The Xbox Series S is Microsoft’s most miniature Console to date. It’s also the Xbox that has the most critical problems. Microsoft shocked everyone with this smaller, less expensive, next-generation Xbox, promising that the S-Series is optimized for 1440p and 60 frames per second games. At $299, the Xbox Series S tends to be a budget-friendly choice for next-generation Xbox games. The truth, on the other hand, is a little more complicated. Read this Xbox Series S Review.
The S-Series has many of the same internal components as the larger X-Series. That means you get improvements in loading time, smoother play, and the promise of up to 120 frames per second on specific titles. The big difference is in GPU performance, which means most people connect this little Xbox to a 1080p TV or monitor. It’s a console for those who do not care about 4K. The Xbox Series S is a small, large console.
Another Sort of Next-Generation Gaming Console is the Xbox Series S
I had the lowest expectations for Microsoft’s Smallest Xbox console. Besides using the Console for a few days without a CD, I realized how wrong I was. I wonder why the Xbox Series S does not dominate the conversation as the X-Series flagship, even though the old Console is Microsoft’s best attempt to regain the lost PlayStation floor in the markets.
The Xbox S-Series is designed as a Game Pass machine and will determine the destiny of the Xbox brand shortly. It does not matter if the S-series does not have a device and cannot play games in 4K. All that matters is that the S-Series can play the same next-generation titles as the X-Series and is backward compatible.
Features of Xbox Series S
Compact Design
At first glance, I was amazed at the look of the Xbox Series S. It reminded me of the original PlayStation I bought at a vintage store in London two years ago. If PlayStation looks like a TIFFIN box, the S-Series has a striking resemblance to Sony’s Boom box.
I completely forgot that the Xbox Series S was designed as a traditional gaming console for a few seconds. It has a small footprint and is white with a noticeable black circle in the middle. This black circle is not a speaker that many thought.
Instead, a black circular plate is a valve that keeps the Console cool. I like the S-Series because it can hold the Console in vertical and horizontal positions. It also fits perfectly in my cluttered TV cabinet.
The power connection, an Ethernet connector, two USB-A ports, an HDMI output, and a memory expansion slot are on the back. The front of the Console has a single USB-A port and has no hard drive. Yes, it is a device-free console, as it is an entirely digital console. That means I can download a new AAA title as soon as it’s delivered to the Microsoft Store.
It was no more queuing or asking your friend to get a game from abroad. My bandwidth is fast enough to download a game like Sea of Thieves in less than 30 minutes. The concept works with a purely digital console.
Slightly Updated Controls
And, of course, the S-Series comes with the Xbox Wireless Controller. Unlike PlayStation 5’s Dual Sense controllers, which have a completely new design, the S-Series has a slightly redesigned wireless controller. Not a bad thing, but I wish Microsoft had made some significant changes to the wireless driver.
The controller now has an updated D-pad, a new share button for sharing PS4-like screens/clips, and a USB-C port. The surface of the latest control unit has a matte appearance, which improves the overall grip. The control unit fits in my hand just like the previous control unit. The Xbox controller still uses AA batteries, so you have to insert new batteries. I do not know why Microsoft sticks to an old way of charging batteries.
Performance
The S-Series shares the same DNA as the X-Series, which means it is part of the same generation of consoles. However, the two consoles are designed to be completely different machines. Both consoles can play the same new next-generation games, and both are backward compatible and can play titles released on the older generation of Xbox consoles.
Both consoles also transmit a 4K video signal, and the X and S series support variable shading and beam tracking. But that’s where the similarities end. Unlike the X-Series, designed to play 4K (native) games at 60 fps, the S-Series has less powerful hardware. Because of this, the affordable Console offers 1080p and, in some cases, 1440p graphics. S-Series is designed for those with a 1080p TV at home, which is excellent.
The S-Series has the same Zen 2 processor core as the X-Series but goes for a FOUR teraflop GPU and 10GB of RAM. I do not have the X-Series to compare the differences between the two consoles in terms of performance and graphics quality. However, I noticed that games load faster, and the Console started immediately during my time with the S-Series.
