Xbox Series S Review: A Budget Console that Still Delivers

As gaming technology continues to evolve, the Xbox Series S has made a name for itself as an affordable entry point into next-gen gaming. Released in 2020 alongside the more powerful Xbox Series X, the Series S has attracted attention due to its compact design and budget-friendly price. But is an Xbox Series S worth it? Should gamers sacrifice some performance to save a few bucks? In this guide, we’ll break down what makes the Series S appealing, the potential problems and issues with the console, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Understanding the Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series S is often seen as the budget-friendly sibling of the Xbox Series X. Priced at $299 (with sales often dropping it to as low as $242), the Series S offers a digital-only gaming experience with solid performance at a fraction of the cost of its more powerful counterpart. But despite its affordability, gamers are asking, Is the Series S worth it? Let’s dive into its features and performance to see if it holds up to the expectations of modern gamers.

The Power Behind the Xbox Series S

While it may not offer the same raw power as the Series X, the Xbox Series S still holds its ground in the world of next-gen gaming. Powered by a custom 8-core processor with a clock speed of 3.8 GHz and an AMD RDNA 2 GPU capable of delivering 4 teraflops of graphical processing power, the Series S delivers impressive performance for its price. The 10GB of RAM and 512GB SSD make loading times significantly faster compared to previous-generation consoles, and the device supports 1440p gaming with 4K upscaling.

Is the Xbox Series S good? The answer is yes—at least for those who are not chasing the absolute best graphics or looking to play at native 4K. The Series S handles most games beautifully on 1080p and 1440p displays, and its ability to upscale to 4K ensures it won’t feel too outdated even on a larger screen.

What Makes the Xbox Series S Stand Out?

One of the most significant factors that make the Xbox Series S appealing is its price. At $299, it’s much cheaper than the Series X, which retails for $499. Is an Xbox Series S worth it? The price alone makes it a strong contender for gamers on a budget who want to experience next-gen gaming without the hefty price tag. The Series S also offers the same game library as the Series X, so you won’t miss out on any of the latest titles.

Additionally, the Series S is compact and portable. It’s one of the smallest consoles in recent years, making it ideal for smaller spaces or gamers who want a secondary console. Its sleek and quiet design ensures it doesn’t take up much space in your entertainment center, and with no disc drive, it’s digital-only, further contributing to its small form factor.

Potential Xbox Series S Problems and Issues

While the Xbox Series S offers impressive value for money, it isn’t without its drawbacks. If you’re still debating whether is Xbox Series S worth it, it’s important to consider the console’s limitations.

Graphics and Storage Limitations

The most notable issue with the Xbox Series S is its graphics capabilities. While the Series S supports 1440p gaming with 4K upscaling, it does not offer true 4K resolution like the Series X. If you own a 4K TV and are eager to experience native 4K gaming, the Series S may leave you wanting more. The Series X, with its 12 teraflops of GPU power, delivers much sharper and smoother graphics, especially when it comes to high-end games that take full advantage of modern consoles.

Another problem with the Series S is its limited storage. The base model comes with a 512GB SSD, but with modern games often exceeding 100GB in size, the storage can fill up quickly. While there’s a 1TB version available, this comes at a higher price. For gamers who like to have a large library of games installed at once, this storage limitation could be a deal-breaker. However, the Series S does offer expandable storage via an external drive, which helps mitigate this issue somewhat.

The Digital-Only Format

While some might see the digital-only nature of the Series S as a benefit (due to its smaller size), it could be a downside for others. If you have a collection of physical media, such as discs from previous generations, the Series S will not be able to play them. The absence of a disc drive also means that you won’t be able to enjoy 4K Blu-ray movies, a feature available on the Xbox Series X. For gamers who prefer to buy physical copies or who have a library of Xbox One discs, the Series S might not be the right fit.

Is the Xbox Series S Future-Proof?

Is the Xbox Series S good enough to last for years? While the Series S is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers, it’s important to note that it may not be as future-proof as the Series X. The Series S’s lower specs, especially in terms of GPU power and RAM, could make it less suitable for upcoming games that are designed to take full advantage of next-gen hardware.

For example, newer titles may demand more powerful graphics and faster processing speeds, which could result in performance dips on the Series S. While the console supports features like ray tracing, its limited GPU power means that not every game will benefit from this advanced technology. As more developers create games optimized for the higher-end hardware of the Series X, the Series S may struggle to keep up.

The Verdict: Is Xbox Series S Worth It?

So, is the Xbox Series S worth it? If you’re on a budget and primarily play games on a 1080p or 1440p display, the Series S is an excellent choice. It offers great value for money with access to the same game library as the Series X, fast load times, and a compact, stylish design. For gamers who don’t mind the digital-only format and can tolerate the lower graphics and storage limitations, the Series S is a solid option for next-gen gaming without breaking the bank.

However, if you prioritize 4K gaming, higher storage capacity, or future-proofing your console for the long haul, the Xbox Series S might not be the best fit. For a few hundred dollars more, the Series X offers superior performance, better graphics, and a more versatile experience overall.