The Xbox Series S, introduced alongside the more powerful Xbox Series X, offers a unique entry point into next-gen gaming. While it shares many features with the Series X, such as access to the same game library and compatibility with Xbox Game Pass, the Series S stands apart due to its compact design, digital-only nature, and notably lower price point. For many, the Series S is a gateway to the latest gaming innovations without requiring a large financial investment. However, this affordability comes with certain compromises that may affect the overall experience for some users.
This article explores the key pros and cons of the Xbox Series S, examining aspects like its price, design, graphics capabilities, storage limitations, and more. While the Series S provides a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy many next-gen features, its limited storage, lack of a disc drive, and lower native resolution may deter gamers seeking a high-end experience. In the following sections, we’ll delve into 10 advantages and 9 disadvantages of the Xbox Series S, giving you a detailed perspective on its strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a budget-conscious gamer, a parent looking for a family-friendly option, or a die-hard Xbox fan seeking a secondary console, this guide will help you decide if the Xbox Series S aligns with your gaming needs.
Pros Of Xbox Series S
1. Affordable Entry To Next-Gen Gaming
The Xbox Series S stands out as one of the most affordable ways to access next-generation gaming features. Priced significantly lower than the Series X and rival consoles, the Series S is designed to offer a budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much in terms of gameplay experience. This affordability makes it ideal for casual gamers or those who may not require the highest graphics or resolutions. Despite the lower price, the Series S still allows players to enjoy the latest games and innovations, such as ray tracing, faster load times, and compatibility with Xbox Game Pass. While the Series S might not deliver 4K resolution for every game, it supports up to 1440p with impressive performance. This compromise appeals to gamers who want to experience next-gen games but don’t feel the need to pay a premium price for ultra-high-definition visuals. The Series S’s affordability is particularly attractive in a time where gaming costs continue to rise, making it a valuable choice for those looking to maximize their budget.
2. Compact Design With Space-Saving Benefits
One of the most striking features of the Xbox Series S is its small, compact design. At approximately 60% of the size of the Series X, the Series S is perfect for gamers with limited space. Its compact form factor makes it easy to place on crowded entertainment units or small shelves, and it’s also highly portable, allowing players to take it along to a friend’s place or easily rearrange their setup. Unlike the Series X, which is bulkier due to its higher processing power, the Series S’s sleek, minimalist design is far less obtrusive, making it ideal for shared living spaces where large tech gadgets might not blend well. This space-saving benefit appeals to those who appreciate a cleaner, more organized setup. Its understated design also blends easily with various home decor styles, avoiding the issue of a large, bulky console dominating the living room aesthetic. Overall, the Series S’s design reflects modern gamers’ preferences for compact, stylish, and versatile gaming hardware.
3. Fast Load Times With SSD Storage
Thanks to its custom 512GB NVMe SSD, the Xbox Series S offers dramatically faster load times compared to previous Xbox consoles. The inclusion of solid-state storage allows games to load at a fraction of the time compared to traditional hard drives, a noticeable upgrade for players used to long wait times. The Series S’s SSD also supports the “Quick Resume” feature, which lets players seamlessly switch between multiple games without needing to reload each one from scratch. Quick load times don’t just improve the experience in single-player games but also enhance multiplayer gameplay, as players no longer have to wait lengthy periods for matches to load. While the Series S’s SSD storage is limited compared to the Series X, the speed gains make a significant difference, ensuring that the console feels like a genuine next-gen system. The faster loading also benefits players with a preference for open-world games, where previously long load screens are greatly reduced, keeping immersion intact and gameplay flowing smoothly.
4. Access To Xbox Game Pass
One of the Xbox Series S’s most appealing features is its full integration with Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that provides access to a large library of games for a monthly fee. Game Pass includes many popular titles, including day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios, giving players incredible value without needing to buy each game individually. For Series S owners, this means instant access to hundreds of games, including new releases, without the need to constantly buy new titles. Xbox Game Pass is also frequently updated with new games, ensuring a steady stream of fresh content for players. This service has been a game-changer for gamers on a budget, as it offers significant savings while still enabling access to a wide range of games, from indie hits to AAA blockbusters. Game Pass essentially maximizes the Xbox Series S’s value, making it not only affordable to purchase but affordable to maintain with a full gaming library.
5. Backward Compatibility With A Large Library Of Games
The Xbox Series S supports backward compatibility for many Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even some original Xbox titles, allowing players to revisit a vast catalog of past games. This feature is a huge advantage for gamers who have invested in the Xbox ecosystem over the years and don’t want to lose access to their older games when they upgrade. The Series S allows players to play these titles with improved load times and sometimes enhanced visuals, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable. Backward compatibility also means that players can enjoy Xbox One or Xbox 360 games they may have missed the first time around, extending the console’s library far beyond just next-gen games. By allowing users to maintain access to their old games, the Series S provides an added layer of value, which is especially important for those who don’t want to repurchase titles they already own on older platforms.
