Xbox Series X vs Series S — Which One Makes Sense Now?
Both consoles play the same games, but they're built for different players. Here's how to choose between the Series X and Series S based on your TV, your library and your budget.
Microsoft took an unusual approach this console generation: two machines at launch, aimed at different players. Years later, the question we hear most often is still the same: Series X or Series S?
Both play the same library of current-generation games, both connect to the same Xbox account and Game Pass, and both use the same controllers. The differences are in power, storage and the kind of screen they're designed for.
The short version
- Series X is the full-power console. It targets 4K, has more storage, and is available with a disc drive.
- Series S is the compact, more affordable console. It targets 1440p, is all-digital, and comes with less storage.
If you only remember one thing: match the console to your TV.
Performance and resolution
The Series X has a considerably more powerful GPU and more memory. In practice, that means:
- Higher resolutions, often native or near-native 4K in many games
- More headroom for graphics features like ray tracing
- Better results in demanding games that push the hardware
The Series S runs the same games at lower resolutions, usually aiming for 1080p to 1440p, sometimes with reduced visual settings. On a 1080p TV or monitor, the gap is much smaller than the specs suggest. On a large 4K TV, the Series X looks noticeably sharper.
Frame rates are a different story. Both consoles support high-refresh output, and many competitive games, such as Call of Duty and Fortnite, offer smooth performance modes on both. If you mainly play online shooters on a modest screen, the Series S holds up well.
Storage: the hidden difference
Storage is the issue Series S owners run into most often. Modern games are large, and Call of Duty alone can take a big chunk of a smaller drive.
- The Series X comes with more internal storage as standard.
- The Series S has a smaller drive, so you'll likely be managing installs, or buying an expansion card sooner.
Official storage expansion cards work at full speed on both consoles. Standard external USB drives can store and play older Xbox games, but current-generation games must run from internal storage or an expansion card.
Physical games
Own a shelf of Xbox discs, or like buying games second-hand? That matters. The Series S has no disc drive, and some Series X models are digital-only too. If physical games matter to you, make sure you buy a Series X model that includes a disc drive.
Who should buy which?
Buy the Series X if...
- You have a 4K TV and want the sharpest image
- You play big, visually demanding single-player games
- You want more storage out of the box
- You want to play physical discs
Buy the Series S if...
- You play on a 1080p TV or monitor
- You mainly play online multiplayer or Game Pass titles
- You want a second console for a bedroom or a family member
- Budget and size matter most. It's tiny and quiet.
What about Game Pass and cloud?
Both consoles are excellent Game Pass machines, and higher Game Pass tiers include cloud gaming, which can also stream some games without installing them. That softens the Series S storage limits a little. A strong internet connection helps either way.
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