When Microsoft announced its next-generation consoles in 2020, the Xbox Series S stood out as a bold move. Unlike the more powerful Xbox Series X, the Series S was designed to deliver a next-gen experience at a much more affordable price point. Compact, sleek, and fully digital, it has quickly become a favorite for gamers who want performance and entertainment.
Design and Build
The Xbox Series S is one of the smallest consoles Microsoft has ever made. Its compact white chassis with a large black cooling vent gives it a minimal yet modern aesthetic. Weighing just 4.25 lbs (1.9 kg) and easily fitting into most entertainment setups, it’s perfect for gamers with limited space.
Performance
Under the hood, the Series S packs impressive hardware for its size:
Processor: Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU
Graphics: RDNA 2 GPU with 4 teraflops of power
Memory: 10GB GDDR6 RAM
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Although it’s not as powerful as the Series X, the Series S still supports up to 120 FPS, ray tracing, and fast load times thanks to Microsoft’s Velocity Architecture. Most games run at 1440p resolution (with 4K upscaling), making it an excellent choice for players without a 4K TV.
Digital-Only Experience
The Xbox Series S does not include a disc drive, meaning it’s entirely digital. All games and media must be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or accessed through services like Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service that offers a vast library of titles. This makes the console highly convenient but less appealing for collectors who prefer physical discs.
Game Pass Advantage
The Series S shines brightest when paired with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. For a monthly fee, players get access to hundreds of games, day-one releases of Xbox Game Studios titles, EA Play integration, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. This turns the Series S into one of the most cost-effective gateways into next-gen gaming.
Who Is It For?
The Xbox Series S is perfect for:
Casual gamers who want next-gen performance at a budget price.
Digital-first players who prefer convenience over physical discs.
Game Pass subscribers looking to maximize value.
Second-console owners who already have a PlayStation 5 or gaming PC and want access to Xbox exclusives.
Limitations
While the Series S is impressive, it does have a few drawbacks:
Smaller 512GB storage, which fills up quickly with modern game sizes. (Expandable storage is available but expensive.)
No disc drive, limiting physical media use.
Lower raw power compared to the Series X, meaning some games run at reduced resolutions or settings.
Conclusion
The Xbox Series S represents Microsoft’s vision of making next-gen gaming more accessible. Compact, affordable, and powerful enough to handle today’s biggest titles, it’s an excellent option for gamers who value digital convenience and cost-effectiveness. When combined with Xbox Game Pass, it becomes one of the best value propositions in gaming today.