Xbox Series S two-minute review
Xbox Series S takes a radically different approach to Xbox Series X, Microsoft's current flagship console. It's designed to deliver the same generational leap as Microsoft's most powerful system, like higher frame rates, ray tracing, and lightning-fast load times, but at a much lower price. Inevitably, this comes with some notable compromises.
If the Xbox Series S fits into your budget, you'll be happy to know that it's likely to be discounted during the Black Friday 2022 sale period. Along with many Xbox accessories like controllers and headsets, it should feature prominently as part of your budget. of Black Friday. Xbox deals. Feel free to bookmark our hub if you want the latest sales information as it happens. 25 of November.
Despite being a digital-only console, the Xbox Series S has far less storage than the Xbox Series X and is primarily aiming for 1440p resolution rather than 4K for gaming. It will jump to 4K when connected to an Ultra HD display, and a handful of titles can run at native 4K resolution, like Ori and the Will of the Wisps. However, the console is primarily designed to work at lower resolutions first and foremost.
Microsoft's most affordable Xbox also removes the Xbox Series X's 4K HD Blu-Ray player, making it a digital-only affair. If you've amassed a large library of physical games over the years, that alone could be a deal breaker and means you're at the mercy of Microsoft Store prices when it comes to buying new titles.
So these discounts might be too much for some users, but they make the Xbox Series S a much cheaper and lighter device. Above all, it's still capable of playing next-gen games, making it a great entry point into the Xbox ecosystem.
- Xbox Series S (White) at Amazon for €282 (opens in a new tab)
Xbox Series S one year later
We've updated our Xbox Series S review to reflect our impressions after using the console for almost two years. Microsoft has released some welcome enhancements to the Series S, and we finally have exclusive titles that take full advantage of the power of the hardware like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5.
During our time with Xbox Series S, we've tested dozens of games: hits optimized for the latest generation Xbox Series X/S, including Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Forza Horizon 4, Doom Eternal, and Gears 5, right up until launch. titles like Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Each impressed us, with smoother frame rates, higher resolutions (compared to Xbox One and Xbox One S), and faster load times, even if games didn't look quite as good as they did on Xbox Series X. But this it is mainly due to the fact that Xbox Series S is aiming for a lower resolution.
That said, for gamers who don't mind buying games digitally or signing up for Xbox Game Pass, they get the full suite of next-gen features on Microsoft's cheapest console: Quick Resume, Auto HDR, 120Hz, etc. The Xbox Series S is a great option for those looking to experience next-gen gaming, without the major financial outlay required to own a full-fledged console.
As we have already mentioned, there are disadvantages to consider. If you prefer to buy games physically or have amassed a large collection of Xbox One games over the years, the lack of an Xbox Series S drive may put you off.
You also only get a 512GB SSD, as there isn't a higher capacity option. And while the console's SSD is considerably faster than previous Xbox One X and Xbox One S mechanical drives, it can fill up quickly. The five games we mentioned above took up almost the entire 512GB SSD in our review unit (you only get 364GB of usable space), leaving us with just 30GB of storage to play.
This means that if we wanted to install a game this size on the system's internal drive, we'd probably have to remove something first (or additionally purchase Seagate's Xbox Storage Expansion Card, which costs almost as much as the Xbox Series S). itself).
Xbox series X review
Xbox Series X uses its powerful specifications to drastically reduce load times and increase overall game performance and visual fidelity. But, while features like Quick Resume, Smart Delivery, and backwards compatibility give it an extra boost, it's hard to deny that it's missing key areas, including significant improvements to the UI and title.
Read our Xbox series X review
What may put people off buying Microsoft's most affordable Xbox is the fact that it offers 1440p resolution for gaming. This lower resolution is a favorite in the PC gaming space due to the superior image quality it provides over 1080p and the less amount of graphical grunt it requires from developers. This allowed Microsoft to create a lower-spec machine that still has next-gen features.
If you have an Xbox One X, the drop to 1440p from native 4K can be noticeable. The Xbox One X could deliver games like Forza Motorsport 7 at 4K/60fps and is still capable of great visuals. So it's easy to think that the Xbox Series S is a step backwards; however, it's capable of much more than Microsoft's older Xbox One X, even if it doesn't always beat it in terms of resolution.
