The Xbox Series S Console is Microsoft’s entry-level next-gen gaming console, offering a more affordable alternative to the flagship Xbox Series X. Despite its lower price point, the Xbox Series S delivers impressive performance, quick load times, and access to a vast library of games, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers who still want to experience next-gen gaming. In this review, we’ll explore the design, features, performance, and overall value of the Xbox Series S Console to help you determine if it’s the right console for your gaming needs.
In this Xbox Series S Console Review, we’ll take a look at:
Design and Build Quality
The Xbox Series S Console stands out with its compact design, making it one of the smallest and most space-efficient gaming consoles.
Sleek and Minimalist Design
The Xbox Series S features a sleek and minimalist design with a white casing and a circular black vent on top that adds a touch of contrast. The console’s compact size is one of its key selling points, allowing it to fit easily into any entertainment setup. Whether you place it horizontally or vertically, the Series S can be integrated into small spaces, making it ideal for gamers with limited room. The clean and simple aesthetic ensures that the console blends seamlessly with modern home decor.
Lightweight and Portable
Weighing just 4.25 pounds, the Xbox Series S is lightweight and portable, making it easy to move between rooms or take to a friend’s house. Its small footprint also means it can be easily stored or transported, which is perfect for gamers who want a flexible setup. Despite its compact size, the console feels sturdy and well-built, with a solid construction that ensures durability.
Features and Technology
The Xbox Series S Console has features that provide an impressive next-gen gaming experience, even at a more affordable price point.
Next-Gen Performance
The Xbox Series S may be smaller and less powerful than the Xbox Series X, but it still packs a performance punch. The console has a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, delivering 4 teraflops of processing power. While it doesn’t support native 4K gaming, the Series S can upscale games to 4K and natively render games at 1440p at up to 120 frames per second (FPS). This makes it a great option for gamers prioritizing smooth gameplay and faster load times over ultra-high resolution.
Fast Load Times with SSD Storage
One of the biggest advantages of the Xbox Series S Console is its use of a custom NVMe SSD, which drastically reduces load times and enhances overall performance. The 512GB SSD provides enough storage for several games, and the Xbox Velocity Architecture ensures that games load quickly and run smoothly. This improvement in speed and efficiency is immediately noticeable, allowing you to jump into your games faster than ever before.
Quick Resume
The Xbox Series S Console features the Quick Resume function, which allows you to switch between multiple games seamlessly. With Quick Resume, you can suspend several games simultaneously and pick up where you left off without reloading from the beginning. This feature is especially useful for players who like to jump between different games or for households where multiple users share the same console.
All-Digital Gaming
The Xbox Series S is an all-digital console that does not include a disc drive. Instead, games are downloaded and stored on the console’s internal SSD or an external storage device. This design makes the console more affordable and lightweight, but you’ll also need a stable internet connection to purchase and download games. The Series S offers a convenient and streamlined experience for gamers who have fully embraced digital gaming.
Xbox Game Pass Integration
The Xbox Series S is fully integrated with Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service that gives you access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee. With Xbox Game Pass, you can play hundreds of games, including new releases, indie titles, and classic favorites. The service also includes access to EA Play, adding even more value to your subscription. For gamers who want a wide variety of games without breaking the bank, Xbox Game Pass is a game-changer, and it’s optimized for the Series S.
Performance and User Experience
The Xbox Series S Console delivers a next-gen gaming experience with smooth performance, fast load times, and access to a wide range of games.
Smooth and Responsive Gameplay
While the Xbox Series S is less powerful than the Series X, it still delivers smooth and responsive gameplay, supporting up to 120 FPS in supported titles. The console’s GPU and SSD work together to provide fast load times, reduced input lag, and improved overall performance. Whether playing fast-paced shooters, immersive RPGs, or sports games, the Series S ensures a high-quality gaming experience.
Compact and Quiet Operation
One of the standout features of the Xbox Series S is its quiet operation. Thanks to its efficient cooling system, the console runs cool and quietly, even during extended gaming sessions. The compact design and quiet performance make it a great option for gamers who want a powerful console that doesn’t take up much space or generate a lot of noise.
Backward Compatibility
The Xbox Series S offers extensive backward compatibility, allowing you to play thousands of games from previous Xbox generations, including Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles. This feature ensures that you can continue to enjoy your existing game library while also taking advantage of next-gen enhancements like faster load times and improved graphics.
Value for Money
The Xbox Series S Console offers excellent value for gamers who want to experience next-gen gaming without the higher price tag of the Xbox Series X.
Affordable Next-Gen Gaming
Priced significantly lower than the Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series S provides an affordable entry point into next-gen gaming. While it lacks some of the advanced features of its more powerful sibling, the Series S still delivers impressive performance and access to the same game library, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious gamers.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
The integration of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate adds significant value to the Xbox Series S. With a Game Pass subscription, you can access hundreds of games, including new releases, first-party titles, and indie gems. The inclusion of EA Play further enhances the service, offering even more content at no extra cost. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate provides an ever-growing library of games, making it an essential companion for the Series S.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design, perfect for small spaces.
- Affordable price for next-gen gaming performance.
- Fast load times with SSD storage and Xbox Velocity Architecture.
- Quick Resume feature for seamless game switching.
- Extensive backward compatibility with thousands of Xbox games.
Cons
- No disc drive limits the console to digital-only games.
- Limited storage capacity with a 512GB SSD, though expandable.
Conclusion
The Xbox Series S Console is an excellent choice for gamers who want to experience next-gen gaming without the premium price tag. With its compact design, smooth performance, and access to a vast library of games through Xbox Game Pass, the Series S offers incredible value for new and returning players. While it may lack the raw power and 4K capabilities of the Xbox Series X, the Series S delivers a compelling gaming experience that’s perfect for those who prioritize affordability and convenience. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly next-gen console, the Xbox Series S is a smart investment that delivers on performance, features, and value.
Summary of Xbox Series S Console Features
Feature | Description |
Performance | Next-gen gaming with upscaled 4K resolution and up to 120 FPS |
Storage | 512GB SSD with fast load times and Quick Resume |
All-Digital | No disc drive, digital-only gaming with Xbox Game Pass integration |
Backward Compatibility | Play thousands of games from previous Xbox generations |
Best For | Budget-conscious gamers, digital gaming, space-saving setups |
Xbox Series S Console FAQ
What is the Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S is an all-digital gaming console, part of Microsoft’s next-generation lineup, offering the best value gaming experiences without using physical discs.
What is the storage capacity of the Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB SSD for storage.
What features does the new Xbox Wireless Controller have?
The new Xbox Wireless Controller boasts comfort, textured grips, a hybrid D-pad, and a share button.