When the next generation of gaming consoles came out, gamers faced a tough choice. They wanted the latest games but didn’t want to spend a lot. That’s where the Xbox One Series S came in. It’s a budget-friendly option from Microsoft.
The Series S story started in Redmond, Washington. There, a team at Microsoft worked on a console that would offer top-notch performance without costing too much. They wanted everyone to enjoy the new gaming tech, not just those with deep pockets.
So, the Xbox One Series S was created. It’s a compact, stylish console that’s packed with power. It shows Microsoft’s dedication to making gaming affordable and open to all. The results were impressive.
Key Takeaways
- The Xbox One Series S is an affordable next-generation gaming console from Microsoft.
- It offers a balance of power and price, targeting gamers who want to experience the latest gaming experiences without breaking the bank.
- Despite its budget-friendly price, the Series S packs impressive specifications and features that deliver a responsive and immersive gaming experience.
- The console’s compact and sleek design makes it an attractive option for those with limited space.
- The Xbox One Series S is a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to making next-gen gaming more accessible to a wider audience.
Introduction
Microsoft launched the Xbox Series X and Series S in 2020. They aimed at different types of gamers. The Series X is top-notch in power and performance. The Series S is more affordable but still offers a great next-gen experience.
Microsoft’s Affordable Next-Gen Console
The Xbox Series S is for gamers who want a budget-friendly next-gen console. It’s cheaper than the Series X. This lets players enjoy next-gen gaming without spending a lot.
Balancing Power and Price
Microsoft wanted to make the latest Xbox tech available to more people. The Series S doesn’t have as much power as the Series X. But it still gives a great gaming experience. It’s perfect for those who want a good game without spending too much.
“The Series S serves as an affordable alternative that still delivers a compelling next-gen experience.”
Price and Availability
Microsoft has made the Xbox Series S affordable without losing performance. It costs $299.99, which is great for those watching their budget. But, you can often find it for $249.99 at big stores, making it an even better deal.
Microsoft also offers the Xbox Series S Starter Bundle. This bundle includes the console and 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $299.99. It’s a great way to start gaming without spending a lot.
You can buy the Xbox Series S in the U.S. at many places online and in stores. It’s available at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. This makes it easy for everyone to get their hands on it.
MSRP and Retail Pricing
The Xbox Series S has a suggested retail price of $299.99. But, it often goes on sale for about $249.99. This makes it a more affordable choice for gamers.
Bundles and Deals
Microsoft has a special bundle called the Xbox Series S Starter Bundle. It comes with the console and 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $299.99. This bundle is a great way to get into next-generation gaming without spending a lot.
“The Xbox Series S Starter Bundle is an incredible value, allowing me to experience the latest games and features without breaking the bank.”
Stores might also have other bundles or deals on the Xbox Series S. These deals give customers more chances to save money when buying.
Design and Hardware
The Xbox Series S has a sleek, compact design. It stands out with its white body and mysterious black vent. This design makes it modern and fits well in any living space.
The Xbox Series S may be small but it’s powerful. It has a custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU and an RDNA 2 GPU with 4 teraflops of power. Plus, it has 10GB of GDDR6 RAM. It’s great for playing games at up to 1440p and 120 FPS, making games smooth and immersive.
Sleek and Compact Form Factor
The Xbox Series S looks different from other consoles, being only 6.5 inches tall and 2.5 inches deep. It’s perfect for those with little space or who want a sleek look in their entertainment area.
Specifications and Performance
Inside, the Xbox Series S has a custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU running at 3.6 GHz. It also has an RDNA 2 GPU with 4 teraflops of power. And, it has 10GB of GDDR6 RAM for smooth gaming.
Even though it’s not as powerful as the Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series S is still a great console. It can handle high-quality games at up to 1440p and 120 FPS. It’s perfect for those who want the latest games without spending a lot on a console.
xbox one series s
The Xbox One Series S is a budget-friendly next-generation gaming console. It offers great performance at a lower price. Launched in 2020, it lets players enjoy the latest Xbox games without spending a lot, unlike the pricier Xbox Series X.
