The Xbox Series Comparison between Microsoft’s consoles helps gamers understand the strengths of each model. The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, released in 2020, are both part of the ninth-generation of consoles and share many features, but they differ in power, price, and design. In this expert analysis, we compare the Xbox Series X and S across performance, games, features, and value. We’ll highlight differences in hardware specs (CPU, GPU, memory), graphics output (4K vs 1440p), game libraries (including popular Xbox Series X games), and pricing. Whether you’re a graphics enthusiast or a budget gamer, this Xbox Series Comparison will clarify which console fits your needs, backed by current data and industry insights.
What Is the Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s high-end next-gen console, launched November 2020 with a list price of $499 USD. It is designed for maximum performance and visual fidelity. Under the hood, Series X packs an 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU clocked at 3.8 GHz (3.66 GHz with SMT) and a powerful 12.15-teraflop custom RDNA 2 GPU with 52 Compute Units.
It includes a 16 GB GDDR6 RAM pool (with a fast 10 GB segment at 560 GB/s). The console’s internal storage is a custom 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, delivering about 2.4 GB/s raw throughput (or up to 4.8 GB/s compressed). These specs allow the Series X to target native 4K gaming at 60 frames per second (fps), with support for up to 120 fps and 8K output in the future.
Key features of the Xbox Series X include hardware-accelerated real-time ray tracing, HDMI 2.1 output with variable refresh rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Microsoft’s Xbox Velocity Architecture (super-fast SSD + DirectStorage) for minimal loading times. It also includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive for physical games and movies. In practical terms, the Series X is very powerful it offers roughly double the GPU performance of the last-gen Xbox One X and around 4× the CPU speed of the original Xbox One.
This means it can run current and upcoming AAA games at high settings and smooth frame rates. As one tech report notes, games like Gears 5 already run at Ultra PC settings on Series X, complete with ray tracing and 60 fps, after just a short optimization period. The console also supports backwards compatibility for thousands of older Xbox titles, enabling better performance on past games.
What Is the Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S is the lower-cost, all-digital sibling of the Series X, also released in late 2020. It trades raw power and storage for affordability and size. At launch, the Series S was priced at $299 USD. Like the Series X, it uses an 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU, but at a slightly lower clock: 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz with SMT).
The GPU is a custom RDNA 2 chip with only 20 Compute Units at 1.565 GHz, yielding about 4.006 teraflops of performance. For memory, the Series S has 10 GB of GDDR6 RAM total (8 GB on a 128-bit bus at 224 GB/s and 2 GB on a 32-bit bus at 56 GB/s). Storage is a single 512 GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (with about 364 GB available to the user).
The Series S is designed to handle modern games at 1440p resolution. It targets 60 fps (up to 120 fps) and uses dynamic scaling and upscaling to reach 4K output for media and some games. It also supports the same ray-tracing, VRR, and ALLM features as the Series X. However, Series S omits the physical drive (digital-only) and has a smaller form factor: about 60% smaller by volume (roughly 275×151×63.5 mm) and significantly lighter (4.25 lbs) compared to the 9.8 lbs Series X. It is often regarded as a portable and space-saving console, easy to tuck in a small entertainment center or bag.
In terms of in-game performance, the Series S delivers a good experience for 1080p or 1440p gaming, but it sacrifices some visual fidelity compared to the Series X. Graphics on Series S may appear softer or upscaled, and its lower GPU throughput means slightly reduced draw distances or effects in demanding titles. Still, as reviewers note, the Series S “offers noticeable improvements and upscales to 4K” even on its smaller hardware. Given its budget price and smaller size, many value-conscious gamers find that the Series S still “powers through at 60fps” for recent games, making it a “fantastically accessible way to play current-gen titles”.
Hardware Differences: Xbox Series S vs X
The hardware differences between Xbox Series X and Series S are the core of this comparison. Below is a quick overview of their major specs and features:
- CPU: Both use custom AMD Zen 2 8-core CPUs. Series X runs at 3.8 GHz (3.66 GHz w/SMT); Series S at 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT). Real-world CPU performance is similar, but Series X has a slight edge in clock speed.
- GPU: Series X’s GPU has 52 Compute Units at 1.825 GHz (≈12.15 TFLOPs). Series S’s GPU has 20 CUs at 1.565 GHz (4.006 TFLOPs). This means Series X’s graphics processing is roughly 3× that of Series S. (For reference, the Series X GPU is about double the power of the Xbox One X’s, while Series S is similar to a mid-range GPU).
