Buzz
When diving into the newest console generation with a new Xbox, you’ll face some significant choices. Beyond bundles and accessories, the biggest decision is picking between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Both are impressive consoles, but your gaming preferences, budget, and other factors will determine which one suits you best.
Design and pricing
The design and pricing of these two consoles are strikingly different. Although both are powered by Microsoft's latest Xbox architecture, choosing the right one often comes down to finding a balance between performance, cost, and how well it complements your home's aesthetic.
Priced at $499.99, the Xbox Series X is the larger of the two consoles. Its initial unveiling drew numerous comparisons to contemporary refrigerators, a comparison that still holds. This powerful machine boasts a substantial vertical design, requiring ample space. If your home features darker-toned furniture and decor, this sleek black console will seamlessly blend in.
For those seeking a more affordable and compact option, the Xbox Series S is an excellent choice. Its white design echoes the aesthetics of older consoles but in a significantly smaller form factor. The Xbox Series S is priced at $299.99 for the 512GB model or $349.99 for the 1TB variant.
Both consoles can seamlessly integrate into any decor, but the Series S stands out for its smaller size. Additionally, these consoles frequently go on sale, making it easier to snag them at a discounted price.
It’s also worth noting that the Xbox Series S is a digital-only console. If you prefer using physical game discs, the Xbox Series X is the only viable option.
Performance and storage
Now, let’s dive into the most crucial aspect: performance. While the Xbox Series X and Series S share many similarities, their approaches to performance and storage are worlds apart. The Xbox Series X, equipped with more advanced hardware, clearly outperforms its counterpart.
Below is a breakdown of the specifications for each console:
Xbox Series X
Processor: Custom Zen 2, 8-core, 3.8 GHz
GPU: AMD RDNA 2, 12 teraflops, 1.8 GHz
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB
Target Display: 4K, 60 fps
Max Display: 8K, 120 fps
Xbox Series S
Processor: Custom Zen 2, 8-core, 3.8 GHz
GPU: AMD RDNA 2, 4 teraflops, 1.6 GHz
RAM: 10GB
Storage: 512GB / 1TB
Target Display: 1440p, 60 fps
Max Display: 1440p, 120 fps
As evident, both consoles share similar processors and GPUs, but their performance capabilities differ significantly, offering varying levels of gaming experiences based on your choice.
Storage is another critical factor to weigh, and neither console falls short in this area. I’d advise against the 512GB Xbox Series S, as modern games tend to be quite large. However, even if you opt for this model, you can always enhance your storage with an Xbox Storage Expansion Card, such as Seagate’s officially licensed 1TB or 2TB options, providing ample space for your gaming library.
Selecting the ideal Xbox for your needs
Beyond specifications and design, both Xbox consoles deliver nearly identical experiences. They utilize the same controllers, feature the same user interface, and provide access to the same extensive game library. So, how do you decide which one to choose?
Ultimately, your decision will largely depend on your budget. Outside of Black Friday or other sales, you’ll need to allocate at least $350 for one of these consoles, not including the cost of games, which typically range from $60 to $70 each. Ensure you’re prepared for these additional expenses as well.
For those who enjoy indie games or own a 1080P monitor without immediate plans to upgrade to 4K, the Xbox Series S is an ideal choice. It delivers excellent performance, fits seamlessly into your space, and provides full access to the Xbox game library, making it perfect for gamers who don’t require the advanced features of the Xbox Series X.
If space and budget aren’t constraints, the Xbox Series X stands out as the ultimate Xbox experience. Its powerful design and performance, combined with expandable storage, ensure it remains a gaming powerhouse for years. Additionally, its built-in disc drive makes it a must-have for collectors of physical games.
The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are available on Amazon for $499.99 and $299.99 (or $349.99 for the 1TB model), respectively.
