If you’re looking to dive into the world of current-generation gaming, upgrading your console is a must. Many of the most anticipated and graphically intensive games are now being developed exclusively for the latest hardware, bypassing older consoles like the Xbox One. Titles like EA Sports College Football 25 and upcoming releases such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Monster Hunter Wilds highlight this shift, making now the perfect time to consider a new console. Microsoft offers two main options in its current lineup: the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. Both offer a significant leap in performance and features compared to previous generations, but cater to different needs and budgets. This article will break down the key differences and similarities to help you Compare Xbox Consoles and decide which is the best fit for your gaming setup.
Key Differences Between Xbox Series X and Series S
While both the Xbox Series X and Series S are part of the same console generation and share many core features, they have distinct differences in terms of power, features, and price. Understanding these differences is crucial when you compare Xbox consoles to make an informed decision.
Performance and Specifications
The most significant difference lies under the hood. The Xbox Series X is the more powerful console, boasting a custom AMD Zen 2 processor with 8 cores and a more powerful custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU. This translates to significantly higher graphical fidelity and performance. Specifically, the Series X GPU delivers 12 teraflops of processing power, compared to the Series S’s 4 teraflops. The Series X also has 16GB of GDDR6 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD for internal storage, while the Series S comes with 10GB of GDDR6 RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD (though newer models are available with 1TB).
Xbox Power Saving Settings. Image: Arthur Gies
This disparity in raw power directly impacts gaming performance. The Series X is designed for native 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second, offering the highest possible visual fidelity and smoothest gameplay. The Series S, on the other hand, targets 1440p resolution at up to 120 frames per second. While it can still output to 4K displays, it upscales the image from a lower resolution, which may result in slightly less sharp visuals compared to native 4K on the Series X.
Graphics and Resolution
The graphical prowess is where the “compare xbox consoles” conversation truly diverges. The Xbox Series X is designed for gamers who demand the best possible visual experience. Its powerful GPU enables it to render games at native 4K resolution with advanced graphical features like ray tracing in many titles, as seen in games like Forza Motorsport, which showcases ray-traced reflections and shadows on Series X but not on Series S. Ray tracing, supported by both consoles but often less prevalent on the Series S, allows for more realistic lighting and reflections, adding a layer of visual depth and immersion to games.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 exemplifies the graphical capabilities of current-gen consoles.
The Xbox Series S, while still capable of impressive visuals, makes compromises to achieve a lower price point. It is designed for 1440p gaming, which is still a significant upgrade over 1080p and offers a sharper image than standard HD. While it supports features like ray tracing, these effects are often less prominent or absent in games on the Series S to maintain performance targets. For gamers playing on 1080p or 1440p displays, the visual difference between the Series X and Series S might be less noticeable than for those with high-end 4K TVs.
Storage and Expandability
Both consoles utilize super-fast NVMe SSDs, which drastically reduce loading times compared to older consoles. Booting up the console and launching games is significantly faster on both Series X and Series S. The Series X comes with a 1TB SSD, offering more storage space for games and applications out of the box. The Series S initially launched with a 512GB SSD, which can fill up quickly with modern game install sizes. However, newer Series S models now come with 1TB of storage, alleviating this concern.
Both consoles support expandable storage via proprietary 1TB or 2TB expansion cards from Seagate, which plug into a dedicated slot on the back of the consoles and offer the same performance as the internal SSD. While these expansion cards are convenient, they are also relatively expensive. Both consoles also support external USB hard drives for storing and playing backward-compatible Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games, but these do not offer the same speed benefits as the internal SSD or expansion cards for current-gen titles.
Disc Drive
A key physical difference when you compare Xbox consoles is the presence of a disc drive. The Xbox Series X includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray disc drive, allowing you to play physical game discs, 4K Blu-ray movies, and standard Blu-ray and DVDs. This is a significant advantage for gamers who prefer physical media, collect game discs, or want to use their console as a media center for watching movies.
Forza Motorsport Gameplay. Image: Xbox/Turn 10 Studios
The Xbox Series S, in contrast, is a digital-only console and does not have a disc drive. This means all games must be purchased and downloaded digitally from the Xbox Store. While this may be a drawback for some, it also contributes to the console’s more compact size and lower price. For gamers who primarily purchase games digitally or subscribe to services like Xbox Game Pass, the absence of a disc drive may not be a significant issue.