Titles like FORZA Horizon 4 and Sea of Thieves took about 15 seconds to charge, while some games like ORI and Will of the Wisps took even less time to Charge the S-Series. I can see a dramatic performance improvement in My PlayStation 4. If I’m right in my opinion, buying a new console is more like buying a new smartphone. With each new Console, you get a performance improvement.
However, the most significant improvements of the S-Series are a 512 GB NVME SSD. Switching from a hard drive to SSD is a big step. It’s almost like a generational change. But I have bad news to share: you get about 364 GB of space for users to access. I filled the memory pretty quickly.
When I spend more time with the S-series, I’m afraid I’ll run out of storage in a few days. However, I can connect to external devices. These hard drives are noticeably reduced resulting, in longer charging times for games to open. Since the S-Series is a pure digital console, I wish Microsoft had allowed consumers to choose between 512 GB and 1 TB of Storage.
Next Generation Title and Game Pass
I had a great time with FORZA Horizon 4 and Sea of Thieves in the S-Series. Both titles are vintage but optimized for next-generation consoles. I tested both TVs at home, including a 4K compatible device. The improvements are drastic if you have a newer TV with a 120Hz refresh rate. Games optimized for the S-Series work well on the Console with solid graphics. Older games also look better on the S-Series, but I missed the next generation of titles that are not here yet. Exclusive titles determine the fate of a console.
With the X / S series, you have to wait a few more months to get games like Halo Infinite. But there are still many great titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Dirt 5 to keep you entertained. The problem is that the titles I just mentioned can also be Played on Xbox One and PS4. While I can play these titles on Xbox One, I miss the speed and response Microsoft promises for the S-Series.
However, the real reason to buy the S-Series is the Xbox Game Pass, a Netflix-style subscription service that gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. I have a Game Pass Ultimate subscription (Rs 699 per month), and I have discovered many games that I have never played in my life.
Lots of Potentials
I’m a big fan of this Xbox Series S design, and the Console is an excellent value for $ 299. If you own an original Xbox One, you will immediately see the benefits of charging times, faster frame rates, and generally more fluid playability in most games.
Like the Xbox Series X, it feels like upgrading a computer from an Xbox One. All accessories work just like games, and many work even better than before. It will be a significant upgrade for many games, but do not expect to buy the S-Series to get the latest and most incredible graphics.
Right now, it’s a 1080p console. I do not know why Microsoft said the S-Series was “designed for 1440p, 60fps games”. That may be true in the future, but so far, some of their studios have chosen to optimize and target 1080p, and many third-party developers do the same for S-Series games.
A 1440p lens would provide sharper images at 1080p and even better upscaling at 4K. If you want to push the S-Series forward, as Gears Tactics shows, the S-Series has the potential to deliver 1440p. Since most S-series owners do not even use a 1440p screen, I understand the 1080p choices. I hope that the S-series game goes more towards 1440p, not in the direction below 1080p.
Storage, Software and Fast Recycling
Two of the most significant advantages of the Xbox Series S over the existing Xbox One are storage and a new Quick Resume feature. SSD storage increases charging times and performance and, I am delighted that Microsoft chose this for the cheaper S-Series. Although it’s great to have high speeds, I don’t think that most people have enough storage space on the S-Series. It has only 364 GB of usable memory on the S-Series.
I installed six games on the S-Series, and it’s almost complete. Call of Duty: Warzone and Destiny 2 take up 100 GB, leaving some space for other games. While we estimate the average AAA game at around 50 GB, there are only seven games in total.
Microsoft has promised that the installation sizes for Xbox Series S games will be about 30% smaller than those for the X Series. But I found that Gears 5 weighs 76.4 GB on the S and X Series, but storage will be a problem for many now. You can move games to USB storage and then save them back to internal storage when you want to play them. But most people will benefit from expandable storage here.