6. Ray Tracing And Next-Gen Visuals
The Xbox Series S may not be the most powerful console on the market, but it still supports advanced graphical features like ray tracing, which simulates realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. This feature, previously limited to high-end PCs, makes games on the Series S look more lifelike and immersive. While the Series S operates at a lower resolution than the Series X, its inclusion of ray tracing helps bridge the visual quality gap, allowing players to experience next-gen graphics without needing a high-powered, expensive console. For players accustomed to previous-generation graphics, the leap to ray tracing on the Series S will feel significant, as it fundamentally enhances the way games look and feel. Additionally, the Series S manages these visuals while maintaining a decent performance level, ensuring that the games not only look good but also run smoothly.
7. Quiet Operation
One often-overlooked benefit of the Xbox Series S is its quiet operation. The console is engineered with efficient cooling technology, which means the fans don’t need to work as hard, even during long gaming sessions. This results in minimal fan noise, a noticeable improvement for players who are used to the loud hum of previous-generation consoles. The quiet operation is ideal for gamers who share their living space, as it reduces distractions for others. For players who enjoy gaming in a peaceful environment, the low noise level allows for full immersion in the game without interruption from the console itself. The quiet performance also reflects the Series S’s efficient design, which prioritizes user comfort and convenience.
8. Digital-Only Model Promotes Convenience
As a digital-only console with no disc drive, the Xbox Series S simplifies the gaming experience by eliminating the need for physical discs. This approach has its benefits, particularly for players who are used to managing digital libraries and don’t mind purchasing games through online stores. By focusing on digital distribution, Microsoft reduces the clutter associated with physical game collections and encourages a streamlined, eco-friendly gaming experience. This shift aligns with the modern gaming landscape, where digital game sales now outpace physical ones. The digital-only model also eliminates the hassle of swapping discs, making it easier to jump from one game to another quickly. The convenience appeals to gamers who value simplicity and prefer to have everything accessible in a single, organized library.
9. Quick Resume Feature For Seamless Game Switching
The Quick Resume feature on the Xbox Series S is a game-changer for players who enjoy juggling multiple games at once. Quick Resume allows players to switch between several games instantly, with each one picking up exactly where it was left off. This feature is made possible by the Series S’s SSD, which stores the game’s state and allows for a seamless transition without long loading times. Quick Resume is particularly useful for players who may want to take a break from a difficult level or who like to switch between single-player and multiplayer games. By minimizing downtime, Quick Resume keeps the player’s focus on gameplay, making the experience feel more dynamic and flexible.
10. Ideal for Casual Or Secondary Console Use
The Xbox Series S is a perfect option for casual gamers or those looking for a secondary console to complement their primary gaming system. Its lower price point and user-friendly features make it an appealing choice for families, younger players, or those who don’t necessarily need the highest performance. Additionally, players who own a primary gaming PC or another console might find the Series S a cost-effective way to access Xbox-exclusive games without a major investment. This versatility makes the Series S a flexible addition to a multi-console household, providing accessibility to Xbox titles without requiring the full power and cost of the Series X.
Cons Of Xbox Series S
1. Limited Internal Storage (512GB SSD)
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Xbox Series S is its limited storage space. With only a 512GB SSD, and roughly 364GB of that usable, players may quickly find themselves running out of space, especially given the size of modern games, which often range from 50GB to 100GB or more. For avid gamers who play multiple titles or enjoy larger open-world games, this storage limitation can become a nuisance. While Microsoft offers proprietary expansion cards for additional storage, these options are costly and can add significantly to the overall investment. The storage issue is compounded for Game Pass subscribers, who may want to download and try out many different games, only to find themselves constantly needing to delete and reinstall titles to make room. Although players can use external hard drives for backward-compatible Xbox One and older games, they can’t run Series S|X games directly from external storage, which limits flexibility.
2. No Disc Drive Limits Physical Media Use
As a digital-only console, the Xbox Series S has no disc drive, which means it cannot play physical games, DVDs, or Blu-rays. For players who have built up a collection of physical Xbox games over the years or prefer to own their games in disc format, this limitation could be a significant drawback. The absence of a disc drive also means the Series S cannot be used as a multimedia center for physical media, which some users may have valued in previous Xbox consoles. Moreover, gamers who enjoy purchasing pre-owned or discounted physical copies will miss out on these savings, as digital-only games tend to be more consistently priced. In the long term, players with a preference for digital media may not be affected, but for those who value physical media, the Series S’s digital-only nature may be a hard adjustment.
