Our Take
The Xbox Series S is Microsoft's smaller, more affordable next-gen console, sitting below the Series X in the lineup. It's a digital-only machine aimed at budget-conscious players who want current-generation performance without paying top price. It suits casual to mid-level gamers and works especially well paired with Xbox Game Pass.
Key Features
512GB NVMe SSD internal storage (no disc drive included)
Targets 1440p gaming at up to 120fps; upscales to 4K output
Custom AMD CPU and GPU delivering hardware ray tracing support
Xbox Velocity Architecture for fast load times and Quick Resume across multiple games
Includes one Xbox Wireless Controller and HDMI cable in the box
Supports Dolby Atmos and DTV audio passthrough
Our Verdict
The Series S makes most sense for younger players, families, or anyone on a tighter budget who subscribes to Game Pass. If you already own a physical game library, game at 4K on a large TV, or want the absolute best performance, spend more on a Series X or PS5 instead.