Is the Xbox Series S Worth It in 2025? Yes – Here‘s Why
The quick answer is yes – the Xbox Series S is absolutely worth the $299 price in 2024. While it lacks some capabilities of the pricier next-gen consoles, the Series S delivers where it really counts: faster load times, higher frame rates, Quick Resume, and access to 100+ new and classic games. For casual gamers wanting affordable entry to the Xbox ecosystem, it‘s a savvy choice.
In this 2600+ word guide, I‘ll provide an in-depth look at what makes the Series S such a great value, along with its limitations. You‘ll learn:
- How the performance and graphics compare to Xbox One and Series X
- Its extensive backwards compatible game library
- The limitations of memory and storage
- How the accessories enhance the experience
- Who should (and shouldn‘t) opt for the Series S
Let‘s dig in!
A Budget-Friendly Next-Gen Experience
The Xbox Series S first launched in November 2020 at just $299, the lowest price of any ninth generation console. Over two years later, it remains an incredible value for a few reasons:
Faster load times – The custom 512GB solid state drive ensures games load blazing fast, usually in under 10 seconds versus 30-60 seconds on previous consoles.
Higher frame rates – Thanks to the capable AMD processor, the Series S can hit up to 120 frames per second for ultra-smooth visuals, perfect for fast-paced online multiplayer.
Quick Resume – Exclusive to the new Xbox consoles, Quick Resume lets you suspend multiple games and immediately swap between them.
Enhanced backwards compatibility – Thousands of games spanning all previous Xbox consoles get improvements like faster loads and more consistent frame rates.
Game Pass access – Being able to download and play 100+ games on demand for one monthly fee is an absolute game-changer.
These next-gen enhancements completely transform your gaming experience compared to last generation. While the GPU isn‘t as powerful as the Series X or PS5, the Series S still delivers where it counts for only $299.
Xbox Series S Tech Specs
Before we dive deeper, let‘s recap the key hardware inside the Xbox Series S:
- Price: $299
- Resolution: 1440p at 60fps, up to 120fps
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Disc drive: None, digital-only
- CPU: 8-core 3.6GHz custom AMD Zen 2
- GPU: 4 TFLOPS AMD RDNA 2
- RAM: 10GB GDDR6
- Size: 275 x 151 x 63.5 mm
- Weight: 1.93kg
For $299, the specs are very reasonable. You get a capable Zen 2 processor, super fast SSD, and enough graphical power for great-looking 1440p gaming. But there are certainly compromises made to hit that price point.
How Does the Performance and Graphics Compare?
The Series S uses Microsoft‘s proprietary "Xbox Velocity Architecture" combining the custom CPU, SSD, and software magic to enable high performance. Let‘s look at how it stacks up to Xbox One and Series X models:
Resolution and Frame Rate
| Console | Typical Resolution | Max Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox One S | 1080p | 30fps |
| Xbox One X | 4K | 30fps |
| Xbox Series S | 1440p | 120fps |
| Xbox Series X | 4K | 120fps |
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Most Series S games run at 1440p resolution and 60 fps. This strikes a great balance between visual fidelity and performance. According to Digital Foundry, optimizations like Variable Rate Shading and machine learning-powered supersampling help the S punch above its 4 TFLOP weight class.
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With 120fps support, the S enables incredibly smooth high-frame rate gameplay. This empowers lightning reflexes for competitive online multiplayer games like Call of Duty, Rocket League, Dirt 5 and more.
Graphics Capabilities
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The 4 TFLOP GPU allows the Series S to render games at a native 1440p resolution, versus 4K on the X. But 1440p upscaled to 4K TVs still looks excellent.
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Ray tracing is supported for realistic lighting and reflections. Performance is limited versus Series X though, so some games disable ray tracing or use lower quality ray traced effects on the S.
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The S features AMD‘s RDNA 2 architecture with support for new graphics features like mesh shaders and variable rate shading. Combined with the Zen 2 CPU, the Series S delivers next-gen gameplay experiences.
Performance Analysis
All things considered, the Series S offers a massive boost over the Xbox One consoles, according to Digital Foundry:
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Load times are accelerated by 400-700% versus Xbox One thanks to the SSD.
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Higher CPU power reduces frame rate drops for smoother overall gameplay.
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New graphics features like ray tracing are now possible, realizing much more immersive scenes.
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The CPU enables the same advanced gameplay physics and features as the Series X since they share the same Zen 2 architecture.
Clearly the Series S delivers a generational leap over Xbox One consoles. Yes, the less powerful GPU results in lower resolutions than the Series X can achieve. But for smooth 60+ fps 1440p gaming, the Series S certainly satisfies for the price.
