Published on: April 24, 2023
Written by John Stevens / Fact-checked by Hashim Manna
Introducing the Xbox Series X and Series S
In the world of gaming consoles, there’s always a race to deliver the best experience. And with the release of the Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft has raised the bar yet again. These next-generation consoles are packed with new features and technologies, offering gamers a truly immersive experience. But what makes them so special? Let’s dive in and find out.
Differences Between Xbox Series X and Series S
Before we delve into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the differences between the two consoles. While both are part of the same family, they cater to different segments of the gaming market.
Xbox Series X Specifications
- 4K gaming at 60 FPS, with support for up to 120 FPS
- 12 teraflops of GPU power
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 4K UHD Blu-ray drive
Xbox Series S Specifications
- 1440p gaming at 60 FPS, with support for up to 120 FPS
- 4 teraflops of GPU power
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- Digital-only (no disc drive)
Performance and Graphics
A significant aspect of any gaming console is its performance and graphics capabilities. Both the Xbox Series X and Series S offer impressive performance, but there are some differences.
Xbox Series X Performance
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s flagship console, boasting 12 teraflops of GPU power, allowing for true 4K gaming at 60 FPS. It also supports up to 120 FPS for select titles, providing an incredibly smooth and immersive gaming experience.
Xbox Series S Performance
The Xbox Series S is a more budget-friendly option, offering 4 teraflops of GPU power. It’s still capable of delivering 1440p gaming at 60 FPS, with support for up to 120 FPS in select titles.
Gaming Experience
Microsoft has gone the extra mile to ensure that gamers get the best possible experience on both consoles.
Backward Compatibility
Both consoles offer extensive backward compatibility, meaning you can play a vast library of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games. This is a fantastic feature for gamers who have built up a collection over the years.
Game Pass and Cloud Gaming
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that provides access to a vast library of games, including many new releases. Both consoles support Game Pass, and the service is continually expanding. Additionally, Xbox Cloud Gaming allows you to stream games directly to your console, further expanding your gaming options.
Design and Hardware
The design and hardware of a console play a crucial role in its overall appeal and user experience. Microsoft has ensured that both the Xbox Series X and Series S offer unique aesthetics and functionalities.
Xbox Series X Design
The Xbox Series X features a monolithic design, with a black rectangular shape resembling a small tower. It has a large vent on the top for heat dissipation and a disc drive on the front for physical game media. The console can be placed both horizontally and vertically, offering flexibility in setup.
Xbox Series S Design
The Xbox Series S sports a more compact design, making it an excellent choice for gamers with limited space. Its white color and digital-only nature make it stand out from its more powerful sibling. The console also has a large vent on the top for heat dissipation, ensuring optimal performance.
Controllers and Accessories
A gaming console is incomplete without its controllers and accessories, and Microsoft has designed some great options for the Xbox Series X and Series S.
Xbox Wireless Controller
Both consoles come with the new Xbox Wireless Controller, featuring a slightly refined design for better ergonomics and an improved D-pad. It also includes a dedicated Share button for quickly capturing screenshots and video clips.
Compatible Accessories
The Xbox Series X and Series S are compatible with a wide range of accessories, including headsets, racing wheels, and more. You can also use your existing Xbox One accessories with the new consoles, making the transition to next-gen even smoother.
Price and Availability
The Xbox Series X and Series S are priced at $499 and $299, respectively, offering options for both high-end gamers and those on a budget. The consoles are available at major retailers, but due to high demand, they might be challenging to find at times.
Conclusion
The Xbox Series X and Series S are powerful, feature-packed gaming consoles designed to cater to various gaming needs. With impressive performance, vast game libraries, and sleek designs, these consoles are a fantastic choice for gamers looking to dive into the next generation of gaming experiences.
Which VR Headsets are Compatible with the Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series X is compatible with a variety of VR headsets, allowing gamers to enhance their virtual reality experience. Key players in the market, like Oculus Rift S, HTC Vive, and Valve Index, offer vr headset compatibility with the Xbox Series X. With these headsets, gamers can dive into immersive worlds and enjoy a more interactive and engaging gaming experience.
FAQs
Is it worth upgrading to the Xbox Series X or Series S from the Xbox One?
Yes, the upgrade is worth it due to the enhanced performance, graphics, and features available on the new consoles.
Can I play my Xbox One games on the Xbox Series X and Series S?
Yes, both consoles offer extensive backward compatibility, allowing you to play a wide range of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games.
Do I need a 4K TV to fully enjoy the Xbox Series X?
While a 4K TV will enable you to experience the full potential of the Xbox Series X, you can still enjoy improved performance and graphics on a 1080p TV.
How does Xbox Game Pass work on the Xbox Series X and Series S?
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that grants you access to a vast library of games, which can be downloaded and played on your console. Both the Xbox Series X and Series S support Game Pass.
Can I use my Xbox One controller with the Xbox Series X and Series S?
Yes, the Xbox Series X and Series S are compatible with Xbox One controllers, allowing you to use your existing accessories with the new consoles.
