Xbox Series S Review: The Smallest and Most Affordable Next-Gen Console
The Xbox Series S is the latest addition to the Xbox console family, offering next-gen all-digital gaming at an affordable price point. With its sleek and compact design, this console is perfect for gamers looking for a space-saving solution. Powered by the Xbox Velocity Architecture and a custom SSD, the Xbox Series S delivers lightning-fast speed and performance. Backward compatibility allows you to enjoy thousands of digital games from previous generations, including optimized titles at launch. In this in-depth review, we will explore the features, performance, and overall value of the Xbox Series S.
Product Description
The Xbox Series S is the latest addition to the Xbox family, offering players a next-generation gaming experience at an affordable price point. This all-digital console is designed to be the smallest and sleekest Xbox ever made, making it perfect for those with limited space or who prefer a more minimalist setup.
With the Xbox Series S, you can go completely disc-free, as it allows you to enjoy next-gen gaming without the need for physical game discs. This means you can download and play your favorite games directly from the Microsoft Store or through Xbox Game Pass, the popular subscription service that gives you access to a vast library of games.
The bundle includes everything you need to get started: the Xbox Series S console, one Xbox Wireless Controller, a high-speed HDMI cable, and a power cable. This means you can start playing right out of the box, without the need for any additional accessories or purchases.
One of the key features of the Xbox Series S is its lightning-fast speed and performance, thanks to the Xbox Velocity Architecture. This is made possible by a custom SSD (Solid State Drive) and integrated software, which work together to deliver incredibly fast load times and seamless gameplay. Whether you're exploring vast open worlds or engaging in intense multiplayer battles, you can expect a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
Another standout feature of the Xbox Series S is its backward compatibility, which allows you to play thousands of digital games from four generations of Xbox. This means you can revisit your favorite titles from the past or discover new gems, all on one console. Plus, many games have been optimized for the Xbox Series S, taking full advantage of its hardware capabilities to deliver stunning visuals and improved performance.
With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 15,000 customer reviews, the Xbox Series S has been well-received by gamers worldwide. Customers praise its compact size, fast load times, and the extensive library of games available. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance, the Xbox Series S is definitely worth considering.
Pros and Cons
The Xbox Series S is a highly popular gaming console in the market, offering a range of features that make it a desirable choice for gamers. However, like any product, it also has its fair share of pros and cons. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Xbox Series S:
Pros:
Affordable Price: One of the standout features of the Xbox Series S is its price. Priced at just £209.99, it offers great value for money compared to its more powerful sibling, the Xbox Series X. This makes it an attractive option for gamers who are on a budget or looking to enter the next generation of gaming without breaking the bank.
Compact Size: The Xbox Series S boasts a sleek and compact design, making it easy to fit into any gaming setup. Whether you have limited space or prefer a minimalist aesthetic, this console is perfect for you. Its small form factor doesn't compromise on performance, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
Impressive Graphics: Despite being less powerful than the Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series S still delivers impressive graphics. With support for up to 1440p resolution and high frame rates, you can enjoy visually stunning games without compromise. The console's hardware features ray tracing and variable rate shading, enhancing the overall visual quality.
Cons:
Limited Storage Space: One downside of the Xbox Series S is its limited storage space. With only 512GB of storage, you may find yourself running out of space quickly, especially if you have a large game library or enjoy downloading games. However, you can expand the storage with an external drive, although it will add to the overall cost.
No Physical Disc Drive: Unlike its counterpart, the Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series S does not have a physical disc drive. This means that you won't be able to play physical copies of games or enjoy the benefits of owning physical media. However, with the increasing popularity of digital downloads, this may not be a significant issue for many gamers.
Less Powerful Performance: While the Xbox Series S offers impressive performance, it is not as powerful as the Xbox Series X. This means that you may experience slightly lower frame rates or graphical fidelity in certain games. However, for most gamers, the difference in performance may not be noticeable or significant enough to deter them from choosing the Series S.
In conclusion, the Xbox Series S is an excellent choice for gamers who are looking for an affordable and compact gaming console. It offers impressive graphics and a range of features that make it a compelling option. However, the limited storage space, lack of a physical disc drive, and slightly less powerful performance are worth considering before making your purchase.
Customer Reviews
The Xbox Series S has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers, with an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 15,754 ratings. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this console.
