plugging in the vital cables and voilà, my evenings had been now sorted.

Wall mounted TV showing Xbox sign in screen and Xbox Series S console on table in a cottage

(Image credit score: Future)

Once I’d related to the Wi-Fi, the approach Xbox handles cloud saves meant that my progress from Xbox Series X was synced to the Xbox Series S in a few seconds, and with the Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card, I had numerous extra video games out there as quickly as I plugged in Microsoft’s proprietary SSD into the again of the console. From Gang Beasts and Octopath Traveler to Gears Tactics and FIFA 21, with the ability to sport away from house was a luxurious that I’m eager to repeat in the future.

Screen time

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1J5iJsYHMI[/embed]

Of course, one issue that might hinder your enjoyment of your Xbox Series S on vacation is the high quality of TV that you simply’ll discover at your vacation spot. Thankfully, my staycation had a surprisingly respectable 1080p JVC tv, which after a little bit of calibrating (yeah, I've a foul behavior of tweaking different folks’s TVs) regarded nice.

Unfortunately, that gained’t all the time be the case, however quickly even this drawback could possibly be circumvented. The lately backed xScreen show on Kickstarter may flip the Xbox Series S into the final transportable console, because it permits you to connect an 11.6-inch 1080p 60Hz show. Created by an organization known as UPSpec Gaming, it sits flush with the fringe of the console, and solely provides an additional 1.5 kilos (695g) to the general weight of the Xbox Series S.

While I’d undoubtedly go for the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck after I’m courageous sufficient to fly once more, in case you’re an Xbox Series S proprietor, don’t low cost Microsoft’s svelte white field as the system to take in your subsequent trip.