When it comes to the internals of the system, the Xbox Series S differs from the One X with its much more powerful processor and more technically capable GPU, thanks to AMD's RDNA 2 architecture that enables features of advanced technologies like plotting. of rays. Yes, the Series S has fewer teraflops than Xbox One X (four vs. six), but teraflops are no longer the determining factor in determining GPU power.
For Xbox One owners who want to upgrade without breaking the bank, the Xbox Series S is a great option, if they can live with what it was designed for. If you already have the Xbox One X and a 4K display at home, we suggest you consider the Xbox Series X. Read on for our full Xbox Series S review.
Considering the big brother? Check out our Xbox Series X video review below.
Xbox Series S: price and release date
- Xbox Series S Release Date: Available Now (Published November 10, 2020)
- Xbox Series S price: €299.99 / €249.99 / AU$499
- Can be bundled with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $24.99 / £20.99 / AU$33 per month
The Xbox Series S is available now for $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$499 and launched on November 10, 2020. That's the same release date as the Xbox Series X, though the price is significantly lower than the price. from $499 / £499 / AU$749 Series X. Thankfully, Xbox won't be following PlayStation with price hikes, so while Xbox isn't ruling out future price hikes just yet, that won't change anytime soon.
Keep in mind, however, that without a disc drive, you won't be able to buy used games or trade games with your friends - you rely on the Xbox Store for any purchase, which means you won't always get the best deal.
This issue is somewhat resolved if you subscribe to Xbox Game Pass (a separate expense, but still exceptional value), or if you just buy the full-price casual game close to launch. Still, that's not ideal for those who rely on sales or trades of physical games to finance their favorite hobby.
Xbox Series S is also available on Microsoft's Xbox All Access subscription service in select regions, including the US, UK, and Australia. Xbox All Access bundles the console with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on a 24-month plan (giving you access to the latter for as long as it lasts) for $24.99 / £20.99 / AU$33 per month, with no upfront cost :c That's a bargain you'll proves cheaper than buying the console and 24 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate separately.
Of course, Microsoft isn't the only one with newer hardware. Sony released the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition shortly after the Xbox Series S and Series X dropped, so if you're still on the fence, it's worth checking out our PS5 review before you commit.
Xbox Series S review: Design
- It looks great when placed horizontally or vertically.
- Can fit comfortably in any setting
- Console and controller look great in white
While the hardware that powers the Xbox Series S is brand new, the design of the Xbox Series S is reminiscent of the now-discontinued Xbox One S All-Digital Edition.
The Xbox Series S has a distinctive black vent, almost like a speaker grill, at the top that breaks up the white stripe that wraps around the rest of the console, and that's where most of the heat escapes. It's the smallest Xbox Microsoft has ever made, with a simple front that has a single USB port and a power button. It is an elegant, sober and functional design.
For ports, you'll find an HDMI 2.1 output, two USB 3.2 ports, an Ethernet port, a storage expansion slot, and an AC input. Unsurprisingly, the Xbox Series S doesn't have a port for Kinect, Microsoft's now-defunct motion-sensor camera, or an HDMI input for set-top boxes. However, the Xbox Series S only comes with a High Speed HDMI cable, not an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
With its weight and size, the Xbox Series S measures 6,5 x 15,1 x 27,5 cm and 4,25 pounds (about 2 kg). Its size should allow it to fit easily in most entertainment center cabinets and TV stands, and it's light enough to pack away and take to a friend's house or take on vacation.
As we mentioned earlier, the Xbox Series S is smaller than the Xbox One S. This is an impressive feat considering it packs a 4 TFLOP GPU and an Octa-core Custom Zen 2 processor that needs to be cooled.
While some may not like the way Microsoft mimicked its own last-gen design, we're okay with that. It's nice to have some continuity, especially in products that are advertised as a family of devices, even though their appearance is rather simple and industrial.
Xbox Series S review: Performance
- Upscaled 4K looks great and native 1440p is a good compromise
- Provides softness and...