Now that we finally have a price and a release date for both of Microsoft’s next-generation of consoles, the Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X, I know there’s likely one main question that people are asking. That being, what’s the difference between these consoles and which one should I get.
And honestly, that’s a question that you should be asking if you aren’t already doing so. I know I’ve had several people ask me what to get, and as such, I wanted to drop some knowledge regarding this to everyone.
So what Xbox console should I get?
Before I dive in, I want to prefix this that these are my recommendations or suggestions. They are a guide that you can choose to take to heart or ignore completely. That’s your call. My goal is simply to educate you, nothing more. I’m not here to tell you how to spend your money.
Ok, that’ out of the way, let’s get technical.
| Xbox Series S | Xbox Series X | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU at 3.6 GHz 3.4 GHz with SMT enabled | 8 AMD Zen 2 CPU cores at 3.8 GHz 3.6 GHz with SMT enabled |
| Compute Units | 20 | 52 |
| Graphics | AMD RDNA 2 GPU 20 CUs at 1.565 GHz 4 TFLOPS | AMD RDNA 2 GPU 52 CUs at 1.825 GHz 12 TFLOPS |
| RAM | 10GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVME SSD | 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVME SSD |
| Expandable Storage | 1TB Microsoft expansion card slot | 1TB Microsoft expansion card slot |
| Optical Drive | None | 4K UHD Blu-ray |
| Resolution | 1080p, 1440p (4K upscaling) | 1080p, 1440p, 4K |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 |
| Backwards Compatibility | Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One | Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One |
| Pricing | $299.99 | $499.99 |
Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X, the big boi Xbox next-generation console is being marketed to those who want it all. The best of the best, 4K graphics, 120 frames per second, 1TB internal PCIe NVME Gen 4 Solid State Drive. This is for those who don’t care about the cost and want to experience Xbox gaming at its fullest. It also has an optical drive, so you can watch your favorite Blu-ray discs on the console as well. If you’re a current owner of an Xbox One X, the Xbox Series X is 2x as powerful according to Xbox. DirectX RayTracing, VRR, and Variable Rate Shading are all on the table.
If this you, then the Xbox Series X is what you’ll want to grab on November 10th, 2020.
(Disclaimer – you MUST have a TV that supports 120Hz over HDMI or an HDMI 2.1 capable TV to be able to display more than 60 frames per second.)
Xbox Series S
https://youtu.be/fYtJWIxt3-M
The Xbox Series S is in an odd place if you think about it. For $200 less than the Xbox Series X, this next-generation console is being marketed to those who don’t care for 4K and are fine with playing games at 1080p or 1440p (if your TV supports VRR). It’s not completely useless when it comes to 4K, as it can upscale as well. It doesn’t include an optical drive as it an all-digital console, it isn’t as robust in the technical specs department and includes half the storage. That last point I think is a huge mistake for an all-digital console, but I digress.
However, the Xbox Series S is far from being a slough. Yes, it isn’t as powerful, but playing games at 1080p or 1440p, it’s plenty powerful. To put it into perspective, the console is 4x as powerful as the Xbox One S. It uses the same AMD RDNA 2 chipset as the Xbox Series X as well. DirectX RayTracing, VRR, and Variable Rate Shading are also included – just like the Xbox Series X.
If you don’t own a 4K TV and don’t plan on getting one, or just don’t want to pay the premium for the next-gen Xbox console, then the Xbox Series S is for you.
(Disclaimer – you MUST have a TV that supports 120Hz over HDMI or an HDMI 2.1 capable TV to be able to display more than 60 frames per second.)
What about the games?
You don’t need to worry about the games, as the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X can play the same games. As part of Microsoft’s and Xbox’s strategy, both consoles can not only play existing Xbox games thanks to Xbox Game Pass and backward compatibility. Meaning that even you own an Xbox One, then you’ll have access to the entire library when both the Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X is released.
Do I need to upgrade?
I’m glad you asked, as this is also important. Right now, to me there is currently no reason to acquire either the Xbox Series S or Series X. If you want to do so, then do it. If you don’t, then don’t. But as it stands, there is no existing or upcoming game that will take advantage of either of the consoles and can be played on your existing Xbox One if you already own one. If you don’t and you’re looking to snag your first Xbox console, then go for it – don’t get an older console.
This also hinges on if you have a capable gaming PC, as you’re also able to take advantage of 3rd party games that are also coming to PC. As well as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate/Xbox Game Pass PC, for those Xbox published titles that will be playable on PC.
Right now, we’re in a unique position to either wait and see what happens with these next-generation consoles. Or you can bite the bullet and snag one – there’s no wrong decision. Honestly, I do expect to see the Xbox Series S doing better than it’s big brother initially. Its’ a good upgrade from the Xbox One S and Xbox One X, it costs less and for the majority of gamers out there, it’s a good fit.
Both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X will be released on November 10th, 2020, for $299.99 and $499.99, respectfully. Are you thinking about getting either (or both) consoles? Let us know in the comments.