The only way to expand your Xbox Series S storage is with a $219 TB expansion card. That’s almost three-quarters of the actual console price. It’s nearly $520 in total for the S-Series and extra storage space. That’s more than the $499 price tag for the Xbox Series X, including dual storage onboard. Microsoft should release an Xbox Series S with 1TB of storage or introduce expandable storage sizes for this Console. But all these options, including the purchase of USB storage, cost you more.
If you can fill the Xbox Series S with many games, you can quickly switch between them through the quick guide. Pause games and save them to your hard disk after switching to another title. That means you can go back and ten seconds behind, and your game is ready to play.
Installation and User Interface
Installing the S-Series is simple and easy. I used the Xbox App on the iPhone to set up the Console. It took me 10-15 minutes to complete the process. I connected the TV to the Console via HDMI and connected the S-series to my Xbox account. The S-Series interface is also available with the X-Series or previous generation console.
You will find a tile-like interface that shows games and applications. Scroll vertically to access various tabs, such as specific downloaded games, Windows Store, and Game Pass (more on that later, the user interface is simple to use and needs no preparation).
Even though the user interface remained unchanged, Microsoft added a new feature that persuaded me: Rapid Recoveries. In short, Quick Resume allows users to load multiple games at once and jump from one game and then start a new game. Unfortunately, it only works for some Games right now.
Xbox Series S Controller
Lift your Game
Take your gaming experience to another level with cast surfaces and a redesigned geometry for comfort while playing. Stay on target with a structured grip and hybrid D-pad. Record and share content seamlessly with a dedicated share button. Quickly connect, play and switch devices, including Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, and Android IOS support coming soon.
Use the dedicated Share button to capture screenshots, record videos, and more.
Be Focused
Stay on target with the new hybrid D-Pad and structured handle on the trigger, bumper, and tailgate.
Replace the Unit
Connect quickly and switch between Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, and Android. IOS support is coming soon.
Compatibility
Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth technology for wireless gaming on consoles, computers, phones, and tablets. Connect any compatible headphones to the 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack.
Technical Specifications
Connect to Xbox consoles via Xbox Wireless. Connect wirelessly to Windows 10 computers, tablets, and Android with Bluetooth. IOS support is coming soon few features are not supported.
- Release date 11.10.2020
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows 10, and Android are all supported. IOS support will be available soon.
- AA batteries with a 40-hour run time
Xbox Series S Release Date
By eliminating the 4K Blu-Ray Player, Sony managed to lower the price of the PS5 Digital Edition by $100 compared to the standard PS5. It is now available depending on the territory, and the cost of Xbox series s is $399 / £359 / AU $599.95.
By comparison, Microsoft’s Xbox Series s price is the cheapest next-generation Console on the market at just $299 / £249 / $499 AU. Microsoft’s flagship console, the Xbox Series X, was launched on November 10, 2020.
Therefore, the Xbox Series S has a price advantage of $100 compared to the digital PS5 edition. However, as we will explain later, this does not mean that Microsoft’s smallest box is a clear win unless the price is the most IMPORTANT factor.
Xbox Series S vs. PS5
The Two Diskless Systems Compete with Each Other
The PS5 Digital Edition and the Xbox Series S provide a purely digital concept and are slightly cheaper than their disk-based variants. But what are the main differences between the PS5 Digital Edition and the Xbox Series S? Have you fully considered the pros and cons of putting physical media behind once and for all?
If both companies offer a digital model of next-generation consoles, you may think so, but you’re mistaken. While PS5 Digital Edition is a desktop PS5, the Xbox Series S is a COMPLETELY different proposition from the Xbox Series X. So it’s essential to know the differences. So, you do not regret buying the Console.
We have listed all the details below in the two digital consoles to alleviate the next generation of headaches. So you can make the right choice based on your gaming needs and budget size.
We also collect the latest stock information for the PS5 and Xbox Series S here on Instant Gaming Reviews if you have trouble finding one of the two consoles in stock (there are many people right now).
