The Xbox Series S remains an important part of Microsoft’s gaming console range, offering an alternative to more expensive hardware for players who want access to modern Xbox games without buying a disc-based machine. Its compact design, digital-only format and lower entry price have helped it appeal to casual players, families and those moving into the current generation of console gaming.
Launched alongside the Xbox Series X in November 2020, the Series S was designed to make next-generation gaming more accessible. Although it does not offer the same graphical performance or storage capacity as its more powerful sibling, it supports many of the same games and services, including Xbox Game Pass, backwards compatibility and online multiplayer.
The console occupies an interesting position in Microsoft’s gaming strategy. It provides a relatively affordable route into the Xbox ecosystem, but its hardware limitations also raise questions about storage, performance and how well it handles increasingly demanding games. Understanding these differences can help buyers decide whether the Xbox Series S is still a suitable choice.
What Is the Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S is a home video game console developed by Microsoft as part of its ninth-generation Xbox hardware family. It launched on 10 November 2020, on the same day as the Xbox Series X.
Unlike traditional consoles that use physical game discs, the Series S is entirely digital. Players purchase and download games through the Microsoft Store or access titles through subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass. It does not include a built-in optical disc drive.
This distinction affects how people buy and play games. Owners cannot insert second-hand Xbox discs, borrow physical games from friends or use retail disc copies with the console. Instead, their games are linked to digital accounts or accessed through compatible subscriptions.
Microsoft designed the Series S as a smaller and less expensive alternative to the Series X. Both machines belong to the same console generation and support many of the same games, although their graphical capabilities and hardware specifications differ.
Its small footprint is also a significant part of its appeal. The console measures approximately 6.5cm in height, 15.1cm in width and 27.5cm in depth when positioned horizontally, making it considerably more compact than many traditional home entertainment devices.
Xbox Series S specifications and performance
The console uses a custom AMD Zen 2 processor with eight cores running at up to 3.8GHz, alongside a custom RDNA 2 graphics processor. Microsoft lists its graphics performance at four teraflops, supported by 10GB of GDDR6 memory.
These specifications place the Series S below the Series X in terms of graphical power, but the hardware still supports several features associated with modern gaming.
Its principal technical specifications include:
| Feature | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|
| Processor | Custom AMD Zen 2, eight cores |
| Graphics | Custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU |
| GPU performance | 4 teraflops |
| Memory | 10GB GDDR6 |
| Internal storage | 512GB or 1TB SSD |
| Gaming resolution | Up to 1440p target |
| Maximum frame rate | Up to 120fps |
| Video connection | HDMI 2.1 |
| Optical disc drive | None |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Ethernet |
The console uses a solid-state drive (SSD), which allows games to load considerably faster than on older Xbox One hardware. An SSD stores information electronically rather than relying on the moving parts found in traditional mechanical hard drives.
One of its most useful features is Quick Resume. This allows players to move between supported games and return to previously suspended sessions without restarting each title from the beginning. The feature is particularly convenient for households where different people use the same console or players regularly switch between games.
The Series S also supports ray tracing in compatible titles. This graphics technique simulates how light interacts with objects and surfaces, helping developers create more realistic reflections, shadows and lighting effects.
However, technical capabilities should not be confused with guaranteed performance. Although Microsoft advertises frame rates of up to 120 frames per second, individual games determine whether that performance is available. Players also need a compatible television or monitor to benefit from higher refresh rates.
Microsoft lists 1440p as the console’s gaming resolution target, with the ability to upscale output to 4K. This means a compatible 4K television can display the console’s output across its full screen, but it does not make the Series S equivalent to a machine rendering games natively at 4K.
Xbox Series S storage options explained
Storage is one of the most important considerations when choosing an Xbox Series S.
Microsoft has offered the console in several configurations, including a 512GB Robot White version and 1TB models in Carbon Black and Robot White. The additional capacity on the larger models provides more room for downloaded games, updates and applications.
The difference matters because modern games can occupy substantial amounts of storage. Players who regularly install several large titles may find the 512GB model restrictive.
It is also important to understand that the advertised storage capacity is not the same as the space available for games. The operating system and other system files occupy part of the internal drive, leaving less room for downloads.
Microsoft provides an expansion option through dedicated Storage Expansion Cards designed for Xbox Series X and Series S consoles. These connect through the console’s expansion slot and offer performance comparable to the internal SSD.
External USB hard drives and SSDs provide another way to manage storage. However, there is an important limitation. Games optimised specifically for Xbox Series X and Series S generally need to run from the internal SSD or a compatible expansion card. A conventional USB drive can store these titles, but players may need to transfer them back before playing.
Older compatible games, including many Xbox One titles, can run directly from suitable external USB storage.
This distinction is particularly relevant to buyers considering the cheaper 512GB model. An external drive can help manage a large library, but it does not completely replace the faster expansion hardware.
Xbox Game Pass and the digital gaming experience
Xbox Game Pass is another major reason people consider the Series S.
The subscription service gives members access to a changing selection of games, depending on their chosen plan and the availability of individual titles. Rather than purchasing every game separately, subscribers can download and play eligible titles included in their membership.
For someone who prefers digital gaming, this can make the Series S an attractive option. Its lack of a disc drive means players already need to purchase games digitally or access them through subscriptions.
Game Pass also provides access to a broader selection of experiences, from major releases to independent games. This can be useful for families and players who enjoy experimenting with different genres without buying every title individually.
However, the service should not be treated as a permanent collection of games. The available catalogue changes, and individual titles can leave the service. Players who want to keep a particular game should check its purchasing options rather than assume it will remain available through a subscription.
The cost of Game Pass is also separate from the console itself. Buyers should consider the ongoing subscription expense when comparing the Series S with alternatives.