- "The series S was more of a playful experiment to my eyes when it first got announced, rather than a serious offer that I would consider buying for mys... (5 stars)"
- "Very cool console. I was able to play some games. He played on a FullHD 144hz monitor, the graphics in games are at a good level. This console is unde... (5 stars)"
- "This is a great console. It's obviously not as powerful as the Series X, but it doesn't need to be. The size is amazing, and can fit in any space, and... (5 stars)"
From these reviews, it is clear that customers are extremely satisfied with the Xbox Series S. They appreciate the console's compact size, which allows it to fit into any space. Despite not being as powerful as its counterpart, the Series X, customers find the graphics to be at a good level and enjoy playing games on their Full HD monitors.
The positive reviews highlight the great value for money that the Xbox Series S offers. Customers see it as more than just a playful experiment and consider it a serious gaming option. They appreciate the affordability of the console without compromising on performance.
Overall, the Xbox Series S has garnered a strong following among customers who are looking for a budget-friendly gaming console that still delivers an enjoyable gaming experience. The positive customer reviews serve as a testament to the quality and performance of this console.
Conclusion
After a thorough review of the Xbox Series S, it is clear that this console offers a fantastic gaming experience at an affordable price point. With its sleek design and compact size, it can easily fit into any space without compromising on performance.
One of the standout features of the Xbox Series S is its all-digital capability, allowing you to enjoy disc-free, next-gen gaming. The Xbox Velocity Architecture, powered by a custom SSD and integrated software, delivers impressive speed and performance, making your gaming experience smooth and immersive.
The backward compatibility feature is another major advantage of the Xbox Series S. You can play thousands of digital games from four generations of Xbox, including optimized titles at launch. This ensures that you have a wide range of games to choose from and guarantees hours of entertainment.
While the Xbox Series S may not be as powerful as its counterpart, the Series X, it more than makes up for it with its affordability and compactness. It is a great option for gamers who want to experience next-gen gaming without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, the Xbox Series S is a fantastic console that offers great value for money. With its sleek design, all-digital capability, and impressive performance, it is a worthwhile investment for any gaming enthusiast. We highly recommend the Xbox Series S for those looking for an accessible and enjoyable gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Xbox Series S:
Q: What is the difference between the Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X?
A: The Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X are both next-generation consoles from Microsoft. The main difference between the two is their power and capabilities. The Series X is more powerful and is designed for gamers who want the best performance and highest resolution. The Series S, on the other hand, is a more affordable option and is focused on delivering a great gaming experience at 1080p or 1440p resolution.
Q: Can I play physical game discs on the Xbox Series S?
A: No, the Xbox Series S is an all-digital console, which means it does not have a disc drive. You can only play digital games on this console. However, you can still play thousands of digital games from four generations of Xbox with backward compatibility.
Q: Is the Xbox Series S backwards compatible with Xbox One games?
A: Yes, the Xbox Series S is backwards compatible with Xbox One games. You can play your favorite Xbox One games on the Series S without any issues. Additionally, Microsoft has optimized certain titles for the Series S, which means you can enjoy enhanced graphics and performance on select games.
Q: Can I use my Xbox One accessories with the Xbox Series S?
A: Yes, most Xbox One accessories are compatible with the Xbox Series S. This includes Xbox One controllers, headsets, and other peripherals. You can easily connect your existing accessories to the Series S and continue using them for your gaming sessions.
Q: Does the Xbox Series S support 4K resolution?
A: No, the Xbox Series S does not support native 4K resolution. It is designed to deliver gaming experiences at 1080p or 1440p resolution. While it may not have the same level of visual fidelity as the Series X, it still offers impressive graphics and performance for its price point.
Q: Does the Xbox Series S require an internet connection?
A: While an internet connection is not required to play offline games, it is highly recommended for the best gaming experience on the Xbox Series S. Many of the features and functionalities of the console, such as game updates, online multiplayer, and access to digital game libraries, rely on an internet connection.
Q: Does the Xbox Series S have a solid-state drive (SSD)?
A: Yes, the Xbox Series S is equipped with a custom SSD as part of the Xbox Velocity Architecture. This allows for faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and overall improved performance compared to traditional hard drives.
Q: Can I use the Xbox Series S with a 4K TV?
A: While the Xbox Series S does not support native 4K resolution, it can still be used with a 4K TV. The console will upscale the content to fit the 4K screen, providing a visually pleasing experience. However, if you have a 4K TV and want to take full advantage of its capabilities, the Xbox Series X may be a better option for you.
Q: How much storage space does the Xbox Series S have?
A: The Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB custom SSD. While this may not seem like a lot, it is important to note that the console supports expandable storage. You can connect an external hard drive or use the compatible Seagate expansion card to increase the storage capacity of the console.
