What is the best Xbox? Series S vs Series X explained
MicrosoftUnsure what is the best Xbox in 2024? We explain the differences between Xbox Series S and Series X to help you make a better decision.
While gaming PCs sure are tempting, let’s not dismiss gaming consoles just yet. With Xbox and killer perks like Game Pass, you can get a surprisingly good gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Rumors point to a next-gen Xbox console coming eventually. But for now, your choices are the current Xbox Series X and S. It’s best to avoid older models like Xbox One, which have limited compatibility.
Both Xbox Series X and S are great gaming consoles. The Series X is Xbox is a powerhouse, playing games in 4K and supporting physical discs. But the budget Series S plays digital-only games at 1440p.
If you’ve got any games on discs or want 4K capability, go for the X. The S is unbeatable when it comes to budget-friendly digital gaming. These consoles will stay relevent, while a new Xbox is likely years away.
Xbox Series X | S specs
| Spec | Series S | Series X |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU | 8X Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.66 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU |
| GPU | 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU | 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU |
| RAM | 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus | 16GB GDDR6 w/320 bit-wide bus |
| Storage | Internal Storage. 512GB Custom NVME SSD | Internal Storage. 1TB Custom NVME SSD |
| External Storage | Support for 1TB Seagate Expansion Card/Support for USB 3.1 external HDD | Support for 1TB Seagate Expansion Card & Support for USB 3.1 external HDD |
| Resolution | 1440p | 4K |
| Framerate | Up to 120 FPS | Up to 120 FPS |
| HDMI features | Auto Low Latency Mode/HDMI Variable Refresh Rate/AMD FreeSync. | Auto Low Latency Mode/HDMI Variable Refresh Rate/AMD FreeSync. |
| Disc drive | None | 4K UHD Blu-Ray |
| HDR | Support for HDR | Up to 8K HDR |
| HDMI port | 1x HDMI 2.1 port | 1x HDMI 2.1 port |
| USB ports | 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports | 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports |
| Wi-Fi | Wireless. 802.11ac dual band | Wireless. 802.11ac dual band |
| Ethernet | Ethernet. 802.3 10/100/1000 | Ethernet. 802.3 10/100/1000 |
| Audio | Dolby Digital 5.1 DTS 5.1 Dolby TrueHD with Atmos Up to 7.1 L-PCM | Dolby Digital 5.1 DTS 5.1 Dolby TrueHD with Atmos Up to 7.1 L-PCM |
As you can see, the major differences between the two consoles actually have to do with the resolution – which the Xbox takes care of for the most part – and storage.
If you can sacrifice the true 4K from the Series X, you can probably save yourself a couple of hundred dollars when purchasing the Series S. However, the 512GB SSD inside the Series S is horrible to deal with on a regular basis.
We fully recommend grabbing a decent external HDD or SSD to ensure that your older titles from Xbox One and Xbox 360, or the original, aren’t clogging up your main drive. Newer games, like the recent Dead Space Remake or the upcoming lineup this year, will require that super fast NVMe drive inside to use quick resume and various improvements to loading.
While the disc drive is missed for older titles, picking up cheap pre-owned or discounted games from your local stores, isn’t all bad. Microsoft runs some cracking deals on a regular basis for a lot of major titles, new and old. We managed to pick up every Assassin’s Creed game for just under $60 a sale towards the end of 2022.
Series S vs Series X: Which Xbox should you buy?
Outside of 4K gaming, discs, and bigger storage, there’s very little difference between the two versions. Of course, the Xbox Series X can play your 360, and Xbox One games through the disc tray. However, the Series S is primed for that all-digital future and by shedding the weight, is perfect to slot in just about anywhere.
Resolutions and prices
Seriously, the Xbox Series S comes in at a cool $299.99. It offers 4K as well, but not natively. This console can technically do around 1080p or 1440p.
That’s not a bad thing, as most games today aren’t going to natively display at 4K on any of the consoles. Very few titles will actually be at that native 4K resolution.
