Both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are great consoles, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences to help you decide which one is right for you, as well as the accessories you might need for each.
Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is the more powerful of the two consoles. It can output games in 4K resolution at up to 120fps, and it has a disc drive so you can play physical games. It’s also backward compatible with a wide range of Xbox One and Xbox 360 games.
Accessories for Xbox Series X
- Xbox Wireless Controller (included): The standard controller for Xbox.
- Seagate Storage Expansion Card (sold separately): This adds extra storage space to your console.
- Xbox Headset (sold separately): There are a variety of wired and wireless headsets available to enhance your gaming experience.
Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S is the smaller and more affordable option. It can output games in up to 1440p resolution at 120fps, but it doesn’t have a disc drive so you can only play digital games. It’s also not backward compatible with Xbox 360 games.
Accessories for Xbox Series S
- Xbox Wireless Controller (included): The standard controller for Xbox.
- Seagate Storage Expansion Card (sold separately): This adds extra storage space to your console.
- Xbox Headset (sold separately): There are a variety of wired and wireless headsets available to enhance your gaming experience.
Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Get the Xbox Series X if: You want the most powerful console possible, you want to play physical games, or you want to play backward compatible games.
- Get the Xbox Series S if: You’re on a budget, you don’t have a lot of space, or you only play digital games.
No matter which console you choose, you’ll also need an HDMI cable to connect it to your TV, and a subscription to Xbox Game Pass to access a library of hundreds of games.
XBOX SERIES X VS XBOX SERIES S – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the Xbox Series X better than the Xbox Series S?
In terms of performance and power, the Xbox Series X delivers on a better scale than the Series S, which is reflected in its price. However, that’s not to say that the Xbox Series S is underpowered. Even though it boasts a smaller size than the Series X, the Series S still manages to pack a punch and perform almost as well as its flagship console. But, generally speaking, the Xbox Series X takes the biscuit as the more powerful console.
Is it better to buy Xbox One X or Xbox Series S?
We unequivocally recommend the Xbox Series S over the last-gen Xbox One X. While the latter is capable of 4K support, it often comes at the cost of neglecting a smooth performance. Xbox Series S tops out at 1440p, but can more reliably target higher framerates, and its internal NVMe SSD means games install and load much quicker than its last-gen counterpart.
How much storage does the Xbox Series S have compared to the Xbox Series X?
If storage is one of your primary concerns when shopping for a new console, the Xbox Series X may be a safer option. While the Series S still hosts a wealthy 512GB memory, which drops to around the 300GB mark once you factor in system software. The Xbox Series X offers slightly more with its initial 1TB storage, falling to the 800GB mark with system software considered. Then, of course, there’s always the option to add an SSD or an external hard drive to your console to boost the storage.