Xbox Series X Vs Series S: Design
The Series X and Series S may come from the same family, but each has its own style and design quirks.
First off, the size. The Xbox Series X is a big boy. Its not as gargantuan as the PS5, but its bulky, obelisk-like chassis forms a mighty presence around your TV. The Xbox Series S is quite a bit smaller , though both have a large fan and grill for venting heat. Both consoles run whisper-quiet, so you wont need to worry about fan noise.
The Xbox Series S is a more traditional rectangle-styled cuboid like previous Xbox consoles and looks best laid flat. While the Series X can also be placed horizontally, it looks ridiculous; almost like its been accidentally pushed over. Finding a place for it in a cramped entertainment setup can be a pain. The diminutive Series S, meanwhile, is far easier to accommodate and looks equally classy no matter the orientation.
If you want to play games on disc, youll need to splash out on the Series X.
Ports are mirrored on both consoles: power, ethernet, two USB-A 3.2, and HDMI out. On the front, theres another USB-A port, a power button within the Xbox logo, and a button for pairing controllers. The consoles also have a storage slot on the rear for proprietary expansion cards.
Xbox Series X Vs Xbox One X Specs
When it comes to specs, this is where the Xbox Series X really differentiates itself. The console is packed with some seriously impressive hardware, many of which allow for technological advancements that you simply wont find on Xbox One X, such as graphically intensive ray tracing support and frame rates up to 120fps. Check out the Xbox Series X specs below:;
- CPU: Eight-core 3.8GHz custom AMD 7nm
- GPU: 12 teraflops 1.825GHz
- RAM: 16GB GDDR6
- Optical: HD Blu-Ray disk drive
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
The consoles GPU also dwarfs that of the Xbox One X when it comes to computational power. It boasts a 12 teraflop GPU instead of the Xbox One Xs 6 teraflop GPU, making it essentially twice as powerful as Microsofts older machine.;
The Xbox Series X also comes with a super-fast 1TB NVMe SSD, which has a transformative effect on games. Its storage system can boost load times by up to 40 times higher than a regular mechanical hard drive, and the new storage format allows for features such as Quick Resume, where you can suspend and switch between multiple games at a time.
The SSD is used in conjunction with Microsofts new Xbox Velocity Architecture which, while in its early stages, promises to leave load times in the past and help overcome previous developer bottlenecks such as slow I/O performance and texture streaming.
The Xbox One X, while certainly showing its age, is no slouch, though. Check out the Xbox One X specs below:
Microsofts Two New Consoles
This week, Microsoft released its two new Xbox consoles. Theres the $499 Xbox Series X, and a cheaper $299 Xbox Series S. You can read our reviews of both of them by following the links below.
Related
Xbox Series S review
Its not unusual for console manufacturers to offer a couple of different hardware options at launch, but normally, the differences are minor. The PS3, for example, was initially available in two models. There was a version with a 60GB hard drive as well as a cheaper version with a smaller 20GB hard drive, no Wi-Fi support, and fewer ports. Meanwhile, Microsoft also originally sold a Core version of the Xbox 360 in 2005, which included compromises like including a wired rather than wireless controller and omitting a hard drive.
The differences between the Xbox Series S and Series X are more substantial and have a big impact on how games look. While Microsoft says the Series X is targeting running games at 60fps at a full 4K resolution, the Series S instead targets a lower 1440p resolution at 60fps. Its a big power disparity, similar to what we saw between the Xbox One and the Xbox One X, but this time, the two consoles were available on day one, rather than releasing years apart.
The Xbox Series X comes complete with a disc drive.Microsofts Series S is less powerful and digital-only.
You May Like: Does The Razer Nari Essential Work On Xbox One
New Games New Hardware
New hardware needs new games to make the most of it, and Microsoft and its partners have announced a host of games that are coming to its new console. The biggest of these is Halo: Infinite, the latest entry in the long-running sci-fi first-person shooter franchise thats become synonymous with the Xbox brand since its debut way back in 2001.
Unfortunately, Microsoft recently delayed Halo: Infinite, meaning it will now release in 2021, rather than arriving alongside the new console. News of the delay, which Microsoft attributed in part to the pandemic, came after the games visuals were met with criticism after their initial unveiling, prompting developer 343 Industries to admit, We do have work to do to address some of these areas and raise the level of fidelity and overall presentation for the final game.
With other Xbox staples like Fable and Forza Motorsport without release dates, the delay has left third-party publishers to fill in the rest of the launch lineup, including Assassins Creed Valhalla, Dirt 5, Watch Dogs Legion, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Heres a guide to the best launch day games, and heres what the months ahead are looking like in terms of new releases.
Assassins Creed Valhalla is a high-profile launch title for the new consoles.
