Why Would You Buy an Xbox Series S?
The question of whether to buy an Xbox Series S often boils down to a few key factors: price, space, and gaming habits. Directly speaking, you would buy a Series S if you are looking for an affordable entry point into the current generation of gaming, are primarily a digital gamer, and don’t require the absolute highest levels of graphical fidelity. It’s the perfect console for casual gamers, those who want a secondary console, or anyone looking to enjoy the latest games without breaking the bank. This console sacrifices some raw power compared to its big brother, the Xbox Series X, but it delivers on modern gaming experiences at a compelling price point. It is a solid machine that punches above its weight in many areas and makes for an impressive console considering its size and price.
The Allure of Affordability and Accessibility
The most significant reason people choose the Series S is its lower price tag. In a market where high-end gaming can be incredibly expensive, the Series S offers a much more accessible option. This makes it ideal for families on a budget, younger gamers, or those who are just looking to dip their toes into the Xbox ecosystem without a hefty financial commitment. The savings aren’t just at the point of purchase; because the Series S is a digital-only console, you’re not investing in physical game discs, which can sometimes be pricier.
Perfect for the Casual Gamer
If you are someone who enjoys gaming a few hours a week, rather than spending every evening immersed in virtual worlds, the Series S is a great fit. Its capability to handle the latest games at respectable resolutions and framerates, without needing cutting-edge graphics, is more than enough for a casual gamer’s needs. The console also excels in its ability to run a wide variety of titles, from smaller indie games to large AAA releases, ensuring a varied gaming experience without any compromises in game availability.
A Great Second Console
For households with more hardcore gamers already owning a primary gaming setup, the Series S often serves as an excellent secondary console. Its small footprint and affordability make it an easy fit in bedrooms, living rooms, or even for travel. It allows for seamless access to your Xbox library and the benefits of Xbox Game Pass. With cloud saves, you can jump between your primary console and the Series S without any interruptions.
The Digital Future
The Series S is a statement of Microsoft’s vision of a digital gaming future. With no disc drive, this console forces users to purchase games through the Microsoft Store, which may seem like a disadvantage to some. However, it has several benefits, including the ease and speed of purchasing and downloading games. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of Game Pass makes the digital experience all the more convenient and affordable.
Series S: Not a Compromise, but a Choice
While the Xbox Series X undoubtedly holds the performance crown within the Xbox family, the Series S isn’t necessarily a “lesser” console; it is instead a different choice catering to a particular type of player. While it does have weaker GPU and less RAM than the Series X, it still offers the same core gaming experience. You are playing the same games, on the same network, and you have access to all the same features as players on the more powerful console. The main difference is the resolution at which those games are rendered and the storage space available.
Embracing the 1440p Sweet Spot
The Series S is designed to run games at 1440p resolution, with upscaling capabilities to 4K. While it’s not true 4K, many users are perfectly happy with this resolution, especially when it allows them to access the current generation of games at this price point. 1440p still provides a sharp, detailed image on most modern displays, and performance is often improved compared to the 4K options available.
Fast Loading and Modern Storage
Both Series consoles boast lightning-fast load times thanks to their custom NVMe SSDs. This technology is also used by the Series S, providing a similar experience in-game, despite the different consoles’ raw power. This means quicker loading of games and switching between titles, contributing to an improved gaming experience over the last generation of hardware. The difference between the older platter-based hard drives and the newer NVMe-based technology is significant.
The Verdict
Ultimately, purchasing an Xbox Series S is a great choice for many people looking to enter the world of modern gaming. Its affordability, digital-centric design, and accessibility are some of its key selling points. It delivers on the promise of next-gen gaming without the high-end price tag and is a great console for both casual and dedicated gamers alike. By no means is the Series S a second tier console. It is simply a different console, built to cater to a very specific market, and at that, it succeeds spectacularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the Xbox Series S play all the same games as the Xbox Series X?
Yes, the Xbox Series S can play all the same games as the Xbox Series X. The primary difference is the resolution and graphical capabilities. The Series S is designed to run games at 1440p, while the Series X targets 4K.
2. What is the storage capacity of the Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S comes with either a 512GB SSD or a 1TB SSD. Both options allow for the purchase of an additional Storage Expansion Card if more space is needed.
3. Does the Xbox Series S have a disc drive?
No, the Xbox Series S is a digital-only console and does not have a disc drive. All games must be purchased and downloaded digitally.
4. What resolution does the Xbox Series S support?
The Xbox Series S is designed to run games at 1440p resolution, with the ability to upscale to 4K. It can also achieve up to 120 fps at lower resolutions.
5. Is the Xbox Series S less powerful than the Xbox Series X?
Yes, the Xbox Series S is less powerful than the Xbox Series X. It has a lower GPU, less RAM, and a smaller hard drive. This is why it is sold at a lower price point.
6. Can I play Xbox One games on the Xbox Series S?
Yes, the Xbox Series S has backward compatibility, allowing you to play all digital Xbox One games, as well as select original Xbox and Xbox 360 games.
7. What are the main disadvantages of the Xbox Series S?
The main disadvantages are its weaker GPU and less RAM compared to the Series X, its lack of a disc drive, and the limited 1080p/1440p resolution cap.
8. How many games can I fit on the Xbox Series S?
The number of games you can fit depends on the size of the games. On average, you can fit around 10 averagely sized games (30-50GB), though larger games will take up more space.
9. How does the Xbox Series S compare to the PS5?
The PS5 generally offers better performance and 4K resolution, but it also comes with a higher price tag. The Series S focuses on affordability and accessibility.
10. Does the Xbox Series S support HDR?
Yes, the Xbox Series S supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.
11. Are Xbox One controllers compatible with the Xbox Series S?
Yes, most Xbox One controllers and headsets are compatible with the Xbox Series S.
12. Can the Xbox Series S run games at 120 FPS?
Yes, the Xbox Series S can run select games at 120 FPS if the resolution is dropped.
13. Is the Xbox Series S worth buying in 2023?
Yes, the Xbox Series S is still worth buying in 2023, especially for casual gamers, those on a budget, or those who want a secondary console.
14. Does Microsoft lose money on Xbox Series S sales?
Yes, Microsoft reportedly takes a loss on all Xbox Series X|S sales.
15. Why is the Xbox Series S so much cheaper than the Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series S is cheaper because it has a less powerful GPU and CPU, less RAM, and a smaller hard drive, making it less expensive to manufacture. It is also a digital-only console, which lowers production costs.