This console is designed without a disc drive, making it compact and digital-only. It still delivers strong performance, supporting 1440p gaming at up to 120 frames per second. It also supports ray tracing and variable refresh rates.
The Xbox One Series S is known for its affordability. It costs less than the Xbox Series X, making next-generation gaming available to more people. This makes it a top pick for those on a budget but still want great gaming.
Even though it’s not as powerful as the Xbox Series X, the Series S still offers a great gaming experience. It has fast loading times, smooth frame rates, and supports the latest gaming tech. This makes it a great choice for starting with next-generation Xbox gaming.
Operating System and Features
The Xbox Series S uses the same strong operating system as the Xbox Series X. This means a smooth and easy user experience across all Microsoft’s new consoles. Players get fast navigation, easy access to games, and can use the console for entertainment and work too.
One big feature of the xbox series s os is fast switching between games, apps, and media with just a button press. The series s features also offer voice commands, social features, and a dashboard for personalizing your gaming.
- Consistent user interface across Xbox Series S and X
- Smooth navigation and quick access to games, apps, and media
- Voice commands and integrated social features
- Personalized dashboard for customizing the gaming experience
The Xbox software has gotten better with each new console. The Series S adds new features and makes the interface modern and easy to use. It meets the needs of today’s gamers and media fans.
“The Xbox Series S delivers a seamless and responsive operating system that enhances the overall gaming experience.”
Performance
The Xbox Series S doesn’t have the same power as the Xbox Series X. Yet, it still offers a great gaming experience for many players. It aims for resolutions up to 1440p and frame rates up to 120 FPS. This makes the xbox series s performance smooth and responsive, improving the game play.
Resolutions and Frame Rates
The Xbox Series S is built for high-quality visuals and smooth frame rates. It can handle games at resolutions up to 1440p, balancing looks and performance. Plus, it supports frame rates up to 120 FPS, making it competitive with more powerful consoles.
Load Times and System Responsiveness
The Xbox Series S is known for its quick load times, thanks to its custom NVMe SSD. This drive cuts down the wait time for games and apps, making the system faster. The console also has great system responsiveness, ensuring smooth transitions between different tasks and features.
| Feature | Xbox Series S | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 1440p | Up to 4K |
| Frame Rate | Up to 120 FPS | Up to 120 FPS |
| Load Times | Fast thanks to NVMe SSD | Fast thanks to NVMe SSD |
“The Xbox Series S delivers a surprisingly capable gaming experience, offering smooth performance and fast load times that enhance the overall user experience.”
Storage and Expansion
The Xbox Series S has a 512GB custom NVMe SSD, but only 364GB is for games. This xbox series s storage can fill up fast, especially for gamers who download games. They don’t use physical discs.
Microsoft offers a solution for more storage. Gamers can buy a series s expansion card from Seagate. It performs like the series s ssd but costs more, with a 1TB card priced at $149.99.
| Storage Options | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Internal SSD | 364GB | Included with console |
| Seagate Expansion Card | 1TB | $149.99 |
The xbox series s storage is limited, and the expansion card is pricey. This might worry gamers with big libraries or those who play many games at once. Buyers should think about their storage and budget before choosing the Xbox Series S.
Gaming Library
The Xbox Series S shines with its easy use of the Xbox Game Pass library. With a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you get to play hundreds of top games across many Xbox generations. This includes new releases on the same day they come out. It’s a great deal that lets you try many games without buying each one separately.
The Xbox Series S game library also lets you play games from older Xbox consoles. You can enjoy a mix of classic and new games. They run smoother and load faster on the Series S.
Xbox Game Pass: Unlock a World of Gaming
The Xbox Game Pass is a key feature of the Xbox Series S. It offers a wide range of games in different genres. You can find new favorites, play old classics, and get new releases right away.
