Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: What's the difference?
Later this year, Microsoft will release its next-generation powerhouse of a games console - the Xbox Series X.
However, that won't be the only machine available. The Xbox Series S is an all-digital next-gen console designed as a cheaper alternative, so we've put together a handy guide based on confirmed details and specifications to help you decide which machine could be best for you.
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Design
Perhaps surprisingly, the two next-gen consoles look nothing alike.
The Xbox Series X is a monolithic beast of a machine, best designed to stand vertically, while the Series S looks more like the Xbox One S - it even has a similar grille on the top (when horizontal).
Xbox has decided to make that grille black and the console white, however, which makes it look like a loudspeaker when it is stood on its end.
Processing and graphics
Xbox has released a full spec list for both machines and while the Series S is clearly trimmed back, it still holds up well.
Both the Xbox Series X and Series S will be powered by a custom Zen 2 eight-core processor, but the Series X CPU will run at 3.8GHz per core (3.6GHz with multi-threading) and the S at 3.6GHz (3.4GHz with multi-threading).
They differ even more greatly in the graphics processing, with the Series X sporting 12 TFLOPS (52CUs at 1.825GHz) of RDNA 2 graphics. The Series S will have 4 TFLOPS (20CUs at 1.565GHz) of RDNA 2 graphics.
RAM is also different across machines. The flagship console with have 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, while its stablemate will have 10GB.
Ray tracing will be supported by both, but while the Series X will be able to run games in full 4K resolution, the Series S will be locked at 1440p. Both will run games at 60fps natively, although are capable of up to 120fps.
Even with its lower spec though, the Series S will support variable refresh rates and shading.
Storage
In terms of storage, both will carry an SSD for faster load times and the rest of the abilities that solid-state drives can offer. The X will come with a 1TB internal SSD, with an expansion slot for an additional, proprietary 1TB drive. It will also support USB 3 and up external hard drives.
In comparison, the Series S will have a 512GB SSD to keep costs down. That'll give it the same super fast loading times and other features, but we are seriously worried about the capacity considering most games these days are anywhere up to 100GB in size. Some are even larger, such as Call of Duty: Warzone.
Thankfully, it will also support the 1TB Expansion Card that will be available separately. And both consoles will support external USB 3.0 drives (and above) - although they won't work with the faster loading times, etc.
Controller
A new Xbox Wireless Controller will ship with the Xbox Series X and the one with the Series S is no different - just a different colour.
You can find out more about the new gamepad here: Xbox Series X controller: All you need to know.
Games and accessories
All Xbox games - be they Xbox One, Xbox Series, or even original Xbox and Xbox 360 - are expected to work across the entire family of consoles. The only exceptions will be those that required Kinect.
That includes the Series X and Series S, with games featuring enhanced graphics and other platform talents coming under the banner of "Optimised for Xbox Series X".
As for accessories, Xbox has confirmed that all Xbox One controllers, headsets and other first and third-party accessories will work with both new consoles too.
Microsoft's games library subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, will be available on the next-gen consoles when they arrive, with EA Play to be added to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate making for a very compelling subscription service.
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Home Entertainment
There is no physical disc drive on the Series S.
The Series X (like the existing One X and One S) will sport a 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray drive for games and movie playback alike.
They will both support HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, for video and games (the first consoles to have Dolby Vision gaming support).
Price and availability
This is the big one. The Xbox Series X will cost £449 / $499 for that extra power and punch. While the Xbox Series S will be $299 / £249 at launch.
Both will be released on 10 November 2020, with pre-orders available from 22 September.
Conclusion
It makes complete sense for Microsoft to launch two consoles, at two price points, much like it has done in the past. And, while the spec differences are obvious, we have to say that both seem to be very decent machines indeed. It will come down to your budget for sure.
It must also be said that, with two models of the PlayStation 5 heading to market around the same holiday 2020 period, it's going to be an exciting, jam-packed end to the oddest year in recent history.
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