What Games Can You Not Play on Xbox Series S?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Xbox Series S is a fantastic entry point into the world of next-gen gaming, offering a budget-friendly and compact alternative to the more powerful Xbox Series X. However, its design choices come with some caveats, most notably its all-digital nature. This key feature directly impacts the games you can play on the console. So, what games can you not play on the Xbox Series S?
The straightforward answer is: Any game that requires a physical disc. Because the Xbox Series S lacks a disc drive, it cannot read or play games distributed on Blu-ray discs. This limitation extends to Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games that you own on disc. If your game library is primarily physical, you’ll need to repurchase digital versions of those games to play them on the Series S.
It’s crucial to understand that backward compatibility on the Series S only applies to digital versions of supported Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games. If you previously purchased a backward compatible game digitally, you can download and play it on your Series S. However, the disc version will be unusable.
Understanding the Limitations
The absence of a disc drive isn’t the only factor affecting game compatibility. There are a few other considerations:
- Licensing Restrictions: While Microsoft strives to make as many games backward compatible as possible, licensing agreements can sometimes prevent certain titles from being playable, even if you own them digitally. This is relatively rare but does occur.
- Performance Issues: A “small number of titles playable on Xbox One aren’t compatible with Xbox Series X|S,” according to the provided text. While most Xbox One games are playable and often enhanced on the Series S, some may experience performance issues that prevent them from running properly. Microsoft usually provides information about such games.
- Kinect Games: Games that require the Kinect sensor are generally not compatible with the Xbox Series S, as the Kinect is no longer supported.
The All-Digital Ecosystem: Embracing Downloads
The Xbox Series S pushes players towards an all-digital gaming ecosystem. This means relying on the Microsoft Store for game purchases, subscribing to services like Xbox Game Pass, or redeeming digital codes. While this might be a significant shift for gamers accustomed to physical media, it offers some advantages, such as:
- Convenience: No more swapping discs! Your entire game library is accessible with a few button presses.
- Digital Sales: The Microsoft Store frequently offers discounts and promotions on digital games.
- Xbox Game Pass: This subscription service provides access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee, offering incredible value.
The Xbox Series S and the Future of Gaming
The Xbox Series S represents a step towards the future of gaming, where digital distribution becomes the norm. While the lack of a disc drive is a significant limitation for some, the console’s affordability, compact size, and access to Xbox Game Pass make it an attractive option for many gamers.
Remember to check the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more on gaming’s evolving landscape and its intersection with education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify what games you can and cannot play on the Xbox Series S:
1. Can I play my Xbox One discs on Xbox Series S?
No. The Xbox Series S does not have a disc drive and therefore cannot play any games from physical discs, including Xbox One, Xbox 360, or original Xbox games.
2. What happens if I insert an Xbox One game disc into the Xbox Series S?
Nothing will happen. Since there is no disc drive, the console will not be able to read the disc.
3. If I own a game digitally on Xbox One, can I play it on Xbox Series S?
Yes, if the game is backward compatible and you own it digitally on the account you use on your Xbox Series S, you can download and play it.
4. Does the Xbox Series S support backward compatibility for Xbox 360 games?
Yes, the Xbox Series S supports backward compatibility for a selection of digital Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. However, this only applies to digital versions of those games.
5. Are all Xbox One games compatible with Xbox Series S?
Most Xbox One games are playable on Xbox Series S and often enhanced. However, a small number of titles may not be fully compatible due to licensing or performance issues.
6. Can I transfer my Xbox One games to Xbox Series S?
Yes, you can transfer your Xbox One games to Xbox Series S via network transfer or by redownloading them from the Microsoft Store if you own them digitally.
7. Is Xbox Game Pass required to play games on Xbox Series S?
No, Xbox Game Pass is not required, but it provides access to a large library of games for a monthly subscription. You can also purchase games individually from the Microsoft Store.
8. How do I know if a game is backward compatible with Xbox Series S?
Microsoft maintains a list of backward compatible games on their website. You can also check the Microsoft Store to see if a game is available for purchase and playable on the Xbox Series S.
9. Can I use an external USB disc drive with the Xbox Series S?
No. The Xbox Series S does not support external USB disc drives for playing games. The console is designed for all-digital gaming.
10. Will Xbox Series S get a disc drive in the future?
While Microsoft has filed patents related to external disc drives, there’s no confirmation they will release an external drive for the Series S. The console is marketed as an all-digital device.
11. What resolution does the Xbox Series S typically output?
The Xbox Series S is designed to target 1440p resolution at up to 120 frames per second. While it can output at 4K on some streaming apps, most games are optimized for 1440p. The original text notes that it is limited to 1080p/1440p.
12. How much storage does the Xbox Series S have and how many games can I store?
The Xbox Series S comes with either a 512GB or 1TB SSD. However, a significant portion of this storage is used by the operating system. The number of games you can store depends on their size, but you can expect to fit around 5-10 large AAA games on the 512GB model, or more on the 1TB version.
13. Can I expand the storage on my Xbox Series S?
Yes, you can expand the storage on your Xbox Series S using the Seagate Storage Expansion Card, which is a proprietary NVMe SSD designed specifically for the Xbox Series X|S. You can also use an external USB HDD to store older generation games that don’t benefit from the faster SSD.
14. Are there any games that perform better on Xbox Series X than on Xbox Series S?
Yes. The Xbox Series X has a more powerful GPU and more RAM than the Series S, meaning some games will run at higher resolutions, with better graphical fidelity, and potentially higher frame rates on the Series X.
15. Is the Xbox Series S worth buying if I primarily buy physical games?
If you primarily buy physical games and don’t want to repurchase them digitally, the Xbox Series S might not be the best choice. The Xbox Series X, which has a disc drive, would be a more suitable option. However, if you’re willing to embrace digital gaming and want a more affordable console, the Series S can be a great value, particularly when paired with Xbox Game Pass.