Price and Value
Price is a major factor for many when they compare Xbox consoles. The Xbox Series S is the more budget-friendly option, typically costing significantly less than the Xbox Series X. This makes it a more accessible entry point into current-generation gaming. The Series S offers excellent value for its price, delivering impressive performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
The Xbox Series X, while more expensive, justifies its price with its superior performance, 4K gaming capabilities, larger storage (1TB standard), and disc drive. For gamers who want the best possible performance and features and are willing to pay a premium, the Series X offers the ultimate Xbox gaming experience. However, for more casual gamers or those on a tighter budget, the Series S provides a fantastic current-gen experience at a more affordable price.
Shared Features and Benefits
Despite their differences, the Xbox Series X and Series S share many core features and benefits that define the current Xbox generation. These shared aspects are crucial to consider when you compare Xbox consoles and recognize the overall value proposition of both systems.
Fast Load Times and Quick Resume
Both consoles benefit from the incredibly fast NVMe SSD storage, resulting in dramatically reduced load times in games. This improvement is immediately noticeable when booting up the consoles, launching games, and transitioning between game areas. The “Quick Resume” feature, powered by the fast storage, is another shared highlight. It allows you to instantly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off, even after turning off the console. This feature enhances the gaming experience by minimizing downtime and allowing for seamless multitasking. As mentioned, Quick Resume saves game states even after unplugging the console, and can sometimes surprise you by having games ready to resume weeks or months later.
User Interface and Backward Compatibility
Both consoles feature the same fast and familiar Xbox user interface, similar to the Xbox One but significantly snappier and more responsive. Navigating the dashboard, accessing settings, and launching apps is quick and seamless on both Series X and Series S.
Elden Ring Gameplay on Xbox. Image: Arthur Gies / From Software
Backward compatibility is another major strength shared by both consoles. Both the Series X and Series S are compatible with thousands of Xbox One games, as well as hundreds of Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles. Furthermore, backward-compatible games often run and look better on the new consoles, with features like Auto HDR and FPS Boost enhancing visuals and performance. Auto HDR automatically improves the color and contrast of older games, while FPS Boost doubles the frame rate of select titles, resulting in smoother gameplay. For example, games like Gears 5, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps have received 120fps updates, and even older Xbox 360 games like Fallout 3 have seen improvements like 4K and 60fps updates. Xbox’s Smart Delivery ensures you always play the best available version of a game on your console, streamlining the gaming experience across generations.
Game Library and Xbox Ecosystem
Both consoles have access to the same extensive Xbox game library, including all current and upcoming Xbox Series X|S games. This means you won’t miss out on any games regardless of which console you choose. Both consoles are also fully integrated into the Xbox ecosystem, including Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that provides access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee. Xbox Game Pass is a significant value proposition, offering hundreds of games to play, including first-party Xbox exclusives and third-party titles. The user interface is also enhanced with features like automatic night mode, adjusting colors based on time of day, and variable refresh rate support for smoother visuals.
Choosing the Right Xbox Console for You
When deciding which console to buy, consider your gaming preferences, budget, and display setup.
For Performance Enthusiasts
If you are a performance enthusiast who wants the absolute best gaming experience and has a 4K TV, the Xbox Series X is the clear choice. Its superior processing power and 4K gaming capabilities deliver the highest fidelity visuals and smoothest performance. The inclusion of a disc drive and larger storage are also significant advantages for physical media collectors and those with extensive game libraries.
For Budget-Conscious Gamers
If you are a more budget-conscious gamer or primarily play on a 1080p or 1440p display, the Xbox Series S offers exceptional value. It provides a significant upgrade over older consoles and delivers a fantastic current-gen gaming experience at a more affordable price. While it lacks the raw power and 4K capabilities of the Series X, it still offers fast load times, Quick Resume, and access to the same game library and Xbox ecosystem.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best Xbox console for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you want the most powerful console with the best graphics and a disc drive, the Xbox Series X is the top choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable entry point into current-gen gaming that still delivers excellent performance, the Xbox Series S is a fantastic option. Both consoles offer access to an incredible library of games and a wealth of features, making either a great choice for your next gaming upgrade.
