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Choosing the Best Xbox Console for Your Family
When it comes to choosing an Xbox console for your family, it’s important to consider a few categories that matter most to gamers, families, and parents. The best console isn’t always the most powerful, as it’s not always necessary to have all the extras that come with a top-of-the-line model. Let’s look at the most important features of the Xbox series x for parents.
Technical Specifications to Consider
An Xbox Series X is currently the most powerful console available. However, it’s also the most expensive and requires expensive TVs and monitors to take full advantage of its capabilities. On the other hand, an Xbox Series S is not nearly as powerful as the Series X, but it’s far more versatile and affordable. It’s important to keep in mind that the Series S only has 4 gigs of RAM and a tenth of the teraflops, so it may not be the best choice for those looking for true 4K resolution.
Introducing DirectX 12 and Ray Tracing
Both the Xbox Series X and Series S will be using the new DirectX 12, which provides improved graphics and faster load times. Another exciting feature that’s new to this generation of consoles is ray tracing, an amazing technology that enhances the realism of graphics by simulating how light behaves in the real world.
Balancing Needs and Budget
Overall, when choosing the best Xbox console for your family, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. With the latest technical advancements and features like ray tracing, both the Series X and Series S are great options for gamers of all ages.
Series X vs. Series S: A Side-by-Side Comparison
When it comes to the next generation of Xbox consoles, the Series X and Series S each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Xbox Series X
- Pros:
- Most powerful Xbox console available
- True 4K resolution
- Faster load times
- Cons:
- More expensive
- Requires high-end TVs and monitors to take full advantage
Xbox Series S
- Pros:
- More affordable
- Versatile and easier on the budget
- Faster load times
- Cons:
- Less powerful (only 4 gigs of RAM, a tenth of the teraflops)
- Not the best choice for true 4K resolution
When making a decision between the two, carefully weigh the pros and cons in light of your family’s gaming preferences and budgetary constraints.
Series X: A Powerful Driving Experience
The Series X can be likened to driving a tricked-out Corvette. It’s fast, incredibly powerful, and can handle even the most demanding games with ease. Games like Requiem showcase the console’s ability to render beautiful and detailed environments.
While the Series X is an incredible gaming machine, it’s not without room for improvement. As new game engines and technologies are developed, the Series X will be able to maintain its high or ultra settings, with improved draw distances and features.
Series S: A More Affordable, Yet Capable Console
The Series S, on the other hand, is more akin to a souped-up WRX. It’s still a capable gaming machine, but may not be quite as mesmerizing as its more expensive counterpart. The medium settings and lessened rendering of details and objects may not be game-breaking, but could detract from the overall experience.
That being said, the Series S is still a great option for those who want to play games without breaking the bank. As developers continue to utilize new game engines and technologies like the DirectX 12 Ray tracing, the Series S will be able to handle heavier loads and provide a more immersive experience.
If you prioritize graphics and gameplay, the Series X is the way to go. However, if affordability and overall gaming capability are more important, the Series S is a viable option that is just as capable. As new technologies and games are developed, both consoles will continue to evolve and improve, providing gamers with incredible experiences for years to come.
Xbox Features for Easier Gameplay
Xbox has built in some great features that make jumping into and out of gameplay easier for gamers and families. Here are some of the top features that you should know about:
Quick Resume
The top feature on this list is Quick Resume, which allows you to jump right back into the action where you left off. Whether you’re suddenly stopping gameplay to watch Netflix or YouTube, you can easily resume where you left off without the game having to restart. It works great with single-player games like Jedi Fallen Order. However, it doesn’t work as well with online lobbies because of the required connection.
Instant On
Instead of fully powering down, Instant On puts the Xbox into sleep mode and suspends the games that were being played. This means that the Quick Resume function still works, allowing players to instantly return to the action for the last game they were playing.
Smart Delivery
Smart Delivery is a quality of life feature that allows you to buy the game, and the system will automatically download the best available version for the console that you’re on. This is clutch in households with multiple Xbox consoles. You can download it correctly on the Xbox Series X with one button and download it on the Xbox One X with one button as well, making it super easy.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: Key Differences
What makes the Xbox twins different? Well, for starters, we talked about hardware performance differences. The Series X is going to be more future-proof with its beefier hardware. However, that being said, Xbox One and Xbox One X are still able to play just fine, and some gamers haven’t even moved on off their Xbox 360. So, I don’t see the Series S as being irrelevant anytime soon.
Additionally, the Series X has that disk drive for physical copies of the game. This means that friends can share games, you can buy used games, and you can go through and sell your old games. But not so much on the Series S. The all-digital format means the only place to buy games is on the Microsoft store. This normally won’t be much of an issue. However, when you don’t want to play a game anymore, you don’t really have a way to get rid of it or make some money back.
Furthermore, both systems use the same expensive proprietary storage expansion for the NVMe drive. It’s the most expensive storage solution seen for a console, and unfortunately, the PS5 expansion drives don’t work with the Xbox.
Overall, Xbox has implemented a number of features to improve the gaming experience, but it’s important to understand the difference between Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S as well.
Choosing the Right Xbox Console for You
If you’re in the market for a new Xbox console, it can be tough to figure out which one to choose. Here are the three groups of gamers and the console that best fits their needs:
Group 1: Hardcore Gamers
For those of you who are serious about gaming and want the best of the best, I recommend the Xbox Series X. With its fast load times and one terabyte drive, it’s the best console on the market for this group. Investing in the larger storage option now will save you time and money in the future. You can always add an external drive later if needed.
Group 2: Casual Gamers
If you’re a more casual gamer who wants to have fun but doesn’t care too much about graphics, the Xbox Series S is a great option. Not only is it cheaper than the Series X, but it still offers great gaming experiences. And, if you don’t have a high-end TV, you won’t benefit much from the more advanced graphics capabilities of the Series X.
Group 3: Budget-Conscious Gamers
Finally, for those who want to invest the minimum amount in gaming, the Xbox One S All-Digital is the best console for you. With a price point of only $200 and a terabyte hard drive, it’s a great option for families who want to play together without breaking the bank. Plus, it has all the popular games that families love to play.
Remember, no matter which console you choose, there are options for adding external storage if needed. Choose the console that best fits your gaming needs and budget.
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