Online multiplayer access also depends on the relevant Xbox subscription requirements. The precise benefits vary between membership plans, so buyers should check Microsoft’s current UK subscription information before committing.
Xbox Series S versus Xbox Series X
The most obvious comparison is between the Series S and its more powerful sibling, the Xbox Series X.
Both consoles belong to the same generation and use Microsoft’s Xbox Velocity Architecture. They support features such as Quick Resume, fast SSD storage, backwards compatibility and high frame rates in supported games.
Their main differences concern graphical performance, storage and physical media.
The Xbox Series X is designed for native 4K gaming and offers substantially more graphical processing power. It also has a disc-based version with a UHD Blu-ray drive, allowing owners to use compatible physical games and watch Blu-ray films.
The Series S, by comparison, targets 1440p gaming and relies entirely on digital distribution.
The distinction is important for people who already own a collection of Xbox One or Xbox 360 discs. Those physical games cannot be inserted into a Series S, even when the titles are otherwise backwards compatible.
| Category | Xbox Series S | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Main resolution target | 1440p | Native 4K |
| Graphics performance | 4 teraflops | 12 teraflops |
| Internal storage options | 512GB and 1TB | 1TB and 2TB, depending on model |
| Physical disc support | No | Available on disc-equipped models |
| Digital gaming | Yes | Yes |
| Backwards compatibility | Yes, selected titles | Yes, selected titles |
| Maximum advertised frame rate | Up to 120fps | Up to 120fps |
The choice ultimately depends on what a player expects from a console. Someone who primarily plays online multiplayer games, independent releases or titles included with Game Pass may find the Series S sufficient.
A player who prioritises detailed graphics, native 4K output and physical game collections is more likely to benefit from the Series X.
Microsoft’s own comparison identifies native 4K support and the availability of a disc drive as major differences between the two systems.
Can the Xbox Series S play older Xbox games?
Backwards compatibility is one of the console’s useful features.
The Series S supports thousands of games across several Xbox generations, including selected titles originally released for the original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
This allows players to access parts of their existing digital libraries without purchasing an entirely new console generation’s versions of every game.
Some backwards-compatible titles also benefit from technical improvements, such as more stable frame rates, faster loading or enhanced visual presentation. Microsoft has introduced features including FPS Boost for selected games to improve performance.
However, compatibility is not universal. Not every older Xbox title can run on the newer hardware, and the available improvements vary between games.
The absence of a disc drive creates an additional limitation. Although selected older games are supported, Series S owners need a digital licence to play them. A physical copy of a compatible Xbox 360 or Xbox One game cannot be used.
For buyers with extensive digital libraries, this may be a relatively straightforward transition. Those with collections built around physical discs need to consider the limitation before choosing the console.
Is the Xbox Series S worth buying in 2026?
The Xbox Series S can still make sense in 2026, particularly for buyers who want access to Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem without prioritising the highest possible graphical performance.
Its compact design, SSD technology and support for current-generation games give it several advantages over older Xbox One consoles. It also remains a practical option for people with limited entertainment space or those who want a secondary console for another room.
However, its value depends heavily on the price available from retailers. A lower purchase price can make the Series S attractive, but the gap between it and the Series X should be considered alongside the additional hardware capabilities offered by the more expensive machine.
The 512GB version is generally more suitable for people who play a smaller number of games at a time. The 1TB models offer greater flexibility, particularly for households with several players or larger digital libraries.
There are also some limitations that buyers should understand.
The absence of a disc drive means there is no option to purchase cheaper second-hand physical games or resell completed titles. Digital purchases are tied to the relevant account and platform, while subscription games depend on continued catalogue availability and membership conditions.
The console’s graphics hardware can also become a consideration with demanding games. Developers have to optimise their titles for different hardware configurations, and some games may use lower resolutions, reduced graphical settings or lower frame rates on the Series S than on the Series X.
That does not mean every game performs poorly. The experience varies considerably depending on the title and how its developers have adapted it to the hardware.
For someone moving from an older console, the faster loading and improved performance can still represent a meaningful upgrade. For someone already using a powerful gaming PC or a high-end console, the graphical compromises may be more noticeable.
What should buyers consider before purchasing?
Before buying an Xbox Series S, prospective owners should consider how they intend to access games.
People who regularly purchase digital games or use Game Pass are more likely to find the system convenient. Those who prefer physical copies, trade games or borrow discs from friends may find the lack of an optical drive restrictive.
The television or monitor also matters. The Series S can connect to a 4K television, but buyers should not expect the same native 4K gaming experience offered by the Series X. A 1080p or 1440p display may be a more natural match for its capabilities.
Storage should be another priority. Although the 512GB version has a lower storage capacity, it may be sufficient for players who concentrate on a handful of games. Those who regularly download large releases should consider the 1TB model or the cost of compatible storage expansion.
Finally, buyers should compare prices across established UK retailers and check whether a console is new, refurbished or pre-owned. Warranty coverage, included accessories and return policies can influence the overall value of a purchase.
The Xbox Series S remains a practical digital gaming option
The Xbox Series S was created to make modern console gaming more accessible, and its core proposition remains clear. It provides access to Microsoft’s current-generation gaming ecosystem in a compact, digital-only package.
It does not match the graphical power, native 4K capabilities or physical media support of the Xbox Series X. Its storage limitations also require some consideration, particularly for people who maintain large game libraries.
Nevertheless, players who are comfortable buying games digitally and do not need the highest graphical settings can still find considerable value in the system.
Ultimately, the Xbox Series S is best understood as a more affordable route into current-generation Xbox gaming rather than a direct replacement for the Series X. Choosing between them comes down to the balance between purchase cost, storage, graphics and the way someone prefers to access their games.