Some games might say they are, but they’re all using similar blow-up techniques to get it to look pretty on your TV.
Again, this isn’t a bad thing, it’s happening everywhere. Even in our various GPU reviews, including the 4090, it’s still best to run 4K games with these supersampling and upscaling techniques.
The Xbox Series X is a bit more expensive, but out of the box, offers 1TB of storage and of course, access to your disc games. If you’re someone who still wants to grab a disc copy of the latest game, this will be your path forward.
You’ll find Xbox Series X going for around $200 more, at $499.
Framerates
Both consoles can run games at 120FPS, but only the Xbox Series X can run them at 4K/120FPS. You will find that if this is important to you, you should go for the Series X regardless. That way you won’t have to refer to a guide.
There are also some games that won’t support the Series S, but there are usually some caveats on the X as well.
For example, Halo Infinite is locked at 1440p/120FPS on the Series X, while 1080p/120FPS on the Series S.
You’ll also need a monitor, or TV that supports such a resolution and frame rate. Our recommendations for that front will always remain the LG C1 or C2 for TVs, while with monitors, you can get away with almost any modern gaming monitor.
Size
The Xbox Series X is a particularly big console, weighing close to 10 pounds and measuring almost a foot tall. It may not be the best option for you if your gaming setup doesn’t have much room. The Series S is half the Series X’s weight and is significantly smaller.
- Xbox Series X: 11.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches and 9.8 pounds.
- Xbox Series S: 10.8 x 5.9 x 2.6 inches and 4.3 pounds.
Why buy an Xbox?
MicrosoftBoth Series S and X have their own benefits, but the main reason to get an Xbox is Game Pass (more on this later).
The Xbox, as of right now, when combined with a Game Pass subscription is genuinely one of the best deals in gaming.
Not only do you get a regular carousel of games, but all Microsoft games will be available for download day and date of their release. There’s also a different tier that will give you full access to their cloud streaming, and a tonne of titles from EA Play too.
While Microsoft’s first-party output hasn’t really shaped up to be too great, having games like Persona 5, High on Life, and a lot more third-party games at your fingertips makes it an exciting prospect.
There’s also the fact that if you’re a PC aficionado, you’ll also get access to most of the games on your gaming rig anyway.
What is Game Pass?
MicrosoftGame Pass is Microsoft’s subscription service that collates a few hundred different titles. They range from JRPGs to first-person shooters and include some pretty major titles. Recently, Ubisoft games like Assassin’s Creed have made it to the service. EA Play has fleshed the store out even further.
Upgrading to Ultimate will give you access to the streaming and EA Play, as well as additional ‘perks’ which are given out every month.
Xbox or PS5?
SonyIn no way, in 2024, will we stoke this fire. Both consoles are now seeing games get released. If you want those Sony exclusives, and don’t want to wait a year for them to appear on PC – or have no interest in PC gaming – you’ll find that the PS5 might suit you well.
Plus, if you’re like us and have accumulated a tonne of PS4 games over the last few years that you can’t bear to let go of, then yes, go for a PS5.
For those looking for a jukebox of titles, or a cheaper entry point into this generation, a Series S is your best bet. If you want the same thing, but with better support for 4K and to play all your old games on, the Series X might be your console.
The fact of the matter is, with cross-platform play becoming more of a staple, as well as everything barring the major first-party titles coming to both consoles, it simply comes down to which one you’ve invested more cash into in the last generation.
Should you wait for the next-gen Xbox?
Microsoft has teased that it will deliver “the largest technical leap” with the next-generation Xbox, so it might be worth waiting for.
“We’re also invested in the next-generation roadmap. What we’re really focused on there is delivering the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation, which makes it better for players and better for creators and the visions that they’re building,” said Sarah Bond, Xbox president, during official an XBox podcast.
However, it’s currently unclear what big upgrades the new Xbox will bring out of the box. It’s launch date is also anyone’s guess at the moment.
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