Microsoft Xbox Series S review: specs and price
The Xbox Series S is a fantastic upgrade to those coming from the last generation of consoles, providing many of the benefits of the more-powerful Xbox Series X but at a lower price point. It has an 8-core CPU clocked at 3.5 GHz, 10GB of GDDR6 RAM, and a 1.57 GHz GPU with 20 compute units (CUs) that delivers 4 TFLOPS of floating-point performance.
If all of that sounds a bit confusing, it’s worth looking at the last generation console from Microsoft — the Xbox One — which had an 853 MHz GPU with 12 CUs that provided just 1.31 TFLOPS of graphics power.
One of the key differences between the Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X is that the Series S renders games at 1440p resolution. This smart move by Microsoft means that next-gen games can be played with the same benefits as the Series X, such as ray tracing (a light rendering technique that provides beautiful, realistic lighting), despite it being much less powerful. Put simply, if you don’t have a 4K TV and are happy playing in 1440p resolution, the Xbox Series S is a great choice. It also lacks the Series X’s disc drive, but again, if this isn’t a feature you need then the cheaper Series S could be perfect for you.
Microsoft Xbox Series S
Why is Microsoft Xbox Series S better than the average?
- CPU speed?
8 x 3.6 GHzvs8.46 GHz - Floating-point performance?
4 TFLOPSvs1.79 TFLOPS - RAM?
10GBvs8.62GB - GPU clock speed?
1565 MHzvs827.05 MHz - Memory bandwidth?
224 GB/svs144.04 GB/s - Internal storage?
512GBvs477.14GB - Number of controllers?
8vs1.75 - USB ports?
3vs1.74
Price comparison
Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB Game All-Digital Console + 1 Xbox Wireless1 Controller, White - 1440p Gamin...Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB Game All-Digital Console + 1 Xbox Wireless1 Controller, White - 1440p Gaming Resolution, 4K Streaming Media Playback, WiFi (Renewed)
Replacement New High Quality Colorful Black LB RB Bumpers Triggers Buttons for XBOX Series S X Controller...Replacement New High Quality Colorful Black LB RB Bumpers Triggers Buttons for XBOX Series S X Controller Accessories
GSF 1pcs Circuit Board for Xbox One S X Elite 1 2 Motherboard Game Controller Program Chip Repair For Xbo...GSF 1pcs Circuit Board for Xbox One S X Elite 1 2 Motherboard Game Controller Program Chip Repair For Xbox Series S X
User reviews
Overall rating
Features
Quality of exclusive games
8.2/10
48 votes
Backwards compatibility
8.7/10
47 votes
Controller
8.3/10
48 votes
Non-gaming apps
8.4/10
46 votes
Quiet operation
8.9/10
48 votes
Performance
CPU speed
8 x 3.6 GHz
The CPU speed indicates how many processing cycles per second can be executed by a CPU, considering all of its cores (processing units). It is calculated by adding the clock rates of each core or, in the case of multi-core processors employing different microarchitectures, of each group of cores.
floating-point performance
4 TFLOPS
Floating-point performance is a measurement of the raw processing power of the GPU.
RAM
10GB
Random-access memory (RAM) is a form of memory used to store working data and machine code. Having more RAM is particularly useful for multitasking, allowing you to run more programs at once or have more tabs open in your browser.
GPU clock speed
1565 MHz
The clock speed of the graphics processing unit (GPU).
supports ray tracing
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
Ray tracing is an advanced light rendering technique that provides more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
I/O throughput
2.4 GB/s
I/O throughput refers to the bandwidth of the internal storage. Storage that supports faster data transmission speeds results in quicker load times.
GDDR version
GDDR6
Newer versions of GDDR memory offer improvements such as higher transfer rates that give increased performance.
Is an NVMe SSD
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
NVMe SSDs use the PCIe interface, which has a higher bandwidth than the SATA interface. This results in much faster read/write speeds compared to SSDs which use the SATA interface.
memory bandwidth
224 GB/s
A higher memory bandwidth means the memory can be accessed faster and therefore data can be retrieved quicker, having a positive effect on the performance.
General info
Type
Home
The type of game console.
output resolution
1440p
The resolution represents the amount of pixels that make up the image. It is a key indicator of image quality, with higher resolutions providing sharper and more detailed images.
Hard drive is replaceable
✖Microsoft Xbox Series S
The internal hard drive can be replaced by the user, for example if you wish to upgrade to a larger storage capacity.
Has an internal power supply
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
Devices with an internal power supply are desirable as they don't require a large external "power brick" on the cable. It’s more aesthetically pleasing and an advantage if you have limited space.
internal storage
512GB
The internal storage refers to the built-in storage space available in a device for system data, apps, and user-generated data. With a large amount of internal storage, you can save more files and apps on your device.