- Memory (RAM): Series X includes a total of 16 GB GDDR6 (10 GB high-speed, 6 GB slightly slower). Series S has 10 GB GDDR6 (8 GB high-speed, 2 GB slower). More RAM and faster memory on Series X allow it to handle higher-resolution textures and larger game environments.
- Storage: Series X features a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (with up to 2.4 GB/s read). Series S comes with a 512 GB SSD (raw throughput similar). Both consoles support Seagate’s proprietary expansion cards (up to 4 TB) and USB storage for older games. In practice, the smaller SSD on Series S can fill up quickly with large games, whereas Series X offers more native capacity.
- Optical Drive: Series X includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive for discs; Series S is all-digital, meaning no disc drive at all.
- Dimensions & Weight: Series X is a vertical tower (≈30 cm tall) weighing ~9.8 lbs. Series S is a shorter rectangular box (~27.5 cm) at only ~4.25 lbs. The Series S’s compact size is a key design difference.
In summary, the Series X is the high-power flagship with larger GPU/RAM and more storage, while the Series S is a scaled-down version optimized for cost and size. A comparison chart (official Xbox specs) illustrates these contrasts: Series X targets 4K gaming at 60–120 fps, whereas Series S targets 1440p/60 (up to 120) and relies on upscaling to 4K. Both consoles share many features like the same controllers, UI, and support for new Xbox features, but the GPU and memory differences are the biggest factor in performance gaps.
Graphics & Performance: 4K vs. 1440p
One of the most noticeable outcomes of the hardware differences is in display output. The Xbox Series X was designed for native 4K gaming. It “was designed to nominally render games in 2160p (4K) at 60 FPS”, with the ability to push up to 120 FPS in supported games. In contrast, the Xbox Series S is intended for 1440p gaming at 60 fps. It can dynamically scale or upscale many games to 4K, but does not usually hit native 4K resolution. In practice, this means on a 4K TV, the Series X will produce a sharper image, while the Series S image may be slightly blurrier or upscaled.
Both consoles support high frame rates: titles like Gears Tactics or Ori and the Will of the Wisps can run at 120 fps in performance mode on both X and S. However, the Series X can sustain higher fidelity at these frame rates. For example, reviewers note that Series S handles 1440p/60 very smoothly, but on a 4K TV you can see the trade-offs: lower resolution textures or less detail compared to Series X. Nevertheless, the Series S “powers through at 60fps” for modern games, which is impressive given its sub-$300 price.
In terms of graphics features, both consoles are identical – they support DirectX Raytracing, variable rate shading, and share the same AMD RDNA 2 architecture. So both X and S can display advanced effects like ray-traced reflections and lighting. The difference is how richly these effects can be applied. For example, on Series X a game might run at 4K with high-quality ray tracing at 60 fps, whereas on Series S it might run at 1440p with slightly lower detail to maintain frame rate. In any case, both consoles allow up to 120 fps gameplay with VRR, which can make supported games feel very smooth on a compatible display.
The official Xbox comparison emphasizes that both consoles can stream and record gameplay at 4K 60 fps, and both benefit greatly from Xbox Velocity Architecture (ultra-fast SSD). In short, Series X delivers higher-resolution visuals and higher quality settings, while Series S delivers very good performance at a lower resolution. Gamers on a tight budget may find the Series S’s “noticeable improvements and upscaling to 4K” quite satisfactory, especially with help from Game Pass to access games that are optimized for both consoles.
Game Library & Xbox Series X Games
The Xbox Series X and S share virtually the same game library. All games released for Xbox Series X are also playable on Series S (unless a disc is required), and vice versa. This includes first-party exclusives like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and upcoming titles from Xbox Game Studios. In fact, Microsoft often markets “Smart Delivery” upgrades so that if you buy a game on Xbox One, you get the optimized Series X/S version for free.
Regarding Xbox Series X games, the library continues to grow. Titles such as Halo: The Master Chief Collection are optimized for Series X|S, and new releases like Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 (coming in 2025) will be tailored for this hardware. Many of these games are also day-one additions to Xbox Game Pass, meaning subscribers can play them immediately on either console. As GameSpot notes, “most, but not all, of the games we’ve chosen are available on Xbox Game Pass,” reflecting the synergy between hardware and services. The subscription service provides an “instant library of hundreds of games” to both Series X and S owners, including older Xbox titles and major new releases.
