Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: which Xbox is right for you?

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: as inventory of Microsoft's new consoles slowly trickles into retailers arms, it is a query that is certain to crop up extra over the approaching months and years. However, though the 2 Xbox consoles have extremely related names and equivalent recreation libraries, there is a huge distinction when it comes to what they're able to. It's vital, then, that what every of them can do earlier than you make a purchase order.

Choosing which of the 2 Xbox consoles is right for you'll most likely come down to a couple key questions that solely you may reply: how a lot are you keen to spend on next-gen {hardware}? Do you want a disc drive? Do you thoughts if the console renders video games in native 4K, or is upscaled 4K adequate? Finally, how a lot cupboard space do you want for video games?

After writing our Xbox Series X overview and Xbox Series S overview, we are able to authoritatively communicate concerning the strengths and weaknesses of each consoles and provide help to resolve which of the 2 makes extra sense for your setup and your finances. Both consoles have their deserves, however if you need the best possible, the Xbox Series X is the clear winner; nonetheless, do not write the Xbox Series S off simply but.

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: key variations

If you solely stroll away with three key variations in thoughts, let or not it's these: the Xbox Series X has a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive that is able to taking part in bodily video games and flicks whereas the Xbox Series S doesn't; the Xbox Series X has a big 1TB SSD that may retailer, on common, round 16 video games whereas the Xbox Series S has a 512GB SSD that solely shops round 4 to 5; and the Xbox Series X renders video games in native 4K at 60 frames-per-second, whereas the Xbox Series S targets 1440p.

Otherwise, each can have the identical person interface, the identical controller and the identical Xbox Velocity Architecture that allows options like Quick Resume. Both have the identical media apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and extra, and extra importantly, each can play precisely the identical video games.

More folks appear drawn to the ability of the Xbox Series X from what we have seen to this point, however that is to not low cost the benefits of the extra reasonably priced mannequin. Both work properly and each can serve a unique viewers.

Let's break them down even additional.

First up is the Xbox Series X, Microsoft’s flagship console that’s able to 4K graphics and guarantees to be essentially the most highly effective console ever made. On paper the specs are very spectacular, and it has a novel, tower-style design that we’ve by no means seen from a console producer earlier than. It prices a reasonably penny, although, at $499 / £449 / AU$749, the identical worth because the PS5, which releases 2-9 days later relying on the place you reside.

The Xbox Series S is way more reasonably priced, nonetheless, albeit a much less highly effective various for customers to think about. It’s digital-only, so that you’ll be on the mercy of the Microsoft Store for any purchases you make. It launched alongside the Xbox Series X.

Microsoft will probably be hoping to make use of the attraction of Xbox Game Pass, its Netflix-like subscription service (which now additionally contains EA Play), and Project xCloud, that lets players stream video games from the cloud. It appears like it would disrupt the market, with a worth level that is geared toward those that are keen to compromise on energy for a a lot better worth.

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S worth

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S price

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The Xbox Series X prices $499 / £449 / AU$749 and launched on November 10, 2020. The console is full of cutting-edge know-how, and goes head-to-head with the PS5, which additionally prices $499. The worth level could also be too costly for some, nevertheless it places the Xbox Series X in a powerful place to compete with Sony’s {hardware}.

The Xbox Series S worth is simply $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$499, which is decrease than nearly all of analysts and trade insiders predicted. With the Xbox Series X retails for $499, a $200 saving will probably be very interesting to the extra cost-conscious shopper.

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S specs

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: which Xbox is right for you?

(Image credit score: Microsoft)

The Xbox Series X is a beast on paper, and paints an thrilling image for the potential of next-gen gaming. Here’s what’s contained in the diminutive tower of energy:

CPU: Eight-core 3.8GHz (3.6GHz with SMT) customized AMD 7nm
GPU: 12 teraflops 1.825GHz (locked)
RAM: 16GB GDDR6
Frame price: Up to 120 fps
Resolution: Up to 8K
Optical: HD Blu-Ray disk drive
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD

With a 12 teraflop GPU able to as much as 120 frames per second, the Xbox Series X is twice as highly effective because the Xbox One X, Microsoft’s present flagship console. It helps numerous thrilling next-gen options resembling ray tracing, variable price shading and even help for 8K decision.

