The gaming world has witnessed an exciting battle between two powerful gaming consoles from Microsoft – the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. Both of these consoles boast impressive features, but they cater to different audiences and preferences.
Here, we will dive into a detailed comparison of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, covering aspects like price, performance, design, processing and graphics, storage, controller, games and accessories, and home entertainment capabilities, and ultimately help you decide which console suits you best.
Design
In the realm of design, both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S uphold the iconic and sleek aesthetics that define the Xbox brand. However, they differ significantly in size and form factor, catering to diverse preferences and spatial constraints.
Starting with the Xbox Series X, it exudes a bold and commanding presence with its larger and bulkier build. Resembling a small, black rectangular tower, the Series X stands vertically, making it an impressive centerpiece in any gaming setup.
Its striking design is accentuated by a green-accented circular vent on the top, which adds a touch of flair and serves as a functional cooling system to dissipate heat efficiently..
On the other hand, the Xbox Series S takes a different approach with its compact and slim design. The Series S is considerably smaller and more lightweight than its counterpart, making it an excellent option for those with limited space or gamers seeking a minimalist setup.
It follows a traditional rectangular design and can be placed horizontally or vertically, allowing users to integrate it seamlessly into their entertainment centers
Performance
Regarding performance, the Xbox Series X takes center stage with its powerful hardware and impressive capabilities. Microsoft has designed the Series X to be a true gaming powerhouse, surpassing its predecessor and rival consoles regarding raw performance.
At the heart of the Xbox Series X is a custom-designed AMD Zen 2 CPU, boasting 8 cores clocked at 3.8 GHz. This processor ensures lightning-fast loading times, seamless multitasking, and smoother gameplay.
Combined with its advanced GPU, based on AMD’s RDNA 2, 12 teraflops architecture, and operating at 1.825 GHz, the Series X delivers a significant graphical performance over previous console generations.
One of the standout features of the Series X’s GPU is its ability to support hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Ray tracing is a rendering technique shows the interaction of light with surfaces and objects in a scene, resulting in highly realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections.
With ray tracing support, games on the Series X achieve visual fidelity that was once exclusive to high-end gaming PCs.
Price
The price difference between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S is a key factor influencing gamers’ purchasing decisions. Microsoft has strategically positioned the two consoles at different prices to cater to a wide range of consumers.
The Xbox Series S, often considered the more budget-friendly option, was designed with affordability. Priced lower than its counterpart, it appeals to gamers who may be constrained by budget constraints or those who don’t require all the advanced features of the Series X.
The lower price tag makes it an attractive entry point for new gamers, families, and casual players who want to experience the next generation of gaming without breaking the bank. On the other end of the spectrum, the Xbox Series X is the premium offering in Microsoft’s console lineup.
With a higher price tag, it caters to enthusiasts, hardcore gamers, and tech-savvy individuals who demand cutting-edge performance and features. The Series X’s enhanced hardware, including a more powerful CPU, GPU, and additional RAM.
This ensures smoother gameplay and higher frame rates and supports native 4K resolutions, providing a truly immersive gaming experience for those willing to invest in top-of-the-line gaming hardware.
Xbox Series X vs. Xbox Series S: What's the Same?
Despite their differences, both consoles share several core features. Both support backward compatibility, allowing you to play games from previous Xbox generations.
They also feature the Xbox Velocity Architecture, reducing loading times significantly, and both are equipped with the same next-gen SSD technology to enhance overall performance.
Interesting Read: Xbox Showcase: Starfield, Fable, and More
Processing And Graphics
The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S offer distinct processing and graphics capabilities. The Series X is a gaming powerhouse, delivering stunning visuals and a smooth gaming experience with its powerful AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU [1].
Games optimized for Series X can achieve native 4K resolutions and higher frame rates, providing an immersive gaming experience.
On the other hand, the Series S, though less powerful, still delivers impressive graphics at lower resolutions, making it a more budget-friendly option for gamers. Both consoles cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring an exciting gaming future for all players.
Storage
The Xbox Series X comes equipped with a larger internal SSD (Solid State Drive) storage capacity, which gives users more room to store their games, apps, and media directly on the console.
The Series X features a capacious 1TB SSD, offering ample space for numerous games, especially considering the growing size of next-gen titles that can take up a substantial amount of storage.
On the other hand, the Xbox Series S comes with a smaller internal SSD capacity. The Series S is equipped with a 512GB SSD, half the size of the Series X’s storage.
While this is a cost-saving measure to keep the price down, it also means that the available storage space might fill up relatively quickly, particularly for gamers with a vast library of games and media. Do keep in mind that storage expansion for both consoles is a possibility!
Controller
The Xbox Series X and Series S come with the updated Xbox Wireless Controller, offering an improved ergonomic design, textured grip, and a dedicated share button. The controller works seamlessly with both consoles, ensuring a consistent and comfortable gaming experience.
The updated Xbox Wireless Controller, compatible with Xbox Series X and Series S, offers improved ergonomics with a comfortable design and textured grip. It includes a dedicated share button to capture and share gameplay moments easily.
The controller is rechargeable with a USB-C port and supports customizable button mapping. It ensures a seamless and consistent gaming experience across various platforms, including Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs.
Games And Accessories
As for games and accessories, both consoles share a vast majority of titles, so you won’t miss out on gaming experiences, regardless of the console you choose. However, it’s worth noting that some games might have enhanced features on the Xbox Series X.
Such as higher resolution and better frame rates. Additionally, both consoles are compatible with accessories like headsets, controllers, and charging docks.
Home Entertainment
The Xbox Series X and Series S offer similar capabilities if you want to use your gaming console as a multimedia entertainment hub.
With support for popular streaming services, 4K Blu-ray playback, and apps for various media platforms, they cater to all your home entertainment needs.
Xbox Series X vs. Xbox Series S: Buy Now or Wait?
If you are torn between purchasing one of these consoles, consider your gaming preferences and budget. If you crave the best performance, have a 4K TV, and don’t mind spending more for a premium gaming experience, the Xbox Series X is the ideal choice.
However, if you are on a tight budget, don’t prioritize 4K gaming, and prefer a more compact console, the Xbox Series S should be your go-to option.
Conclusion
The decision between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S boils down to your gaming priorities and budget. If you demand the best performance, have a 4K TV, and can afford a higher-priced console, the Xbox Series X is the top choice.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget, don’t prioritize 4K gaming, and prefer a smaller and more affordable option, the Xbox Series S will serve you well. Whichever console you choose, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S offer fantastic gaming experiences and access to various games and entertainment content. Happy gaming!
