If you're looking at picking up a new Xbox console, but you're torn between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, then we're summing up all the differences so you don't have to.
So, which Xbox console is the right option for you? The Xbox Series X is more expensive but in turn, brings more power to the table in terms of graphics and speed. Or you can get the Xbox Series S, which is much cheaper at almost half of the price but is a digital-only system that can't output in 4k like its counterpart.
We've considered all the major differences here so you don't have to scroll around hunting for pros and cons including price, specs and game availability just below.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S – price and availability
The Xbox Series X is priced at £449.99. We rarely see discounts on the Xbox Series X since it's essentially the pro version of this new generation. Although, we did see a little price cut during Black Friday Xbox sales, which brought the console down to £429.99.
The Xbox Series S is more affordable, retailing at just £249.99. And this console goes on sale much more often with significant price cuts. We saw the console come down by a whopping £60 for Black Friday making the lowest-ever price for the Xbox Series S just £189.99. This discount was then extended for the holiday season.
You can also pick up either console as part of the Xbox All Access scheme, which allows you to pay off your console monthly and get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate included, which would usually set you back £10.99 a month alone. For an Xbox Series X, you'd pay £28.99 a month for 24 months which comes to £696 in total – cheaper than if you were to purchase the console and then pay for a game pass separately (totalling £714). For the Xbox Series S, it would cost you £20.99 a month for 24 months, coming to £504 in total – which is again, cheaper than if you were to purchase the components separately (totalling £514). For your peace of mind, it's worth me saying that this isn't a lease system, the console is all yours once paid off!
Another price factor to consider here is that the Xbox Series S is compatible with your old Xbox One controllers, whereas the Xbox Series X isn't. This can help save you a pretty penny if you need multiple controllers for multiplayer or just want a backup.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S – specs and design
The power difference between the two consoles is significant. If you're after 4k video output (more specifically 3840 x 2160) then you'll find that, along with being able to achieve 120 fps, provided by the Xbox Series X. The Xbox Series S on the other hand outputs 1440p 120hz, which is still higher than the previous generations' standard HD.
One thing to consider when deciding which to pick up is whether or not your TV or monitor can support the output you want. If you only have a 60hz display then you won't be able to take full advantage of the 120fps out of either console. This is the same for resolutions too, do you really need a console capable of 4k if you only have a standard 1080p HD TV or monitor?
Alongside better graphics, the Xbox Series X also has more onboard memory with 16GB compared to 10GB in its counterpart, allowing you to load games ever so slightly faster. In terms of outright storage for games, the Series X has a 1TB SSD, with the Series S having half of that capacity, coming in at 512GB, although only 364 GB is functional due to system storage.
The good news is that both consoles can have their storage expanded by purchasing a compatible storage expansion card. The bad news is, these can be pretty expensive, so it's something to factor in when you're deciding which console to buy.
In terms of design, the Xbox Series X has a monolithic vibe, particularly with its vertical all-black design, but it is bigger than the Series S, and double the weight.
The Xbox Series S is much slimmer, whether you have it horizontally (recommended) or vertically. If you don't have a lot of room on your media station then make sure to consider where you'll be able to fit the console.
Aesthetics is another factor you may want to consider, with the Xbox Series X having a sleek all-black design, with the Xbox Series S featuring the opposite, an all-white design with some black on the bottom.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S – games
This will likely be the deciding factor for most people. The Xbox Series S is a digital-only system with no disc drive at all, so to buy games, you'll have no option but to purchase them directly from the Microsoft store or buy a game code online.
The Xbox Series X has a disc drive, which is not only compatible with Xbox One games, but also Blu-Ray discs. This means if you want to play your old physical Xbox library, or you're an avid purchaser of second-hand games, then you'll need to pick up the Series X. Keep in mind when you find those sweet deals on physical games while you're shopping, you'll need a disc drive to play them.
In terms of games being available on the consoles, as they are the same generation of the same console, you are able to pick up all available games on either system. You can also take advantage of the Xbox Game Pass on both consoles, which gives you access to a massive library of games which is updated monthly for just £7.99 a month.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S – verdict
Which console you pick up will be based on your own personal needs. If you need something mega-powerful to output in 4k and want faster loading times, then the Xbox Series X is the best choice for you. If you only have a 1440p display, then the Xbox Series S may be a better choice.
If you don't want to spend that much, and just want something simple to play a few digital games on, then the Xbox Series S is the clear winner here at only £249 as opposed to £449.
But it's worth bearing in mind that the Xbox Series S may cost you more in the long run, as you won't be able to take advantage of second-hand games or physical deals. As although we do see some digital deals on the Microsoft Store, they usually aren't as good as the cost of a second-hand game.