Getting first-party games on day one adds even more value. It means Xbox fans get the newest games fast.
- Hundreds of high-quality games across multiple Xbox generations
- Latest releases available on day one with Game Pass Ultimate
- Backward compatibility for a vast library of classic Xbox titles
- Diverse game genres to cater to a wide range of player preferences
The Xbox Series S game library and Xbox Game Pass offer great value. They make the Series S a top choice for gamers who want a next-gen experience without the high cost.
Multimedia and Entertainment
The Xbox Series S is more than a gaming console; it’s a hub for multimedia and entertainment. Its sleek design fits well in any living space. It offers a versatile way to enjoy entertainment beyond gaming.
The Xbox Series S multimedia supports many streaming services. This means you can watch movies, TV shows, and listen to music on your TV. It’s perfect for movie fans, TV series lovers, or music enthusiasts with its wide range of series s entertainment features.
| Streaming Service | Availability on Xbox Series S |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Yes |
| Hulu | Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes |
| Disney+ | Yes |
| HBO Max | Yes |
| Spotify | Yes |
The Xbox Series S multimedia also supports Blu-ray playback. This means you can watch your favorite shows, movies, or listen to music without any hassle. The Series S ensures a smooth and engaging multimedia experience.
The series s entertainment features on the Xbox Series S make it a great choice for those who want a multimedia-focused console. It has impressive features and supports many streaming services. This makes it a well-rounded entertainment solution that matches its gaming power.
Comparison with Xbox Series X
When looking at the xbox series s vs series x, it’s key to see what makes them different. The series x is the top model, with more power and better performance. The series s is a good choice for those wanting a cheaper way into Xbox.
The Xbox Series X is made for true 4K gaming. It has a strong GPU and lots of memory for today’s games. The Xbox Series S has a less powerful GPU and less memory. This lets it be cheaper.
| Specification | Xbox Series S | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | 4 TFLOPS | 12 TFLOPS |
| System Memory | 10GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Digital-only | Yes | No |
The Xbox Series S still has many features like ray tracing and fast loading times. This is thanks to its solid-state drive (SSD).
Choosing between the xbox series s vs series x depends on what you want to play and your budget. The Series S gives a great next-gen experience at a lower cost. The Series X is best for those who want the best performance and 4K gaming.
Pros and Cons
The Xbox Series S is a great choice for those looking for an affordable way into the latest Xbox gaming. It’s priced at $249.99, making it a budget-friendly option. But, it also has some limitations and compromises.
Affordability and Value
The Xbox Series S costs less than the Xbox Series X, at $249.99. It’s perfect for gamers watching their spending or who don’t need top specs. Adding the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundle for $299.99 makes it even better, offering lots of games at a good price.
Limitations and Compromises
- Lower Resolution Target: The Xbox Series S aims for a max resolution of 1440p, not 4K like the Series X.
- Reduced Storage Capacity: It has a 512GB SSD, smaller than the 1TB SSD in the Series X, so fewer games can be installed at once.
- Less Powerful Hardware: The Series S has a less powerful GPU and CPU than the Series X, even though it’s still a strong console.
Microsoft made these choices to offer a next-generation gaming option at a good price. For those who value saving money over top gaming specs, the Xbox Series S is still a great choice.
“The Xbox Series S is a great option for gamers on a budget who want to experience the latest generation of Xbox gaming without breaking the bank.”
Conclusion
The Xbox Series S is a great choice for gamers wanting a next-generation console without spending a lot. It’s sleek and compact, offering a powerful gaming experience. Gamers can play the latest games and enjoy new features without spending too much.
It may not be as powerful as the Xbox Series X, but it’s a good mix of price and performance. For those who value affordability and ease of use, the Series S is a top pick. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a good gaming experience without the high cost.
If you’re a casual gamer or on a budget, the Xbox Series S is a smart choice for next-gen gaming. It has modern hardware, great performance, and a wide range of games. This makes it a great option for anyone wanting a fun and easy gaming experience.