Xbox Series X Vs Xbox Series S Design How Do They Look
The Xbox Series X sports the most unconventional console design weve seen in decades, resembling a traditional PC far more than anything else on the market right now. To be honest, its a welcome change, even if some players might have trouble fitting it under their television. Its almost tiny compared to the PlayStation 5, and its angular design means its rather easy to slot into an existing entertainment centre.;
Given the size of this gaming monolith, the Xbox Series S will be a much smaller affair considering its relative power in comparison. It is 60% smaller than the Xbox Series X, and it is roughly two and a half controllers tall in terms of height. Its a small yet powerful little beast, and should be much easier for fitting under your television.;
It has a single USB port on the front alongside a small button for syncing controllers and other peripherals. Perhaps the most striking part of the design is the large black vent on the chassis, which is unusual.
Microsoft is making an obvious effort to differentiate both consoles on the market, making it clear to casual consumers the difference between power, features and the general offering of both consoles. Otherwise, it stands to muddy waters which are otherwise very easy to navigate. Given its asking price, the Xbox Series S will be a very tempting proposition for those who dont fancy breaking the bank.;
Related: ;
Read Also: How To Hack Xbox 360
Xbox Game Pass Comparison
| $9.99/£7.99/9.99 | $9.99/£7.99/9.99 |
Suffice it to say, if you dont have the cash to make a big upfront purchase, then Microsoft still wants to get you on board for its next generation of consoles. You wont own any of the games you can play , but thats the trade-off you make.
Microsofts plans for the next generation of gaming are sprawling. Two consoles that are available via subscription and can play a huge chunk of your existing Xbox games, a new roster of games that will be playable on your existing Xbox One, a continuing focus on PC gaming, and a game streaming service mean that, no matter what hardware you own, theres a decent chance youll be able to pay Microsoft to play its games.
Weve written before about how the focus on trying to sell subscriptions rather than premium hardware means that the true next-gen Xbox is the subscription itself, rather than the hardware it plays on. Microsoft is casting its net wide, and it doesnt want any hardware requirements to get in the way of you subscribing.
Sony, meanwhile, is doing what its always done: its making a new console, developing exclusive games for it, and selling it. Its hard to argue too much with the approach when its done so well for the company so far, especially with the PS4.
Update November 12th, 1:30PM ET: Added hands on impressions now that the Xbox Series S and Series X have launched.
Xbox Series X Vs Xbox Series S Price
The Xbox Series X costs $499 / £449 / AU$749 and launched on November 10, 2020. The console is packed with cutting-edge technology, and goes head-to-head with the PS5, which also costs $499. The price point may be too expensive for some, but it puts the Xbox Series X in a strong position to compete with Sonys hardware.;
The Xbox Series S price is just $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$499, which is lower than the majority of analysts and industry insiders predicted. With the Xbox Series X retails for $499, a $200 saving will be very appealing to the more cost-conscious consumer.
Recommended Reading: How To Connect Xbox One To Hotel Wifi
Xbox Series X Vs Series S: The Verdict
No matter which console you choose, Microsoft is delivering a new generation of Xbox hardware that represents a notable step up from the Xbox One family. Its not the leap we previously saw from 2D to 3D, or even SD to HD, but the Xbox Series systems are the closest Microsoft consoles have ever been to matching gaming PCs and elite gaming laptops for raw power.
This is especially true for the $499 Xbox Series X. The current library of games is only scratching the surface of its potential, but it has the specs on board to rival any competitors for years to come.
The Series S, meanwhile, makes a few compromises on its specs sheet to present the best of the new generation gaming at up to 120fps, fast loading, and ray-tracing at a more affordable price point.
The truth is unless youre planning to run the two consoles side-by-side, youre not going to notice the performance difference.
Its certainly there; the Xbox Series X is unquestionably leagues ahead of its smaller sibling for processing grunt. However, this likely wont be the deciding factor for many buyers. Instead, the reduced storage, design footprint, the presence or lack of a disc drive, and, perhaps most of all, the price, are far more likely to sway your purchasing decision.
What does quickly become clear after spending a little time with the Series S is that its the perfect partner for Xbox Game Pass. So much so that without it, it feels woefully incomplete.
Xbox Series X Vs Xbox Series S Comparison: The Biggest Differences
We break down the key differences between the two next-generation Xbox consoles, the Series X and the Series S.
on September 14, 2020 at 10:54PM PDT
Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox strategy is coming into focus. The company recently announced its second next-gen Xbox, the Xbox Series S, and confirmed a price of $299 USD and a release date of November 10. This console will be sold alongside the more powerful Xbox Series X, which will cost $499 USD and launch on the same day. Both consoles will be available to pre-order beginning on September 22.
Now that the Series S has been announced and detailed, many might be wondering how the two systems compare and which one might be right for them. The two systems will both run the same games, but there are some major differences between them. Here we’re rounding up all the key differences and details about the consoles. If you want to jump into the next-gen of Xbox at launch, make sure you figure out which system you want soon–they might sell out quickly.