For multiplayer and backward compatibility, both consoles excel equally. They have the same network features and both play older Xbox One/360/Original games. In fact, the new hardware generally gives legacy games better performance and visuals. So if you have a backlog of games, either console will enhance them. External links to official lists of games (e.g. optimized games lists on Xbox’s site) are a valuable resource for finding compatible titles.
Finally, accessories and features like Quick Resume work identically. Every Xbox Wireless Controller, headset, or steering wheel designed for Xbox One works on Series X|S. Both consoles also support Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud), allowing remote play of high-end games even on mobile or other devices. The key takeaway: the choice between Series X and S does not limit which games you can play – it mainly affects the graphical fidelity and loading speed.
Price, Value, and Sales Numbers
Price is a major differentiator. At launch, the Xbox Series X cost about $499 USD and the Series S $299 USD. Over time, retailer discounts and used markets have seen Series S prices drop even lower. As one industry commentator noted in 2025, you could find a “sub-£150 console” on sale, making the Series S an “amazing” value. By comparison, even after discounts, the Series X remains significantly more expensive.
Both consoles often see bundles (e.g. with extra controllers or game keys) and occasional price cuts, but the baseline gap endures. This means Series S offers a more budget-friendly entry into next-gen gaming. For many players, the value proposition of Series S is very high: it can play all the same games (often at good performance) while costing a fraction of the Series X. The PureXbox opinion piece emphasizes that in 2025 the Series S still “offers relief” against rising hardware costs. The affordable console plus an Xbox Game Pass subscription allows gamers to play recent AAA games without a huge upfront investment.
As of early 2025, combined sales of Xbox Series X and S have exceeded 33 million units globally. The Series X is the majority of those sales – about 62% – while the Series S makes up the remaining 38%. In 2024 alone, the Series X|S family sold around 11.4 million units worldwide, indicating strong ongoing demand. These figures show that both models are popular: the high-end power of the Series X appeals to enthusiasts, and the cheaper Series S appeals to casual or budget gamers.
Design and Features
Beyond raw specs, design and user experience differ between the Xbox Series consoles. Physically, the Series X is a large monolithic black box (tower design), whereas the Series S is a much smaller white rectangular box. The aesthetic is subjective, but the size difference is stark: Series X dimensions are roughly 15.1×15.1×30.1 cm, Series S is 15.1×6.5×27.5 cm. The weight also reflects this: ~4.4 kg for the X versus ~1.93 kg for the S. Some users praise the Series S’s portability and sleek white look, while others prefer the Series X’s premium heft and black finish.
In terms of connectivity and hardware features, both consoles share the same ports: 3× USB 3.1, HDMI 2.1 output, Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 802.11ac. The main difference is media: Series X includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive for discs, meaning you can play physical games and use Blu-ray movies. Series S has no disc drive (“Digital distribution only”). This means S owners must download all games or use Game Pass streaming; however, it also allows the console to be slimmer and use less power. On the other hand, Series X offers the option to buy or trade physical games and watch Blu-rays, which may appeal to collectors.
Both consoles come with the same improved Xbox Wireless Controller (with a share button and better ergonomics). They also support the same audio formats (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, etc.), so audio experience is identical. Features like Quick Resume (suspending multiple games) and Auto HDR (upscaling colors on older games) work on both. One small difference: the Series X has two CPU modes (3.8 GHz single-thread vs 3.6 GHz SMT), and so does the S (3.6 vs 3.4), but this is transparent to most users.
Which Xbox Series Should You Buy?
Choosing between Xbox Series X and Series S depends on your priorities. If you want the best performance and visuals, the Series X is the clear winner. It targets native 4K gaming, has more storage for big games, and includes a disc drive. This makes it ideal for gamers with high-end 4K TVs, those who want the longest-term headroom (bigger hardware), or who prefer physical media. The Series X also handles any game with the highest settings, so it’s more “future-proof” for upcoming demanding titles.
