Microsoft Xbox Series S: Next-Gen Performance at a Great Price

By Eric Manson On Aug 22, 2023

Microsoft’s Xbox Series S is a next-gen gaming console that offers high-speed performance and a great gaming experience at an affordable price. With thousands of current and classic titles available, the Xbox Series S is a great option for gamers who want to enjoy the latest games without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Xbox Series S, its features, and why it’s a great choice for gamers.

Table of Contents

Microsoft Xbox Series S Features

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Velocity Architecture vs "SSD"

Xbox Series X – 3.90 seconds
PS5 – 14.56 seconds 🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/LjVNSa93tw

— Xbox_Serious_X|S (@Xbox_Series_XS) August 20, 2023

The Xbox Series S is a powerful gaming console that offers a range of features, including:Xbox Velocity Architecture: The Xbox Velocity Architecture, powered by a custom SSD, works together with the innovative system on a-chip (SOC) technology to provide gameplay up to 120FPS. This means that games load faster and run smoother, providing a seamless gaming experience.

Quick Resume: With Quick Resume, gamers can seamlessly move between multiple game titles and resume instantly from where they left off. This feature is especially useful for gamers who like to switch between games frequently.

Expanding Game Library: The Xbox Series S is compatible with thousands of games, including day-one launch titles, favorites in the Xbox Game Pass library, and thousands of backward-compatible classics. This means that gamers have access to a vast library of games to choose from.

HDMI Features: The Xbox Series S supports a range of HDMI features, including Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, and AMD FreeSync. These features help to reduce input lag and provide a smoother gaming experience.

Sound Capabilities: The Xbox Series S supports a range of sound capabilities, including L-PCM, up to 7.1 Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, and Dolby TrueHD with Atmos. This means that gamers can enjoy immersive sound while playing their favorite games.

Ports & Connectivity: The Xbox Series S features 1x HDMI 2.1 port, 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 802.11ac dual-band wireless, and 802.3 10/100/1000 Ethernet. This provides gamers with a range of options for connecting to the internet and other devices.

Design: The Xbox Series S has a sleek and compact design, with dimensions of 6.5cm x 15.1cm x 27.5cm and a weight of 4.25 lbs. This makes it easy to fit into any gaming setup.

The Xbox Series S is a great value for gamers who want to enjoy the next-gen performance without breaking the bank. At $300, it’s significantly cheaper than the Xbox Series X, which retails for $500. While the Xbox Series S has lower graphics performance than the Xbox Series X, it can still play games in a lower resolution (around 1080P) and has many of the same features as its more expensive counterpart.

Microsoft Xbox Series S Specs

The Xbox Series S is a powerful gaming console that offers high-speed performance and a great gaming experience at an affordable price. Here are the specs of the Xbox Series S:

CPU: The Xbox Series S uses the same CPU as the Xbox Series X, running at 3.6GHz. This is only slightly slower than the 3.8GHz speed the Zen 2-based CPU runs at in the Series X.
GPU: The Xbox Series S has 20 CUs at 1.565GHz, which calculates to 4 teraflops of performance, compared to the 12.15 teraflops (52 CUs at 1.825 GHz) of the Xbox Series X.
Resolution: The Xbox Series S prioritizes 1440p resolution for gaming, but it can offer either upscaled 4K gaming or a 1080p picture.
Storage: The Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB custom SSD, which is significantly less storage than the Xbox Series X. However, it does have the ability to expand storage with the Seagate Storage Expansion Cards for Xbox Series X|S.
HDMI Features: The Xbox Series S supports Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, and AMD FreeSync. These features help to reduce input lag and provide a smoother gaming experience.
Sound Capabilities: The Xbox Series S supports L-PCM, up to 7.1 Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, and Dolby TrueHD with Atmos. This means that gamers can enjoy immersive sound while playing their favorite games.
Ports & Connectivity: The Xbox Series S features 1x HDMI 2.1 port, 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 802.11ac dual-band wireless, and 802.3 10/100/1000 Ethernet. This provides gamers with a range of options for connecting to the internet and other devices.
Quick Resume: With Quick Resume, gamers can seamlessly move between multiple game titles and resume instantly from where they left off.
Xbox Velocity Architecture: The Xbox Velocity Architecture, powered by a custom SSD, works together with the innovative system on a-chip (SOC) technology to provide gameplay up to 120FPS. This means that games load faster and run smoother, providing a seamless gaming experience.

