Xbox Series S Review: The Console Making Premium Gaming More Affordable

The Xbox Series S, the little sibling to the more powerful Xbox Series X, has been making waves in the gaming community since its release. With its compact design, impressive performance, and affordable price point, the Series S is an enticing option for gamers looking to jump into the next generation without breaking the bank. In this review, we'll explore the features and capabilities of the Xbox Series S and delve into why it's making premium gaming more accessible to a wider audience.

Design and Performance

The Xbox Series S boasts a sleek, minimalist design that stands out with its small form factor. It's 60% smaller than the Xbox Series X, making it a perfect fit for those with limited space or a preference for a more compact gaming setup. The console features a matte white finish, with a large circular black vent on top to keep the system cool during intense gaming sessions.

Under the hood, the Xbox Series S is equipped with an impressive custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, capable of delivering up to 3.6 GHz of processing power. Paired with the AMD RDNA 2 GPU, the console can output gaming experiences at up to 1440p resolution and up to 120 frames per second. While it doesn't support native 4K resolution like its sibling, the Series X, the performance of the Series S is still commendable, especially considering its affordable price point.

Storage and Backward Compatibility

The Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB NVMe SSD, providing fast load times and seamless gameplay. While the storage capacity might seem limited compared to the Series X, it's important to note that the Series S supports expandable storage through a dedicated expansion card slot. This allows users to add additional storage as their library grows, ensuring they never have to worry about running out of space.

One of the standout features of the Xbox Series S is its backward compatibility. It can play thousands of games from previous generations, including Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even some original Xbox titles. This extensive backward compatibility library means that players can revisit their favorite games from the past and experience them with improved performance and faster load times on the Series S.

Next-Generation Features

While the Xbox Series S doesn't offer the same level of graphical fidelity as the Series X, it still brings several next-generation features to the table. The console supports ray tracing, a cutting-edge technology that enhances lighting and reflections, creating a more immersive and realistic gaming experience. This is a remarkable feature to have in a console at this price point.

Another noteworthy feature is the Quick Resume functionality, which allows players to seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where they left off. This is particularly handy for those who enjoy playing different titles and want to jump in and out of games without wasting time on loading screens or saving progress.

Game Pass and Xbox Ecosystem

The Xbox Series S is an excellent entry point into the Xbox ecosystem, especially for those who are new to the platform. With Xbox Game Pass, subscribers gain access to a vast library of games, including both first-party titles and a curated selection of third-party games. This subscription service offers exceptional value for money and is a game-changer for gamers on a budget.

In addition to Game Pass, the Xbox Series S also supports Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as xCloud). This feature allows players to stream games directly to their console, PC, or mobile device, expanding the gaming experience beyond the confines of the living room. With a stable internet connection, gamers can enjoy a wide range of titles on the Series S without the need for expensive hardware upgrades.

Conclusion

The Xbox Series S has proven itself to be a compelling option for gamers seeking a more affordable entry point into the next generation of gaming. Its compact design, impressive performance, and backward compatibility make it an attractive choice for both new and existing Xbox enthusiasts. The inclusion of features like ray tracing, Quick Resume, and access to Xbox Game Pass further enhance the value proposition of the Series S.

By offering a more budget-friendly alternative to the Xbox Series X, Microsoft has made premium gaming more accessible to a wider audience. The Xbox Series S delivers a solid gaming experience, allowing players to enjoy the latest titles without compromising on performance. Whether you're a casual gamer looking to dip your toes into the world of next-gen gaming or a seasoned player seeking a secondary console, the Xbox Series S is a fantastic option that brings the joy of premium gaming at an affordable price.