Access to Hundreds of Games
One massive benefit of the Xbox Series S is enjoying both brand new next-gen games, and thousands of backwards compatible Xbox titles.
4 Generations of Game Support
The S gives you access to a vast library spanning Xbox history:
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Xbox One games – Almost all Xbox One titles are compatible, benefiting from upgrades like faster load times, improved frame rate stability and Auto HDR color on the Series S.
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Xbox 360 and original Xbox games – Hundreds of last-gen games are playable through backwards compatibility, now with enhancements. New additions are still being added regularly.
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Next-gen optimized games – Over 200 existing and upcoming titles are specifically enhanced for Xbox Series X|S. Major exclusives like Starfield launch simultaneously on X and S.
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Xbox Game Pass – Over 100 downloadable games, spanning Xbox One and next-gen titles, are available on demand. This includes every first-party Microsoft game the day of release.
Having access to both today‘s biggest games as well as classics from your childhood is a huge win. Even PlayStation can‘t match this breadth of backwards compatibility and game history.
Top Playable Franchises
To showcase the extent of playable games, here are just some of the popular franchises you can experience on Xbox Series S:
- Halo
- Forza
- The Elder Scrolls
- Fallout
- DOOM
- Far Cry
- Assassin‘s Creed
- GTA
- Batman: Arkham
- Ori
- Mortal Kombat
- Battlefield
- Call of Duty
- FIFA
- The Witcher
- Star Wars
- Diablo
Whether you want to re-experience an old favorite or play the latest exclusive, the S has your gaming needs covered.
Storage and Memory Limitations
The Xbox Series S makes just two hardware compromises versus the X model:
512GB SSD – The smaller solid state drive can only store around 10-15 full-sized games. You‘ll need to manage your storage by deleting games or adding external USB drives.
10GB RAM – There‘s less overall memory bandwidth which can impact texture detail and ray tracing in some advanced games. But 10GB is still plenty for great-looking 1440p gaming.
Are these restrictions dealbreakers? For most gamers, probably not. The measly 364GB of usable internal space is annoying, yes. But expanding with external USB hard drives or Seagate‘s Storage Expansion Card can alleviate storage woes for under $100.
And the 10GB of RAM, while lower than the Series X or PS5‘s 16GB, enables up to 1440p gaming with all the next-gen bells and whistles. Unless you scrutinize side-by-side comparisons, you‘d likely never notice a difference versus the X model.
All things considered, the storage and memory concessions seem reasonable to meet the $299 price point. They do lower the console‘s technical ceiling, but don‘t prohibit a fantastic 1440p gaming experience.
Xbox Series S Accessories
The Xbox Series S alone lets you experience everything Xbox gaming has to offer. But a few accessories can really enhance your experience:
Extra controller – Games play best with others. Add a second Xbox Wireless Controller for local multiplayer. The PowerA Fusion Pro at $80 provides a quality cheaper alternative.
Headset – Gaming headsets like the Xbox Wireless Headset ($99) or Astro A10 ($59) amplify immersion with directional game audio. Any stereo headset works thanks to the S‘s 3.5mm audio jack or over Bluetooth.
External storage – An external USB 3.1 HDD or SSD adds capacity for more game installs. The WD_BLACK 500GB D30 Game Drive SSD ($85) matches the console‘s sleek design.
Storage expansion – For massive extra storage, Seagate‘s 1TB Storage Expansion Card ($220) neatly slots into the back of the console. But it is very pricey.
With the console itself, you have everything needed to start playing. But extra gear like controllers, headsets, and storage can take your experience to the next level.
Who Should (and Shouldn‘t) Buy the Xbox Series S?
At the end of the day, whether the Xbox Series S is "worth it" really comes down to the type of gamer you are. Here‘s a breakdown of cases where the S makes perfect sense, and situations where you may want to consider the Series X or PlayStation 5 instead.
The Series S is a Great Match For:
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Those gaming predominantly on a 1080p screen – It delivers smooth 60+ fps gameplay at 1440p that looks superb when downsampled to a Full HD display. You won‘t feel like you‘re missing out versus pricier consoles.
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Gamers who value performance over cutting-edge graphics – Quick loading, high frame rates, and responsive gameplay matter more than max resolution. The S delivers where it counts.
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Players on a tight budget seeking affordable next-gen gaming – At just $299, the Series S is the cheapest gateway to the new console generation. For casual gamers, it‘s a savvy choice.
