Are you ready to dive into next-gen gaming without breaking the bank? The Xbox Series S is a compact powerhouse. It challenges traditional gaming console expectations. Launched in November 2020, this small but mighty next-gen gaming device redefines affordable gaming performance.
Microsoft’s Xbox Series S offers an accessible entry point for gamers. It brings cutting-edge technology at a budget-friendly price. With its sleek white design and diminutive size, this compact console packs surprising gaming power into a remarkably small footprint.
Key Takeaways
- Smallest Xbox console in history, designed for modern gaming spaces
- Budget-friendly next-gen gaming solution at $299.99
- Digital-only platform with impressive performance capabilities
- Supports up to 120 fps and 1440p resolution
- Ideal for casual gamers and space-conscious entertainment setups
Design and Form Factor
The Xbox Series S is a game-changer in gaming consoles. It has a sleek design that breaks the mold of traditional gaming hardware. Microsoft has made a small console that fits perfectly in any home entertainment setup.
This console is the smallest Xbox ever made. It looks modern and is easy to use. It’s a great fit for any entertainment area.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Xbox Series S is incredibly small. It weighs only 4.25 pounds, making it easy to move around. Here are some key details:
- Dimensions smaller than any Xbox before
- Lightweight for easy placement
- Can be placed vertically or horizontally
Build Quality and Materials
Microsoft used top-notch materials for the Xbox Series S. It’s built to last but looks sleek. The white exterior and black exhaust vent make it stand out.
Ventilation and Cooling System
The cooling system is a big deal for this small console. Microsoft created a special system that keeps it cool and quiet. It works well without making a lot of noise.
| Design Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Console Color | Primarily White |
| Weight | 4.25 pounds |
| Placement Options | Vertical and Horizontal |
| Exhaust Design | Circular Black Vent |
“The Xbox Series S proves that powerful gaming technology can come in small packages.” – Gaming Tech Review
The Xbox Series S shows that you don’t need big hardware for next-gen gaming. It’s a small, efficient choice for today’s gamers.
Technical Specifications and Hardware
The Xbox Series S is a small but powerful gaming machine. It has amazing specs for its size and price. This makes it a great choice for gamers.
At the heart of the Xbox Series S are its main parts:
- Custom 7nm AMD Zen 2 processor with 8 cores
- CPU running at 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz with all cores active)
- Custom RDNA 2 GPU with 20 compute units
- 10 GB of high-speed GDDR6 RAM
The GPU has 4 teraflops of graphical performance. This means the console can handle fast and detailed games. It’s not as strong as the Xbox Series X, but it’s powerful enough for today’s games.
The console uses a 512 GB NVME SSD for storage. This SSD makes games load quickly and install fast. When you first turn it on, you’ll have about 364 GB of space to use.
The Xbox Series S is great for watching games, too. It supports resolutions from 720p to 1440p and can go up to 120 frames per second. It also has HDR10, Auto HDR, and Dolby Vision for better visuals.
The Xbox Series S shows that you don’t need a huge console or a high price to get next-gen gaming.
Performance Capabilities
The Xbox Series S packs a punch despite its small size. It’s made for gamers who want top-notch experiences without spending a lot. This console goes beyond what you’d expect from its size.
Gaming Resolution and Frame Rates
Xbox Series S is built for 1080p and 1440p displays. It offers smooth visuals and fast gameplay. The console aims for high frame rates to make games more enjoyable:
- Standard performance: 60 frames per second
- Maximum performance: Up to 120 fps for select titles
- Consistent graphical quality across various games
Quick Resume Feature
The Xbox Series S has a cool feature called Quick Resume. It lets you switch between games quickly. This cuts down on waiting time and makes gaming smoother.
Quick Resume changes how you play games. It makes switching between games faster than ever.
Ray Tracing and Graphics Enhancement
The Xbox Series S supports ray tracing, but not as much as the Series X. It does offer enhanced graphics with Auto HDR, making older games look better.
