Xbox Series S: A Comprehensive Review of the Compact Powerhouse

By Rini

May 06, 2025

In Video Games

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The Xbox Series S has carved a unique niche in the gaming console market. Offering next-gen gaming experiences at a more affordable price point, it’s become a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers and those new to the Xbox ecosystem. But what exactly does the Xbox Series S offer, and is it the right console for you? This comprehensive review dives deep into the console's features, performance, game library, and more, helping you make an informed decision.

Unboxing and Design: A Closer Look at the Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series S boasts a sleek and minimalist design. It’s significantly smaller than its more powerful sibling, the Xbox Series X. This compact size makes it ideal for smaller entertainment centers or gamers who need a portable option. The console features a primarily white matte finish with a large black circular vent on the top, which houses the cooling fan.

Inside the box, you'll find the Xbox Series S console itself, a wireless Xbox Series S controller (typically in white), an ultra-high-speed HDMI cable, and a power cord. The absence of a disc drive is immediately noticeable, as the Xbox Series S is a digital-only console.

Specifications and Technical Capabilities: What Powers the Xbox Series S?

While less powerful than the Series X, the Xbox Series S packs a respectable punch. Here's a breakdown of its key specifications:

• CPU: Custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU, clocked at 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz with SMT)
• GPU: Custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU, with 4 TFLOPs of processing power
• RAM: 10GB GDDR6
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (364GB usable)
• Resolution: Designed for 1440p gaming at up to 120fps
• Optical Drive: None (digital-only console)

These specifications allow the Xbox Series S to deliver impressive visuals and smooth gameplay in many modern games. The fast NVMe SSD significantly reduces loading times compared to previous-generation consoles. While the console targets 1440p resolution, it can also output at 4K for streaming video and some less demanding games. However, some games might require playing at 1080p to achieve optimal performance.

Gaming Performance and Visual Fidelity: Experiencing Next-Gen on the Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series S truly shines in its gaming performance. While it doesn't match the visual fidelity of the Series X, it still offers a significant upgrade over the Xbox One S. Games load much faster, and the frame rates are noticeably smoother. Many games are optimized to run at 60fps or even 120fps on the Xbox Series S, resulting in a fluid and responsive gaming experience.

The console's RDNA 2 GPU enables features like variable refresh rate (VRR) and ray tracing. While ray tracing implementation might be limited compared to the Series X, its presence adds a layer of visual depth to supported games. Games like Forza Horizon 5 and Gears 5 look stunning on the Xbox Series S, showcasing the console's capabilities.

It's important to note that because the Xbox Series S is designed for 1440p gaming, some games might appear slightly less sharp than on a 4K display. However, the improved performance and faster loading times often outweigh this minor difference.

Game Library and Compatibility: Exploring the World of Xbox Games on the Series S

The Xbox Series S benefits from Microsoft's strong focus on backwards compatibility. It can play thousands of games from previous Xbox generations, including Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles. This vast library gives gamers access to a wealth of content, ensuring there's always something to play.

In addition to backwards compatibility, the Xbox Series S supports all new Xbox Series X/S games. These games are often optimized to take advantage of the console's improved hardware, offering enhanced visuals and performance.

Xbox Game Pass is a standout feature for Xbox Series S owners. This subscription service provides access to a rotating library of hundreds of games, including first-party Xbox titles and third-party games. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also includes Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing gamers to stream games to their mobile devices or PCs.

The Digital-Only Experience: Embracing the Future of Gaming on the Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series S is a digital-only console, meaning it doesn't have a disc drive. This design choice allows Microsoft to offer the console at a lower price point. However, it also means that gamers must purchase all their games digitally through the Xbox Store.

For gamers who prefer physical media, the digital-only nature of the Xbox Series S might be a drawback. However, digital game sales have been steadily increasing, and many gamers are already comfortable with purchasing games online. Xbox Game Pass also provides a vast library of games without the need to purchase them individually.

Storage Limitations and Expansion Options: Managing Space on the Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB NVMe SSD, but only about 364GB is usable for game storage. This limited storage space can be a concern for gamers who play a lot of games, especially since modern games can be quite large.

Fortunately, the Xbox Series S supports storage expansion. You can connect an external USB hard drive or SSD to store and play older Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games. However, to play Xbox Series X/S optimized games, you'll need to use the official Seagate Storage Expansion Card. This proprietary card plugs into a dedicated slot on the back of the console and provides an additional 1TB of NVMe SSD storage with the same speed and performance as the internal drive. While the Seagate Storage Expansion Card is an investment, it's essential for gamers who want to expand their storage capacity without compromising performance.

User Interface and Features: Navigating the Xbox Ecosystem on the Series S

The Xbox Series S features the same user interface as the Xbox Series X and Xbox One. The dashboard is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and find games and apps. The quick resume feature allows gamers to switch between multiple games instantly, picking up right where they left off.

The Xbox Series S also supports a variety of apps, including streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. The console can also be used as a media player, allowing you to stream videos and music from your home network.

Xbox Series S Controller: Comfort and Functionality

The Xbox Series S controller is virtually identical to the Xbox Series X controller. It features a comfortable ergonomic design, textured grips, and a hybrid D-pad. The controller connects wirelessly to the console using Xbox Wireless technology and also supports Bluetooth for connecting to PCs and mobile devices.

The controller also includes a share button, which allows you to easily capture screenshots and video clips to share with friends. The controller requires two AA batteries to operate, but you can also use a rechargeable battery pack.

Value Proposition and Target Audience: Is the Xbox Series S Right for You?

The Xbox Series S offers an excellent value proposition for gamers who want to experience next-gen gaming without breaking the bank. It's a great choice for:

• Budget-conscious gamers: The Series S is significantly cheaper than the Series X, making it an attractive option for gamers on a tight budget.
• Casual gamers: The Series S is perfect for gamers who don't need the absolute best graphics and performance.
• Gamers new to the Xbox ecosystem: The Series S is a great entry point into the world of Xbox, especially with Xbox Game Pass.
• Gamers with smaller TVs or gaming setups: The Series S is designed for 1440p gaming, making it a good fit for smaller TVs or monitors.
• Families with multiple gamers: The Series S can serve as a secondary console for family members who want to play games in different rooms.

However, the Xbox Series S might not be the best choice for:

• Gamers who demand the best graphics and performance: The Series X offers superior visual fidelity and faster frame rates.
• Gamers who prefer physical media: The Series S is a digital-only console, so you can't use game discs.
• Gamers with large game libraries: The Series S has limited storage space, which can be a concern for gamers who play a lot of games.
• Gamers with 4K TVs: While the Series S can output at 4K, it's designed for 1440p gaming, so the visual difference might not be as noticeable on a 4K display.

Conclusion: A Powerful and Affordable Entry Point to Next-Gen Gaming

The Xbox Series S is a remarkable console that delivers next-gen gaming experiences at an accessible price point. Its compact size, fast loading times, and impressive performance make it a compelling option for a wide range of gamers. While it doesn't offer the same visual fidelity as the Series X, it still provides a significant upgrade over previous-generation consoles. The Xbox Series S, combined with Xbox Game Pass, offers an incredible value for gamers looking to dive into the world of Xbox. Its digital-only nature might not appeal to everyone, but for many gamers, the Xbox Series S is the perfect entry point into the next generation of gaming.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy the Xbox Series S depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, if you're looking for an affordable and capable console that can deliver a great gaming experience, the Xbox Series S is definitely worth considering.