Best Microsoft Xbox Series S Games

Halo Infinite is feeling better than ever pic.twitter.com/msJ32TO5ay

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The Xbox Series S offers a wide range of games to cater to different gaming preferences. Here are some of the best Xbox Series S games that you can enjoy:

Halo Infinite: The Halo series is one of the most iconic and beloved franchises in the gaming world. Halo Infinite, the latest installment, offers an immersive first-person shooter experience in a stunning sci-fi world.
Forza Horizon 5: If you’re a fan of racing games, Forza Horizon 5 is a must-play. With its breathtaking open-world environment, realistic graphics, and wide variety of cars to choose from, it delivers an exhilarating racing experience.
Gears 5: Gears 5 is a third-person shooter game that continues the story of the Gears of War series. It features intense action, a compelling campaign, and thrilling multiplayer modes, making it a great choice for fans of the genre.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps: This visually stunning platformer game offers a captivating story, beautiful artwork, and challenging gameplay. It’s a must-play for those who appreciate artistic and atmospheric games.
Sea of Thieves: Embark on a pirate adventure with Sea of Thieves. This multiplayer game allows you to sail the seas, explore islands, and engage in thrilling battles with other players. It offers a unique and immersive experience that is best enjoyed with friends.
Psychonauts 2: This highly anticipated sequel to the cult classic Psychonauts is a platforming adventure game with a unique and imaginative world. It combines humor, storytelling, and creative-level design to deliver a memorable gaming experience.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon: Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an action role-playing game that takes you into the world of organized crime in Japan. With its engaging story, vibrant characters, and a mix of serious and comedic moments, it offers a fresh take on the Yakuza series.
FIFA 22: For sports enthusiasts, FIFA 22 is a must-have game. With improved gameplay mechanics, realistic graphics, and updated rosters, it provides an immersive soccer experience.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Step into the shoes of a Viking warrior in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. This open-world action-adventure game offers a rich and immersive world to explore, with a compelling story and engaging gameplay.
Minecraft: Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows players to unleash their creativity and build their virtual worlds. With its endless possibilities and multiplayer options, it’s a game that can provide hours of entertainment.

These are just a few examples of the best Xbox Series S games available. The console offers a diverse library of games, catering to various genres and interests. Whether you’re a fan of shooters, racing games, platformers, or sports, there’s something for everyone on the Xbox Series S.

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Microsoft Xbox Series S VS PS5

When comparing the Xbox Series S and the PS5, there are several factors to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two consoles:

Price and Affordability:

Xbox Series S: The Xbox Series S is the more affordable option, priced at £249/$299. It offers a lower amount of power and SSD storage space compared to the Xbox Series X, but it is still a reliable console.
PS5: The PS5 is priced higher than the Xbox Series S, starting at £449/$499. It offers more storage space and a more powerful GPU.

Design and Form Factor:

Xbox Series S: The Xbox Series S is the smallest Xbox console ever made, making it easy to fit under your TV or alongside other hardware. It has a sleek and compact design.
PS5: The PS5 has a more distinctive design, with a larger and bulkier form factor. It can be positioned horizontally or vertically and features a two-toned design.

Performance and Graphics:

Xbox Series S: The Xbox Series S targets a resolution of 1440p instead of 4K, and it has a less powerful GPU compared to the PS5. It offers a smooth gaming experience with up to 120fps.
PS5: The PS5 offers a higher target performance with 4K resolution at 60fps. It has a more powerful GPU, delivering detailed graphics and fluid frame rates.

Game Availability:

Xbox Series S: The Xbox Series S has a wide range of games available, including popular titles like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and Gears 5. It also offers access to Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that provides a library of games to play.
PS5: The PS5 also has a strong lineup of games, including exclusive titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Demon’s Souls. It offers a diverse range of gaming experiences.

Storage Capacity:

Xbox Series S: The Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB custom SSD, which is less storage compared to the PS5. However, it does have the ability to expand storage with the Seagate Storage Expansion Cards for Xbox Series X|S.
PS5: The PS5 offers more storage capacity, with a built-in 825GB SSD. It also supports expandable storage through compatible M.2 SSDs.

In conclusion, the Xbox Series S and the PS5 offer different features and performance levels. The Xbox Series S is a more affordable option with a smaller form factor, while the PS5 offers more powerful hardware and a wider range of exclusive games. The choice between the two consoles ultimately depends on personal preferences, budget, and gaming priorities.