What’s the Difference Between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S?

Both the Xbox Series X and Series S have been on the market since 2020 but it’s never too late to be considering your first Xbox console. As it’s been a few years since release, this is the best time to buy the console, prices are lower, especially if you buy second hand. If you’re buying a Microsoft console for the first time, there’s a few things you need to keep an eye on when it comes to these two specific consoles.

What’s The Difference?

The main difference between both consoles is the price; the Series S is priced almost £200 cheaper than the Series X. Of course, this means that there are notable differences between the two options.

• Game Options: The Series X and Series S can play the same new games and both consoles are backward compatible so you can play virtually any game you could play on an Xbox One. The Series S does not have a disc drive and so you won’t have the option to play through your old game collection with this console.
• Resolution: Both the Series X and Series S can produce a 4K video signal, so watching videos on a 4K TV should be the same on either machine. But if you want to play games with a 4K resolution, you should choose the Series X. The Series X has been designed for games with resolutions up to 4K. Alternatively, the Series S has less-powerful graphics hardware and is designed more for 1080p or up to 1440p.
• Storage: Both consoles now offer storage up to 1TB, which will offer about 800 GB of usable space. The higher storage allowance on the Series S does push the price up ever so slightly but might be a necessity if you’re wanting to download those larger games.
• Size: The Xbox Series S is the smallest Xbox ever and is designed to be displayed either vertically or horizontally. The Series X is slightly bigger and is approximately 6x6 inches at the base.

The major differences between these two consoles are the backward-compatible functions (or lack of with the Series S) and the shape of the console. It’s up to you and your gaming habits as to which console would suit you better.

Should I Buy the New Xbox?

The Series X is great for gamers who want to reliver nostalgia through their old video game collection. The backward compatible feature will allow you to relive all those old games in a much better resolution. If this is something you’re excited for then you might want to go for the more expensive option.

Both consoles have similar, powerful CPUs – almost four times as powerful as previous Xbox consoles. This opens the door to a faster user interface and much faster load times.

The setup for these new consoles is super straightforward. Gone are the days of laborious manual navigation and inputting names and passwords via an on-screen keyboard, the current consoles allow you to navigate the process through your mobile phone, streamlining the setup process.

There are loads of second-hand options on the market allowing you to save a bit of extra money. And don’t forget, if you do buy the new console, you can make money on your old one by sending it to us and receiving cash the day after we receive your old tech!