Please enter your date of birth to view this video
Now Playing: Xbox Series S VERSUS Series X: Which Is Right For You?
You May Like: How To Set As Home Xbox
Which Console Is Best For Backwards Compatibility
Xbox fans have enjoyed playing old Xbox games on their newer consoles, and the Xbox Series X and S are no different. The;Xbox Series X and S;will feature amazing backward compatibility, so you need not worry about either console’s ability to replay the classics.
However, there’s one caveat that’s important for those who love replaying their old library. The Xbox Series S is designed to be download-only, so it doesn’t have a disc drive. This means you can’t open up an old game case and put your CD in the console.
The Xbox Series X, however, has a Blu-Ray optical drive. This means that you can put in any supported game disc, and your console will recognize it.
The Winner: Xbox Series X
Better Graphics On Old Games Great Graphics On New Games
The Xbox Series X and Series S feature a new generation of graphics hardware that is more capable than the components of previous consoles in a variety of ways, though it might be some time before you see huge differences in the results. In most launch titles, you can expect higher resolutions, higher frame rates, and more detailed characters and environments, all with better image quality. Effects should also be more pronounced and sophisticated, as the new graphics hardware in these consoles can pull off greater amounts of fancy tricks like smoke and fog that has physical properties, and lighting that creates shadows and reflections more like it does in the real world.
Also Check: How To Find Someones Ip Adress On Xbox
When Will Xbox Series X
Microsoft initially said that Xbox Series X|S stock would be “constrained through at least June,” but it’s looking like consoles will be in short supply all summer long. Microsoft hasn’t shared an update on the stock situation for several months, though, and Xbox shortages will likely continue for some time due to the global chip shortage. The widespread semiconductor shortage is affecting several different industries, including console production as well as cars and other tech. The shortage has been “steadily worsening since last year,” according to The Guardian, and shows no sign of improving right now.
Xbox Series X Vs Xbox Series S: Price
The Xbox Series S’ price is one of only a few categories in which it definitely beats the Xbox Series X. Simply put: the Xbox Series S costs $300, whereas the Series X costs $500.
You can make plenty of arguments about how the Xbox Series X does more to earn its price, or how “price” and “value” aren’t the same thing, or how the Xbox Series S might not be as useful in the long-term. But for right now, the Series S is $200 cheaper than the flagship Xbox, and that might make a big difference, depending on your budget and your current entertainment setup.
Recommended Reading: What Does Mic Monitoring Do On Xbox
What’s The Difference Between The Xbox One And Xbox Series X
With the Xbox Series X and Series S launch, the next generation of consoles has officially arrived. The well-received new systems come with faster load times thanks to SSDs, state-of-the-art technology that provides 12 teraflops of processing power and framerates of up to 120 fps.
A new generation of consoles also means a new generation of controllers. While the Series X’s main rival, the PlayStation 5, has rebranded its signature DualShock controllers as the DualSense, the Series X controllers are more of an evolution than a redesign. The new controllers retain the Xbox gamepad’s shape that has been consistent since the original Xbox and does not add quite the same level of features as the DualSense.
However, while the Xbox Series S|X controller may look similar to a classic Xbox One controller, there are some critical changes. Here are the differences between the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers.
Xbox Series X Vs Xbox Series S
The two consoles look very different – the Xbox Series X is an all-black console and has similar aesthetics to a PC tower , while the Xbox Series S arrives in white and is much, much slimmer in size. If you’re struggling for space in your TV cabinet, this is something to keep in mind.
That said, the Xbox Series X has been designed to be unobtrusive and minimalistic. It measures 15.1 cm × 15.1 cm and is 30.1 cm high in its vertical orientation, and the unit can also be used on its side also.
The Xbox Series S is about 60% by volume smaller than the Series X, measuring 27.5cm in height when stood up vertically. The depth is 15.1cm and it is 6.35cm wide.
Which one looks best? That’s completely up to you!
You May Like: How To Connect Bluetooth Headphones To Xbox
Improved Functionality And Backward Compatibility
In keeping with Microsoft’s commitment to supporting backward compatibility between the Series X|S and previous consoles, the Series X controller is compatible with the Xbox One. The new controller switches over to USB-C for charging to take advantage of faster charging speeds on “a modern cable that’s more readily available,” explained Whitaker. However, the controller also continues to;support AA batteries.
The Series X controller introduces;Dynamic Latency Input. This technology, included in both the controller, the consoles, and the HDMI cord that communicates with your display, increases communication with the controller and matches input to the game’s exact frames on-screen.
The other big difference between the Xbox One controller and the new Series X gamepad is the addition of a share button. The share button lets players take screenshots or record in-game footage and deliver it to a social platform or a friend without interacting with a menu.
While many of the Series X controller changes may seem subtle, they appear to add up. In a review of the Series X console, Eurogamer called the new controller “a much better product” than its Xbox One predecessor.