The Xbox Series X makes the wait when booting up video games or loading new ranges a factor of the previous because of its customized super-fast NVMe SSD. The SSD is a part of the console’s new Velocity Architecture, which permits a number of video games to be suspended within the background whilst you’re taking part in one thing solely totally different. Everything is extra responsive and snappier consequently, too.

Microsoft additionally hopes to make latency a factor of the previous on Xbox Series X. Forward-thinking options resembling Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), communication enhancements to the Xbox controller, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) help will take full benefit of TVs with HDMI 2.1 help.

In comparability, this is what we all know concerning the Xbox Series S specs to this point:

CPU: Eight-core 3.6GHz (3.4GHz with SMT) customized AMD 7nm
GPU: 4 teraflops at 1.550GHz
RAM: 10GB GDDR6
Frame price: Up to 120 fps
Resolution: 1440p with 4K upscaling
Optical: No disk drive
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD

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The Xbox Series S packs loads of energy for such a small field. The console targets a decision of 1440p as an alternative of native 4K (some video games do help native 4K, although), and is able to 120fps gaming. It has an nearly equivalent CPU to the Xbox Series X, however the GPU is significantly much less highly effective, and it comes with 10GB of GDDR6 RAM as an alternative of 16GB.

That would possibly sound like a giant compromise on paper, however keep in mind the Xbox Series S is concentrating on 1440p/60fps as an alternative of 4K/60fps. This means it wants much less energy to achieve its pixel rely, however it might nonetheless ship all of the next-gen options Microsoft is specializing in like ray tracing and 120fps.

There’s no disk drive, in fact, and the storage is nearly halved in comparison with the Xbox Series X. That’s admittedly regarding for a digital-only mannequin, however Microsoft will probably be hoping folks make the most of Project xCloud which entails no downloads in any respect as recreation’s are streamed from Microsoft’s distant information servers.

The storage of each consoles will be expanded, nonetheless. Microsoft is promoting a 1TB proprietary growth card that plugs into the again of the console. Xbox One video games may also be saved on a typical exterior laborious drive to assist unlock house.

The Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X may even help Spatial Sound, together with Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Vision by way of streaming media apps at launch. Dolby Vision help for gaming may even come first to next-gen Xbox consoles in 2021.

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S video games

Halo Infinite

(Image credit score: Microsoft)

So right here’s what it's essential know: each the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are in a position to play precisely the identical video games, though they’ll undoubtedly look greatest on Xbox Series X.

The type of compromises we anticipate to see on Xbox Series S will give attention to the drop to 1440p decision from 4K, and perhaps some extra minor adjustments that most likely received’t be as noticeable. Both consoles are rumored to incorporate the identical eight-core 2.3GHz customized AMD CPU.

Here’s an inventory of video games which were confirmed for Xbox Series X and, by default, Xbox Series S:

Both consoles provide full backwards-compatibility with Xbox One, Xbox 360 and authentic Xbox video games, too. So even when the next-gen video games aren’t flowing at launch, you’ll have a lot to play, significantly when you've got a big library of titles already. If you personal loads of bodily copies, although, be conscious that these received’t work on Xbox Series S as a result of lack of disc drive.

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S verdict

Xbox Series X release date

(Image credit score: Microsoft)

Microsoft could also be onto one thing right here. By providing two consoles that focus on totally different audiences, customers in the end have extra selection and extra methods to enter into the Xbox ecosystem. If solely one of the best will do, choose up an Xbox Series X, however be ready to pay a premium. Want to enter the following technology with out breaking the financial institution? The Xbox Series S is a improbable entry level, and one with a severely tempting worth.

Microsoft appears to have created two interesting iterations of its console, with out one showing much less engaging than the opposite. Crucially, it would now be capable of battle the PS5 on two fronts: worth and efficiency. The Xbox Series S prices considerably lower than the PS5, and whereas the Xbox Series X might price the identical because the PS5, it is extra highly effective... no less than, on paper.

By creating an argument for Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S, Microsoft has primarily completed its greatest to show customers’ heads the place it won't have completed so have been it a straight battle between Xbox Series X and PS5. And that’s absolutely a win for Xbox as an entire.

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