Specifications for PS5 Digital Edition vs. Xbox Series S
The PS5 Digital Edition is identical to the standard PS5, except it includes a 4K Blu-Ray player. By eliminating it, the Console takes on a more symmetrical form. Other than that, however, you will not find any technical difference between the two Sony PS5 consoles. See specifications below:
Processor: AMD RYZEN Zen 2 Custom 8-core up to 3.5 GHz (variable frequency)
- GPU: 10.3 teraflops, up to 2.23 GHz, variable frequency
- RAM: 16 GB GDDR6
- Resolution: up to 8 KB
- Optical: No device
- Storage: 825 GB NVME SSD
If you prefer to give up physical media and buy your games digitally, the PS5 digital edition makes sense. There are, however, several disadvantages to being mindful of physical games. Physical games are usually less costly than their digital equivalent, and their prices and sales are more likely to drop significantly. You can also replace them and get back a part of your investment. It is also quite convenient to have a disc instead of having a digital copy, but it is not a problem for some.
For digital titles, which often cost everything, if not more, the $ 100 you initially saved can quickly disappear once you purchase PS5 games for a total of $ 70 / 69.99 EUR price on the Play Station Store.
The Xbox Series S is fundamentally different from the digital editions of the Xbox Series X and PS5. Microsoft’s cheapest console targets 1440p instead of 4K and have a much less powerful GPU. Thanks to advancements in hardware in recent years, the system is expected to work exceptionally well, albeit less than the digital version of the PS5 in terms of raw data. See the following specifications for the Xbox Series S:
Processor: AMD adapted to 7nm 8-core 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz with SMT)
- GPU: 4 teraflops at 1550 GHz
- RAM: 10 GB GDDR6
- Resolution: 1440p with 4K
- Optical: No device
- Storage: NVME SSD
Xbox Series S vs. Xbox One S
The Cheapest Xbox Consoles in Comparison
The battle between the Xbox Series S and the Xbox One S may seem undeniable at first glance, but under the white plastic case are two very different consoles. So it is essential to know the differences; otherwise, you are buying the wrong Console.
Both boxes are also good entry points to the Xbox ecosystem. So depending on what you are looking for, there are both reasons. Which of the cheapest Xbox console is right for you?
The Xbox Series S was specially developed for the next generation: it offers a resolution of 1440p, updates to 4K and 120 frames-per-second (FPS), and has graphical features such as Beam Tracking. It is not as powerful as Microsoft’s Xbox Series X, but it’s still a next-generation console. On the other hand, the Xbox One S is much less powerful, but the low price makes it a tempting purchase if the Xbox Series S is considered too expensive.
We had a chance to see what both consoles are all about in our Xbox Series S and Xbox One S review, and now we can talk about which one works best for you. If you’re wondering which Xbox “S” to buy, let’s compare the two inexpensive Microsoft consoles listed below to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Xbox Series S Specifications vs. Xbox One S Specifications
In terms of technical data, the two consoles differ significantly. The Xbox Series S is Microsoft’s cheapest next-generation Console. Although not compatible with the Xbox Series X in terms of technical features. It offers a massive update over the Xbox One S. Here are the best Xbox Series S specs you should know about:
Xbox Series S Specifications
- Processor: AMD adapted to 7nm 8-core 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz with SMT)
- GPU: 4 teraflops at 1550 GHz
- RAM: 10 GB GDDR6
- Resolution: 1440p with 4K ups calling
- Optical: No device
- Storage: 512 GB NVME SSD
The Xbox Series S may be incredibly small, but it has a lot of power. The Console is focused on 1440p resolution instead of built-in 4K (although some titles can be output incomplete 4K) and can be played back at 120 frames per second.
However, the GPU is significantly less powerful than the Xbox Series X. It comes with an almost identical processor and 10 GB of GDDR6 RAM. It’s smaller than the 16 GB Xbox Series X but much larger than the Xbox One S with only 8 GB of GDDR3.
One important thing to note is that there is no device on the Xbox Series S and that you only have 512 GB of space to play. However, unlike the One S, it comes with a speedy NVME SSD instead of a long mechanical hard drive and can be expanded with Seagate’s 1TB expansion card.
