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The Xbox Series S stands out as the only next-gen console you can readily purchase in-store. As the disc less counterpart to the Xbox Series X, it offers a more budget-friendly gaming experience. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the features and performance and help you answer is the Xbox Series S worth it.
Microsoft’s Next-Gen Console Line-up: Xbox Series S Quick Overview
The Xbox Series S is priced at $299, making it an attractive option compared to the Xbox Series X’s $499 price tag. However, the differences between these two next-gen consoles extend beyond the mere presence or absence of a disc drive.
Xbox Series S: Key Features
- Significantly smaller than the Xbox Series X
- 512 GB storage capacity
- Slightly less powerful graphics performance
Xbox Series X: Key Features
- Larger design with a 1 TB storage capacity
- Disc drive included
- Full graphical capabilities and more powerful performance
Xbox Series S: Assessing the Value for Money
Price Difference and Availability
The $200 price difference between the Series S and Series X is significant, especially considering they both play the same games, albeit at varying resolutions. One of the Series S’s major advantages is its availability—you can walk into a store and buy it, unlike the Series X or any PlayStation 5 version.
Storage Capacity Constraints
A downside of the Xbox Series S is its limited storage—only 360 GB is
available for games after accounting for pre-installed system software. For large games like Call of Duty, which can consume hundreds of gigabytes, this might prove to be insufficient. The Xbox Series X also struggles in this regard, with just 800 GB available after system files installation.
Expanding Storage Options
To address the storage limitations, Xbox offers memory card expansions of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. However, these cards come with steep price tags—the 512 GB card costs $139, while the 2 TB version is a whopping $399, more expensive than the Series S console itself.
Disc Drive and Game Installation Considerations
The presence of a disc drive on the Xbox Series X doesn’t necessarily solve the storage issue, as games installed from a disc still occupy hard drive space. The disc merely serves as a means to verify game ownership.
Xbox Series S: A Surprisingly Great Option Despite Its Flaws
The Xbox Series S might be your only readily available option for a next-gen console, but it’s actually an impressive choice with many appealing features. However, before diving into its perks, let’s address some of the drawbacks.
The Cons: Limited Storage and Expensive Memory Cards
Limited Storage Space
Gamers who download large games like Call of Duty know they can consume hundreds of gigabytes. Unfortunately, the Xbox Series S comes with only 512 GB of storage, leaving just 360 GB available after installing the pre-loaded system software. This severely limits the number of games you can store. Even the Xbox Series X offers a mere 800 GB of usable storage.
Costly Storage Expansion
Xbox provides memory card options for the Series S and Series X in 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities. However, these cards are pricey—the 512 GB card costs $139, while the 2 TB version is a staggering $399, more than the Series S console itself.
Disc Drives: Not the Solution You’d Expect
You might assume that the Xbox Series X’s disc drive solves the storage issue, but that’s not the case. Games still need to be installed on the hard drive, regardless of whether they’re in digital or physical format. The disc mainly serves as a proof of ownership. While having a disc drive allows you to borrow games from friends, it doesn’t significantly alleviate storage constraints.
Why the Xbox Series S Still Shines
Despite its limitations, the Xbox Series S offers numerous advantages for gamers seeking an affordable, accessible next-gen console experience. Its budget-friendly price, compact design, and impressive performance make it a viable option for those who can accept compromises in storage and graphical capabilities. While the storage issue might be frustrating, it doesn’t entirely overshadow the overall value this console brings to the table, this for me is one of the biggest factors that make the Xbox series X worth the money.
Graphics Capabilities: Good, But Not the Best
A significant difference between the Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X lies in their graphical capabilities. The Series S’s graphics are comparable to the previous generation’s Xbox One X, while the Series X boasts top-of-the-line graphics for Microsoft consoles. The difference in frame rate and resolution is noticeable, as the Series S isn’t as powerful and doesn’t deliver full 4K gaming. However, this isn’t a deal-breaker—the games still look good on the Series S, just not as great as on the Series X. Don’t for get to check out The best monitors for the Xbox Series S.
Both consoles allow you to play the same games, with no difference in game library. This means you can enjoy the same gaming experiences for $200 less with the Xbox Series S, although disc-based games from previous Xbox generations won’t be playable due to the lack of a disc drive.
Game Pass: Microsoft’s Killer App
One of the most compelling features for both the Xbox Series S and Series X is Game Pass. This $15-per-month service allows you to download and play a vast library of games on your console. The library spans from the original Xbox to the latest next-gen releases, making it a fantastic value for gamers.
With Game Pass, new games become available for download on their release day, meaning you can play the latest titles without paying the full retail price. Most must-play games on the Xbox Series systems are available through Game Pass, making it an excellent value for those who play multiple games.
Final Thoughts: Is the Xbox series S worth buying?
The Xbox Series S is an attractive option for gamers seeking an affordable and accessible next-gen console experience. Despite its storage limitations and slightly lower graphical performance, it offers numerous benefits, including a compact design, an extensive game library, and access to Microsoft’s Game Pass.
While storage issues will likely be a concern with both the Series S and Series X, the $200 price difference and the ability to play the same games on both consoles make the Series S a great value. Ultimately, it’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize affordability and don’t mind making a few compromises in storage and graphics.
So, if you’re considering the Xbox Series S as your next gaming console, you can confidently go ahead, knowing that it delivers an enjoyable gaming experience at a budget-friendly price point.
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