Is region free
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
Region free devices allow you to play games from different continents. This enables you to collect a larger game library, and you could play games before they are released in your region.
thickness
63.5 mm
The thickness (or depth) of the product.
width
151 mm
The width represents the horizontal dimension of the product.
height
275 mm
The height represents the vertical dimension of the product.
Connectivity
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
With a standard mini jack socket, you can use the device with most headphones.
supports Wi-Fi
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
The device can connect to Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
The Wi-Fi versions supported by the device.
is DLNA-certified
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
All DLNA-certified products are compatible with one another. When different devices are connected to the same network, data can be transferred easily between them.
With more USB ports, you are able to connect more devices.
has an HDMI output
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
Devices with a HDMI or mini HDMI port can transfer high definition video and audio to a display.
HDMI version
HDMI 2.1
Newer versions of HDMI support higher bandwidth, which allows for higher resolutions and frame rates.
Bluetooth version
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
has an external memory slot
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
The device has a standard memory slot (such as an SD or micro SD card slot) that enables you to extend the built-in internal storage with affordable memory modules, or easily retrieve data, such as photographs, from the memory card.
Features
Consoles which have more games offer more choice to the user. It is also an indicator of how popular a console is.
number of exclusive games
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
Exclusive games are only available to that game console producer.
has voice commands
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
You can use your voice to control key functions of the device and you can easily access your device without pushing any button.
backwards compatibility
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
With backwards compatibility, you can play games from the previous generation (or several generations) of console.
Can play games while they download
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
This means you don’t have to wait for the entire game to download first, as the later stages of the game download while you are playing.
supports quick resume
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
Quick resume is a feature that allows you to switch between several running games with practically zero loading times.
supports Discord voice chat
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
It supports Discord Voice, allowing you to chat with people on other platforms such as PC and mobile.
Supports 3D audio
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
3D audio provides a more immersive soundscape than traditional surround sound technologies, allowing you to pinpoint the exact direction that sounds are coming from.
supports Dolby Vision
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
Dolby Vision is an HDR format that supports greater color depth and brightness than HDR10/HDR10+. It uses dynamic metadata so that each frame can have its own settings for contrast, brightness, and colors, which results in lifelike images.
Controllers
More controllers allows you to have more people playing at a time.
has adaptive triggers
✖Microsoft Xbox Series S
Special motors in the controller can adjust the tension of the trigger buttons, adding to the feeling of immersion. For example, the triggers can become harder to press down as a player’s character sprints and becomes fatigued.
Compatible with a motion-sensing controller(s)
✖Microsoft Xbox Series S
A motion controller is a type of game controller that utilizes sensors (such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other types of sensors) to track motion and provide input.
Has a wireless controller
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
The device controllers connect to the console wirelessly, allowing for a tangle free gaming experience.
The more analog sticks, the more complex the input can be.
has an integrated touchpad
✖Microsoft Xbox Series S
With a touchpad, users can control the device by moving their finger on a touch-sensitive surface.
Has dual force feedback
✔Microsoft Xbox Series S
With dual force feedback the controller has realistic vibrations, allowing you to feel the direction from which the impact is coming.
controller weight
287 g
A lighter controller puts less strain on the hands while playing.
The more buttons the device has, the more complex the input can be.
Price comparison
Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB Game All-Digital Console + 1 Xbox Wireless1 Controller, White - 1440p Gamin...Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB Game All-Digital Console + 1 Xbox Wireless1 Controller, White - 1440p Gaming Resolution, 4K Streaming Media Playback, WiFi (Renewed)
Replacement New High Quality Colorful Black LB RB Bumpers Triggers Buttons for XBOX Series S X Controller...Replacement New High Quality Colorful Black LB RB Bumpers Triggers Buttons for XBOX Series S X Controller Accessories
GSF 1pcs Circuit Board for Xbox One S X Elite 1 2 Motherboard Game Controller Program Chip Repair For Xbo...GSF 1pcs Circuit Board for Xbox One S X Elite 1 2 Motherboard Game Controller Program Chip Repair For Xbox Series S X
Share
Which are the best game consoles?
This page is currently only available in English.
Comments
syed
1 year ago
10 / 10
it is tiny but mighty!!!!
syed
1 year ago
10 / 10
it is so tiny for an console and yet strong! and apparently it is quicks and a quiet assassin and I have played on both consoles on the pro and the series s and with the s I had a better experience.
Richard
1 year ago
1 / 10
I've had calculators more powerful than this
Richard
1 year ago
1 / 10
This should never have been made and was an instant refund for me. It can barely power newer games and it upscales to "4K" (<1440p most of the time) and DEFINITELY does not do 1440p @ 120Hz reliably. Games with advanced features like raytracing, enhanced textures, better shadows and antialiasing are normally absent from games for the Series S because it is not powerful enough. It can barely keep up 30fps with older games let alone newer games or graphics intensive games like Cyberpunk.
Катюня
2 years ago
10 / 10
Better, faster, stronger!
Катюня
2 years ago
10 / 10