Graphics features include:
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing support
- Auto HDR for improved brightness and contrast
- FPS Boost technology for enhanced backward compatibility
Xbox Series S Console- review
The Xbox Series S is a game-changer in the world of next-gen gaming. It launched at just $300, yet it packs a punch. Despite its small size and affordable price, it offers a top-notch gaming experience.
Here are some key points about the Xbox Series S:
- Ultra-compact design measuring just 275 x 151 x 65 mm
- Digital-only platform perfect for budget-conscious gamers
- Exceptional performance for its price range
For those new to next-gen gaming, the Series S is a great starting point. It can run modern games smoothly and quickly. Plus, it’s compatible with older games, making it appealing to both casual and serious gamers.
| Console Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Launch Price | $300 (Original), $350 (1TB Model) |
| Storage | 512GB (Original), 1TB (New Model) |
| Performance Target | 1440p Gaming at 60 FPS |
The Xbox Series S is a fantastic secondary gaming option. It’s perfect for those who love Xbox Game Pass. With over 100 games to stream and backwards compatibility, it’s a great deal for anyone wanting to try different games without spending a lot.
Storage Solutions and Management
The Xbox Series S has unique storage needs for gamers wanting a compact gaming experience. It has 512GB of storage, but only about 364GB is for games. This means gamers must manage their digital content carefully.
Managing storage is key for Xbox Series S owners. The console offers several ways to deal with limited space:
- Proprietary Seagate Storage Expansion Card
- External USB drives for archiving games
- Smart game installation optimization
Available Storage Space
Planning is essential for the Xbox Series S’s storage setup. Games can fill up space fast. For example, Starfield needs 140GB, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection needs 135GB.
Expansion Options
Gamers have two main ways to expand Xbox Series S storage:
| Expansion Type | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Seagate Storage Card | 512GB | $89.99 |
| Seagate Storage Card | 1TB | $149.99 |
| WD Black C50 Card | 512GB | $79.99 |
The proprietary SSD expansion card makes installing games smooth and fast. It matches the console’s speed. External USB drives are better for storing games that work on older consoles.
Gaming Experience and Compatibility
The Xbox Series S offers an amazing gaming experience. It has great backward compatibility, letting you play thousands of games from past Xbox platforms. This brings new life to classic and favorite games.
Backward compatibility is a standout feature. It lets players access games from four generations, the biggest lineup in Xbox history. The console makes older games run better, often increasing frame rates to 60 FPS for many Xbox One titles.
- Support for thousands of legacy Xbox games
- Improved frame rates for older titles
- Quick Resume feature allowing instant game switching
Optimized titles run smoothly on the Series S. Gears 5 and Forza Horizon 4 show off the console’s power, running at 60 FPS with better graphics.
The console works well with 1080p or 1440p displays. It offers great performance without costing too much. Even though it doesn’t support 4K, the Xbox Series S provides great gaming at a lower price.
The Xbox Series S proves that next-generation gaming doesn’t require breaking the bank.
Controller and Accessories
The Xbox Series S controller is a top-notch gaming accessory. It’s designed to make playing games more enjoyable and comfortable. Microsoft has made it easy to connect and use across different platforms.
- Lightweight design weighing approximately 280 grams
- Extended battery life up to 40 hours using standard AA batteries
- Ergonomic improvements with textured grips
- Dedicated share button for easy content capture
New Controller Features
Microsoft focused on cross-device compatibility when making the Xbox Series S controller. Now, you can play wirelessly on Xbox consoles, Windows 10 PCs, Android, and iOS devices. It also has a 3.5mm stereo headset jack for wide audio accessory support.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is a big deal in the Xbox Series S world. You can connect wirelessly or with a cable. It supports:
- Bluetooth wireless connection
- USB cable connection
- Xbox Wireless adapter compatibility
- Windows 10 native support
There are also cool accessories like the Xbox Wireless Headset for $99.99 and the Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable for $24.99. These add-ons give gamers everything they need for a great gaming experience.
Digital Gaming and Xbox Game Pass
The Xbox Series S is a big step into digital gaming. It offers a simple experience for today’s gamers. Being a digital-only console, it doesn’t use physical game discs. Instead, it focuses on cloud gaming and digital distribution.
