Can I Upgrade My Xbox One S? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether you can upgrade your Xbox One S is a common one, especially with newer consoles like the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X now on the market. The simple answer is: you cannot upgrade the internal components of your Xbox One S in the traditional sense, like upgrading a PC. You cannot swap out the CPU, GPU, or RAM. However, you can significantly enhance your experience through external upgrades and software updates. Let’s dive into what that means for you and your console.

Understanding Xbox One S Limitations

The Xbox One S is a mid-generation refresh of the original Xbox One. It’s known for its slim design and its ability to play 4K video content and upscale games to 4K, but it is not a native 4K gaming console. Inside, it features a custom 1.75 GHz AMD eight-core CPU and a 1TB hard drive. While powerful for its time, its processing power and storage are starting to show their age compared to newer consoles.

The Xbox One S is part of the third generation of Xbox consoles. While the Xbox One X eventually surpassed the PS4’s processing power, neither the One or One S matched the PS4 on release. This means that for the very latest games, especially those taking full advantage of the current generation consoles, the Xbox One S will not perform as well.

What You Can Do To Enhance Your Experience

1. Software Updates

Your Xbox One S receives regular software updates from Microsoft. These updates are crucial for several reasons:

• Bug Fixes: Patches to fix glitches, crashes, and other issues.
• Performance Enhancements: Improvements in console performance and stability.
• New Features: Introduction of new functionalities and app updates.
• Security: Patches that protect your console from vulnerabilities.

To check for updates, navigate to Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates. Ensuring your console is always updated will contribute to a better overall experience.

2. External Storage Expansion

While you can’t upgrade the internal storage, you can significantly increase your storage space with an external drive. The Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is the only solution that performs identically to the internal SSD. This is an optional external solid-state drive (SSD) that provides 2TB, 1TB, or 512GB of lightning-fast storage.

Other external storage options can be used for games that don’t require the same SSD speeds, however. These can be a cost effective way to add extra storage space, or to back up game data.

3. Consider Upgrading To A Newer Console

If you’re seeking a significant jump in performance and graphics, the most effective upgrade path is to transition to either an Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X. These consoles are far more powerful and provide many additional benefits:

• Significantly Faster Load Times: The fast SSD in Xbox Series S results in vastly improved loading speeds.
• Improved Graphics: Experience games at a higher resolution and smoother frame rates.
• Modern Features: Take advantage of modern features and capabilities not supported by the Xbox One S.
• Access to New Games: Enjoy access to games made specifically for the new generation of Xbox.
• Game Pass: You’ll be able to access the Xbox Game Pass, which unlocks hundreds of games for a monthly fee.

4. External Hard Drive Usage

You can connect any external hard drive to your Xbox One S, which can be used to store, launch, and transfer games and media. This can be useful if you are running out of space. External storage will not help load times for more demanding games, but will still allow you to access more of your library.

5. Network Transfer

Network transfer allows you to copy your games and apps from one Xbox console to another within the same home network. This can be faster than downloading a copy of the same game or app. It’s a useful feature if you have multiple Xbox consoles in your household.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more clarity and additional information about upgrading your Xbox One S:

1. Is it worth upgrading from the Xbox One S to the Xbox Series S?

Yes, absolutely. The Xbox Series S offers significant improvements in load times thanks to its SSD, enhanced graphics, and overall performance. It’s a substantial leap from the Xbox One S. Games will load much quicker on Xbox Series S.

2. When should I replace my Xbox One S?

An Xbox One typically lasts for about 4-7 years, but can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance. If your console is starting to show its age, or you want to experience the best that modern gaming has to offer, then you should consider upgrading.

3. Is the Xbox One S still worth it in 2023?

The Xbox One S can be a great budget option for basic gaming and media consumption, but it cannot compete with modern consoles in terms of performance. If you want advanced graphics, the latest games, and faster loading times, upgrading to an Xbox Series S is recommended.

4. Can the Xbox One S play 4K?

Yes, the Xbox One S can output 4K video and upscale games to 4K, but it is not a native 4K gaming console. To watch content in 4K and HDR, you must have both a 4K TV and an Xbox One X, Xbox One S, or Xbox Series X|S console.

5. What is the lifespan of an Xbox One S?

Microsoft says the Xbox One is designed to last approximately 10 years with proper maintenance and care. Factors like usage, storage, and conditions of care will affect this.

6. What is the difference between Xbox One and Xbox One S?

The Xbox One S can play UHD Blu-ray discs and 4K streaming, which the original Xbox One cannot. The Xbox One S also supports HDR while both play games natively at 1080p. The Xbox One S can also upscale games to 4K resolution if connected to a 4K TV.

7. Can I install the Xbox One version on Series S?

Yes, owning a cross-generation bundle grants you access to both Xbox One and Xbox Series X

S versions. By default, most titles install the Xbox Series X

8. Can you manually update Xbox One?

Yes, you can manually update your Xbox One S by going to Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates & downloads > Update console. It is always recommended to update to the newest software version to ensure optimal performance.

9. Can you upgrade Xbox One games to Series S?

You can upgrade your Xbox One titles to the Xbox Series X|S. Xbox One titles cannot be upgraded to the PlayStation 5.

10. Can I transfer my Xbox One games to Xbox One S?

Yes, you can transfer your games and apps via network transfer, allowing you to copy content from one Xbox console to another on the same network.

11. Can you put SSD in Xbox One S?

While you cannot put an SSD in your Xbox One S and expect an experience like the Series X/S, an external SSD will improve load times on any console.

12. How much storage does an Xbox One S have?

The Xbox One S typically has a 1TB hard drive, though this can vary by model. Some older models may have a 500 GB drive.

13. What can the Xbox One S do?

The Xbox One S can play over 1,300 games, access entertainment apps like YouTube and Netflix, play 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray™ discs, and stream 4K video.

14. What is the highest resolution on Xbox One S?

The Xbox One S can output 2160p (4K resolution) video and supports HDR color using HDR10. Games are upscaled to 4K.

15. Is a new Xbox coming out in 2023?

The Xbox Series S Carbon (with 1TB of storage) was released on September 1, 2023. This is an upgraded version of the Xbox Series S. There are no plans for an entirely new console.

Conclusion

While you cannot directly upgrade the internal hardware of your Xbox One S, there are still numerous options to enhance your gaming experience. These include software updates, external storage expansion, and considering an upgrade to a newer console like the Xbox Series S. By understanding these possibilities, you can extend the lifespan of your console and continue enjoying your gaming library.