The Xbox One S may look like it, but it’s technically inferior to the Xbox S series. If you want to play Xbox exclusives you missed, it’s a great option, like Gears 5 or FORZA Horizon 4. They just want to give the Xbox Game Pass a whirlwind. But if you want a console with a lifespan of about five years, you can go for the Xbox S series. Here’s the Xbox One S specification you need to know:
Xbox One S Specifications
- Processor: 75 GHz OCTACORE Jaguar Processor
- GPU: 1.23 teraflops at 914 MHz
- RAM: 8 GB GDDR3
- Resolution: 1080p
- Optical: 4K HD BLU RAY Player
- Storage: 1 TB hard disk
The 4K HD Blu-Ray player is the only benefit of the Xbox One S over Microsoft’s latest edition. If you are looking for an affordable 4K Blu-Ray player that you can also use to stream Netflix and play games, Xbox One S is a good option.
It can be argued that the Xbox One S has more storage space than the Xbox Series S., But the Xbox One S still utilizes a disk drive instead of an SSD, so it has even more capacity at the cost of speed. However, the Xbox Series S surpasses the Xbox One S in technical performance and innovative design in all other departments.
But the Xbox One S is a great launch system. It is small, quiet, and probably highly affordable shortly. Yes, it will not offer the highest quality games, but it is still a good buy if it is not a problem. At a price similar to the S-Series, we recommend that you use Microsoft’s new next-generation Console if you have the opportunity.
Price and Release Date for Xbox Series S vs. Xbox One S
The Xbox Series S and Xbox One S are priced similarly. We expect the Xbox One S price to drop significantly in the coming months. Priced at $299 / $249 / AU $499. The Xbox Series S is the cheapest next-generation Console available.
The Xbox One S has been on the market for a long time and debuted on August 2, 2016. Priced at $299 / £249 / AU $499. It is often available at a much lower price, especially at events such as Black Friday. Again, we assume that the price of the Xbox One S will drop now that the Xbox Series S is available.
Xbox Series S Games
All new X-Series gaming features are supported by the S-Series as standard and are compatible with the latest wireless controller and other peripherals. That means that owners of the S-series have the same accessories and start date as the X-series.
Day 1 titles and titles released within a month of both Xbox consoles include:
- The climb
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (day 1)
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- Cyberpunk 2077 (December 10)
- Dirt 5 (day 1)
- Team tactics (day 1)
- Just Dance 2021 (November 12)
- The road
- Outrider
- Second extinction
- SENUA Saga: Hell blade 2
- Tetris effect: connected (day 1)
- Yakuza: like a dragon (day 1)
The most important titles confirmed for the Console are:
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Battlefield 6 (2021)
The cold of the sea
- Chorus (2021)
- Fable
- Gods and monsters
- Halo Infinite
- Lord of the Rings: Gollum
- Rainbow Siege Sex quarantine
- Scarlet Nexus
- Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (2021)
Xbox Game Pass is still the most important vault subscription option for the Console. The S-Series also offers Xbox consoles, now called Remote Play. A feature that lets you play Xbox games on your phone running on the Console.
You can also stream games from the Console to a PC or mobile device (through the project formerly called Project X Cloud). Launched as part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the service lets you play specific Game Pass games on your phone or tablet running. On a remote pseudo-Xbox instead of the local Console.
Xbox Series S Amazon
Product Information
- Display Platform: Xbox Series S
- ASIN: B08G9J44ZN
- Release Date: Posted November 10, 2020
- Customer Reviews: 4.7 of 5 stars 1,712 ratings
- On Xbox consoles: It’s number one.
- Prices: The crossed-out price is the list price. Savings represent a discount on the list price.
- Dimensions: 14.25 x 11.5 x 5 inches; weight: 7.61 pounds
- Mandatory: Video Game All qualified
- Article number: RRS-00001
- Weight: 7.61 pounds
- Manufacturer: Microsoft
- Batteries: 1A batteries are required.