Xbox Game Pass is at the heart of this digital world. It gives gamers a great deal. Subscribers get access to a huge library of games right away:
- Hundreds of games across many genres
- Day-one access to Microsoft first-party titles
- Regular updates and new game additions
Cloud gaming takes it even further. Players can stream games to different devices. This means gamers can play Xbox Series S games on phones, tablets, and computers.
“Xbox Game Pass is like Netflix for gaming – unlimited access for a monthly subscription”
Digital games on the Xbox Series S have big benefits:
- Instant game downloads
- No need for physical storage
- Easy management of your game library
With 365GB of usable SSD storage, the Xbox Series S has enough room for your digital games. It’s perfect for gamers who prefer digital over physical.
Price Point and Value Proposition
The Xbox Series S is a budget-friendly gaming option. It costs $299 and offers great value. This compact console lets gamers start with next-gen gaming without spending a lot.
- Base model price: $299 / £249
- Most affordable current-gen gaming system
- Digital-only console with compact design
Cost Comparison
The Xbox Series S is priced well when compared to other consoles. Here’s a detailed look at the prices:
| Console | Price | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series S | $299 | 512GB |
| Xbox Series X | $499 | 1TB |
| PlayStation 5 Digital | $399 | 825GB |
Xbox All Access Program
The Xbox All Access program offers a flexible way to own a console. It lets gamers:
- Get the Xbox Series S with little upfront cost
- Pay over 24 months
- Include Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription
For those watching their budget or looking for a cheap next-gen gaming experience, the Xbox Series S is a great deal. Its low cost and Xbox Game Pass access make it appealing to both casual and serious gamers.
Conclusion
The Xbox Series S is a great choice for those who want to save money but enjoy the latest games. It’s affordable and comes with Xbox Game Pass. This means you get access to hundreds of games, including new hits.
Our review shows both good and bad points. It’s small and cheap, but it has some limits. It only has 8GB of RAM and might not show games at the highest quality.
Who should buy the Xbox Series S? It’s perfect for those who don’t spend a lot on games. It’s easy to use and has lots of games to play. But, if you want the best graphics, you might want to look elsewhere.
In the end, the Xbox Series S is a good pick for those who want to save money. It’s a great way to get into next-gen gaming without spending too much.
FAQ
What makes the Xbox Series S different from other gaming consoles?
The Xbox Series S is a small, affordable next-gen console. It focuses on digital games and has a compact design. It also brings next-gen tech at a lower cost than full-size consoles.
Can I play older Xbox games on the Xbox Series S?
Yes, you can play many older Xbox games on the Series S. It supports games from Xbox One, Xbox 360, and the original Xbox.
What are the storage limitations of the Xbox Series S?
The Series S has 512GB of storage, which might not be enough for all games. But, you can use a special expansion card or external drives to expand your storage.
Is the Xbox Series S good for serious gamers?
The Series S is great for casual and moderate gamers. It has features like Quick Resume and ray tracing. But, hardcore gamers might prefer the more powerful Series X.
What is Xbox Game Pass, and how does it work with the Series S?
Xbox Game Pass lets you play a huge library of games, including new releases. The Series S is perfect for Game Pass because it’s affordable and offers great digital gaming.
Can I connect external accessories to the Xbox Series S?
Yes, you can use many accessories with the Series S. This includes wireless controllers, headsets, and external storage drives.
What resolution and frame rates can I expect from the Xbox Series S?
The Series S aims for 1440p resolution and up to 120 frames per second. This makes for a smooth and visually stunning gaming experience.
How does the Xbox Series S handle game installations?
The Series S installs games more efficiently than the Series X. This helps manage its 512GB storage better.
What payment options are available for the Xbox Series S?
You can buy the Xbox Series S through the Xbox All Access program. It offers monthly payments, often with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Is the Xbox Series S a good choice for casual gamers?
Absolutely. The Series S is perfect for casual gamers. It offers next-gen performance, a small design, and access to many games at a lower cost.