On the other hand, if value and affordability are your main concerns, the Series S offers incredible bang-for-buck. It can play all the same games at a smoother frame rate at 1080p/1440p resolutions. For many players (especially those on smaller TVs or who don’t mind upscaling), the graphical differences may be negligible. The Series S is also perfect for travelers or dorm rooms due to its compact size. With a sale price often well below $250 by 2025, it makes next-gen gaming accessible. Plus, since it lacks a disc drive, you’ll likely rely on Xbox Game Pass or digital purchases, which can actually save money if you use those services.
Both consoles share the Xbox ecosystem: same Game Pass library, same multiplayer networks, same accessories. So you won’t miss out on games or online play either way. Even popular franchises are backward-compatible and available on both. For example, Halo: The Master Chief Collection or Forza Horizon 5 will look better on X but still play great on S.
In conclusion, the Xbox Series Comparison shows that there is no absolute “better” console—only the better choice for your situation. Series X is for enthusiasts who want raw power and 4K performance. Series S is for casual or budget gamers who want modern games at a great price. As one tech analysis puts it, the Series S’s value proposition in 2025 is “better than ever,” letting players enjoy current-gen titles at minimal cost. Whichever you choose, you get access to the growing Xbox library, fast load times, and modern features that define the new generation.
FAQs about Xbox Series X and S
Q: What are the main differences between Xbox Series X and S?
A: The Series X is more powerful: it targets native 4K gaming at 60–120 fps, has a 12.15 TFLOP GPU and 16 GB RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a Blu-ray drive. The Series S is a budget model: it targets 1440p gaming at 60–120 fps, has a 4.006 TFLOP GPU and 10 GB RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and no disc drive. Essentially, Series X delivers higher graphics quality, while Series S delivers strong performance for its lower price.
Q: Can Xbox Series S play all Xbox Series X games?
A: Yes. All Xbox Series X titles are playable on the Series S, except any that require a disc (since S is digital-only). The Series S can run the same games, though sometimes at a lower resolution or slightly reduced settings. It even supports all the latest Xbox features like ray tracing and Quick Resume. Backward-compatible Xbox One, 360, and Xbox games also run on both consoles.
Q: Which Xbox Series console is better for gaming at 4K?
A: The Xbox Series X is better for true 4K gaming because it has more powerful graphics hardware. It is designed to render games at 4K (2160p) at 60 fps. The Series S can upscale games to 4K for display, but most games will run at 1440p and then be upscaled. So if you have a 4K TV and want native 4K gameplay, Series X is the preferred choice.
Q: How do Xbox Series X and S compare in price and value?
A: At launch, Series X cost about $499 and Series S $299. Over time, the Series S remains the more budget-friendly option, often available on sale for well under $250. Many analysts in 2025 note that Series S offers outstanding value – it can run next-gen games smoothly at a tiny fraction of the cost of other consoles. Series X costs more but provides extra power and storage. Your personal value depends on whether you need the extra performance or prefer to save money.
Q: Are the Xbox Series X and S backward compatible?
A: Yes. Both consoles can play most Xbox One games, as well as many original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles that are on the backward compatibility list. In fact, the new hardware typically makes these older games load faster and look better. So purchasing a Series X or S also extends the life of your old games, thanks to this seamless backward compatibility.
Q: What makes Xbox Series Comparison useful?
A: This Xbox Series Comparison highlights the key differences between Series X and Series S, helping gamers decide which console suits their needs. It covers hardware specs, performance targets, game libraries, and other features. By understanding the comparison, players can choose the right Xbox Series console – whether they prioritize top-tier graphics (Series X) or affordability and value (Series S).
Q: What are some top Xbox Series X games to try?
A: The Xbox Series X has many optimized games. Titles like Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Forza Horizon 5, Gears 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Microsoft Flight Simulator showcase the console’s power. GameSpot’s list of the best Xbox Series X|S games (2025) includes many of these top picks. Most are available on Game Pass, which adds even more titles to explore.
Q: What are Xbox accessories and why should I buy them?
A: Xbox accessories are add-on peripherals designed for Xbox consoles (and often PC). They include controllers, headsets, storage devices, and more. Buying accessories can greatly improve your gaming experience for example, a better controller offers more comfort and features, a headset improves sound and communication, and extra storage lets you install more games. As game designers push graphics and features, having quality accessories ensures you play at the best settings possible and can fully enjoy all Xbox games and services.
Each of these Q&A answers draws on current information. We aimed to make this Xbox Series Comparison thorough and helpful. For more details, check official Xbox resources and tech reviews to see the latest on specs, games, and deals. Happy gaming!