3. Lower Resolution (up to 1440p) Compared To Series X
The Xbox Series S targets a maximum resolution of 1440p rather than 4K, which is a limitation for gamers who own 4K TVs and want to take full advantage of their display. While the console can upscale to 4K, it doesn’t offer native 4K gaming, which may be disappointing for players used to ultra-high-definition visuals. This trade-off in resolution is one way Microsoft kept the Series S affordable, but it may impact the experience for those who prioritize visual fidelity. For some, the difference may be minor, but for players seeking the clearest, sharpest visuals, this limitation may be noticeable, especially on larger screens. As more games are developed with 4K in mind, the Series S’s 1440p cap may feel limiting in the years to come.
4. Weaker GPU And Reduced Performance
Compared to the Series X, the Xbox Series S has a less powerful GPU, which affects its overall performance in certain games. While the Series S can handle next-gen games with impressive speed, it may struggle to keep up with the more demanding titles over time. This limitation could manifest in lower frame rates or reduced graphical quality in some games, particularly as developers push the boundaries of next-gen graphics. For players who are primarily interested in AAA games that are graphically intensive, this reduced performance may lead to compromises in visual quality or smoothness. Although the Series S still performs well, those who expect the highest frame rates and graphics may find it lacking compared to more powerful options on the market.
5. Not Ideal For Hardcore Or Graphics-Intensive Gamers
The Xbox Series S is best suited for casual or mid-level gamers who may not need the absolute best graphics or fastest frame rates. For hardcore gamers accustomed to high-end PC or console gaming setups, the Series S’s limitations may be more apparent. While it can deliver a solid gaming experience, it might not satisfy those who want to push every game to its graphical limits. The lower resolution, lack of high-end GPU power, and limited storage may leave some hardcore gamers feeling that the Series S isn’t enough to meet their performance expectations, especially with high-demand titles on the horizon. This makes it less appealing to players looking for the most immersive and high-fidelity experience possible.
6. Dependence On Internet For Game Downloads
As a digital-only console, the Xbox Series S relies heavily on a stable internet connection for downloading games, updates, and patches. This dependence can be inconvenient for players who have slower or unreliable internet connections, as large game files can take hours, if not days, to download. In areas with data caps, downloading several games or patches may quickly reach the limit, potentially incurring additional costs. While most consoles today require internet access to some extent, the Series S’s reliance on digital content amplifies this need, which could be a significant drawback for users in regions with limited internet infrastructure or those who prefer offline gaming.
7. High Cost Of Storage Expansion
Though additional storage options are available for the Xbox Series S, they come at a premium cost. The proprietary Seagate expansion cards, which are compatible with Series S|X games, are expensive and can significantly increase the overall investment. This can feel counterintuitive, especially for a console marketed as an affordable entry into next-gen gaming. While standard external hard drives can be used for older Xbox titles, they don’t support Series S|X games directly, meaning players will have to transfer games back to the internal SSD whenever they want to play. For gamers with extensive libraries or those who play large games regularly, this limitation may make the Series S less convenient, especially without investing in costly expansion options.
8. Inconsistent Backward Compatibility Features
While the Series S supports backward compatibility, it has some limitations compared to the Series X. Specifically, the Series S only runs backward-compatible games at the Xbox One S level, which means it misses out on the enhanced versions of games optimized for the Xbox One X. This may be disappointing for players who expected their older games to look and perform at the highest possible settings on a next-gen console. Although backward compatibility remains a valuable feature, the Series S’s lack of support for Xbox One X enhancements limits its appeal to players hoping to get the most out of their existing library.
9. Fewer Customization Options And Limited Availability of Accessories
The Xbox Series S, though compact and sleek, offers fewer customization options compared to other consoles. Accessories like skins, faceplates, and other personalizations are less widely available, which limits players’ ability to give the console a unique look. Additionally, the high cost of compatible accessories, such as the Seagate Storage Expansion Card, makes the Series S less flexible for gamers looking to enhance or expand their setup. While the Xbox Series S is more affordable, the limited customization options may feel restrictive for those who enjoy modifying and upgrading their gaming consoles.
Conclusion
The Xbox Series S provides an affordable and accessible entry point into next-gen gaming, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious players or those looking for a secondary console. With its compact design, quick load times, Game Pass compatibility, and quiet operation, it offers a streamlined, convenient gaming experience. For casual gamers, families, and those who prioritize affordability over peak performance, the Series S delivers a lot of value.
However, the console’s limitations—such as limited storage, lack of a disc drive, lower resolution, and reduced performance compared to the Series X—may deter hardcore gamers seeking the ultimate gaming experience. Its reliance on digital content, high cost of storage expansion, and limited backward compatibility enhancements are considerations that may impact some users’ enjoyment. Overall, the Series S shines as a next-gen console tailored to those who prioritize cost, convenience, and accessibility, while hardcore gamers might lean toward the Series X or other high-powered options for the best performance.
The Xbox Series S is a great addition to the next-gen lineup, providing a valuable option that accommodates a range of gaming preferences and lifestyles.