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Xbox fans with large game libraries or who use Game Pass – Enhanced backwards compatibility and Game Pass access make it easy to play hundreds of Xbox games on the S.
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Those who prefer digital game libraries over physical discs – The S‘s all-digital setup is convenient for gamers who buy games digitally and utilize cloud streaming.
The Series X or PS5 May Be Preferable For:
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Players who game predominantly on a 4K TV – The Series S tops out at 1440p and can‘t take full advantage of extra screen resolution. The X or PS5 are better matched for 4K displays.
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Gamers who demand the absolute highest performance – The S makes graphical compromises to hit its price. So visual perfectionists need to spend up for something beefier.
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Those with large physical game libraries – Lacking a disc drive, the S can‘t play any physical games. Discless play is a nonstarter for some.
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Players needing ample storage space – The S‘s tiny 512GB SSD requires frequent storage management. 1TB+ on other consoles provides more convenience.
The Verdict?
The Xbox Series S is designed to deliver smooth high fidelity gaming at an affordable price point. If you game predominantly in Full HD, take advantage of Xbox backwards compatibility, or want to spend as little as possible, it‘s a great choice. But hardcore players focused on 4K gaming or who prefer physical media should consider ponying up for its pricier siblings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still deciding if the Xbox Series S is right for you? Here I‘ve answered some common questions gamers have about the console:
Is the small 512GB SSD enough for game storage?
The SSD is the S‘s main limitation. After system files you only get 364GB of usable space, which fills fast as games average 35-50GB apiece. To maximize storage:
- Only keep installed your handful of actively played games
- Use fast external USB 3.0+ hard drives or SSDs for additional capacity
- Utilize cloud gaming on Game Pass Ultimate to avoid local storage limitations
- Invest in the 1TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card
With some storage management effort, the 512GB SSD provides just enough space for most gamers. But you‘ll likely need to employ external USB storage to avoid frequent re-downloading.
How does the Xbox Series S performance compare to Xbox One?
Thanks to the Zen 2 CPU and fast SSD, Digital Foundry testing shows the Series S provides gigantic gains over the Xbox One consoles:
- Load times accelerated by 400-700%
- Higher CPU power reduces frame rate drops for smoother gameplay
- New graphics features like ray tracing enabled
- Much higher frame rates – 60fps minimum versus 30fps on One
The generational hardware leap is instantly apparent. Games feel more responsive, load faster, and run more smoothly across the board. You‘ll immediately notice the difference coming from Xbox One.
Will the less powerful GPU hold back next-gen gaming experiences?
It‘s true the 4 TFLOP GPU is less powerful than the 12 TFLOPs in the Series X and PS5. But according to Digital Foundry, technologies like machine learning-powered supersampling and Variable Rate Shading help the Series S punch above its weight class.
While it renders at 1440p versus 4K on the X, modern techniques like upscaling and dynamic resolution scaling still enable stunning image quality. The Series S won‘t hold back next-gen gaming innovation.
How future-proofed is the Xbox Series S for new games?
The Series S utilizes the same capable Zen 2 CPU architecture as the X which should keep it relevant for years. The GPU is less powerful but still able to provide great 1440p gaming this generation.
Microsoft says they aim to support the S for at least 3-4 years until their next console generation. Given its popularity, likely longer. While it may not age as gracefully as the X, the S will stay capable for the years you need it.
Can you play co-op and multiplayer games online?
Yep, online multiplayer works exactly the same on the Series S as other Xbox consoles. You can play against or with others online over Xbox Live.
The console includes 1 month of Xbox Live Gold to get started. After that you‘ll need to purchase Xbox Live Gold membership or Game Pass Ultimate (which bundles Gold) to continue playing online games.
Should You Buy the Xbox Series S in 2024?
More than two years past its launch, the Xbox Series S remains a smart budget pick for next-gen gaming in 2024. It delivers the core benefits of the new console generation – lightning fast load times, silky smooth frame rates, and backwards compatibility – at an affordable $299 price.
The compromises made in graphical power and storage capacity are completely justifiable for the cost savings. If you predominantly game in Full HD, take advantage of Xbox backwards compatibility, or want to spend as little as possible, the Series S is a savvy choice. It provides an impressive 60+ fps 1440p gaming experience and access to hundreds of digital titles.
For Xbox fans on a budget, casual gamers, or those new to consoles, the Xbox Series S is absolutely worth it in 2024 and beyond. Thanks to Xbox Game Pass and ongoing optimizations, it only becomes a better value with time. If you want affordable access to new releases and classics alike, look no further than the S.