The next-gen Xbox consoles have been available for a while now, with four years on the market. If you’re thinking about buying one and aren’t sure which to choose, this article will help you decide. I’ll break down all the details you need to consider when making your purchase.
Let have a quick look at the specs sheet of both these consoles and then get into details
| Feature | Xbox Series S | Xbox Series X |
| Price (Approx.) | ₹34,990/₹38,990 | ₹54,990 |
| Resolution | 1440p upscaled to 4K | Native 4K |
| Frame Rate | Up to 120 fps | Up to 120 fps |
| Storage | 512GB/1TB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Expandable Storage | Seagate Storage Expansion Card | Seagate Storage Expansion Card |
| RAM | 10GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| GPU Power | 4 TFLOPS, RDNA 2 | 12 TFLOPS, RDNA 2 |
| CPU | 8-core Custom Zen 2, 3.6GHz (3.4GHz with SMT) | 8-core Custom Zen 2, 3.8GHz (3.6GHz with SMT) |
| Backward Compatibility | Yes, with Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games | Yes, with Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games |
| Physical Media | Digital-only | 4K UHD Blu-ray Drive |
| Size | 275 x 151 x 65 mm | 301 x 151 x 151 mm |
| Weight | 1.93 kg | 4.45 kg |
| Ray Tracing | Yes | Yes |
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | Yes | Yes |
| ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) | Yes | Yes |
| Game Library | Xbox Game Pass compatible, same game library as Series X | Xbox Game Pass compatible, same game library as Series S |
| Target Audience | Casual and budget-conscious gamers | Hardcore and performance-focused gamers |
1.Price and Availability: Before considering other aspects of the consoles, Indian gamers, who are often price-conscious, will definitely look at the cost. Although the official prices are listed in the table above, you can often find these consoles at lower prices during sales and special offers. The Series S 512GB version can be found for as low as ₹32,000, and the 1TB version for ₹36,000. Meanwhile, the Series X can be purchased for around ₹45,000
2. Performance and Graphics When it comes to raw power, the Xbox Series X is the clear winner. It boasts a more powerful GPU, capable of delivering true 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second (fps). The Series S, on the other hand, targets 1440p resolution at 60 fps, which can be upscaled to 4K. For gamers with 4K TVs, the Series X offers the ultimate visual experience, while the Series S is perfect for those with 1080p or 1440p displays.
3. Storage Capacity : Storage is a crucial factor to consider, especially if you plan to buy games digitally, as some AAA titles consume significant space. Games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, GTA 5, and Red Dead Redemption 2 each require over 100GB. Although both consoles come with a 1TB storage option, the Series S also has a 512GB variant. However, you only get a bit more than 800GB of usable space from the 1TB storage, while the 512GB version provides a bit more than 360GB of usable space. This means you can store only 4-5 AAA games on the 512GB variant, considering these games typically require 70GB-120GB each. Both consoles support expandable storage via the Seagate Storage Expansion Card, allowing you to increase your storage as needed. Keep in mind, though, that this comes at an extra cost, with the 1TB SSD model priced around ₹14,000-₹15,000 and the 512GB model around ₹8,000-₹9,000.
4. Size and Design: The Xbox Series S is significantly smaller and lighter than the Series X, weighing under 2kg, making it ideal for smaller spaces. Its lightweight design also makes it convenient for travellers who don’t want to miss out on gaming. The Series X, with its larger and more robust build, requires more room but offers a premium feel that matches its performance capabilities. If you’re seeking the best experience from a next-gen console, space should not be a concern.
5. Game Library and Backward Compatibility Both consoles support the same game library and offer backward compatibility with thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games. This means you won’t miss out on any titles regardless of which console you choose. Additionally, both support Xbox Game Pass, giving you access to a vast selection of games for a monthly subscription.
Conclusion
I hope the points highlighted above give you a comprehensive overview of both consoles. Ultimately, the choice depends on three key factors:
- Type of gamer you are—casual or hardcore.
- Budget.
- Performance expectations.
If you’re a casual gamer, the Xbox Series S would be ideal. It offers excellent performance at a lower price, allowing you to play the same games made for the Series X on a lighter console, with performance much better than the previous generation and close to the current generation.
However, if you’re a hardcore gamer who demands the best in gaming performance, graphics quality, and a pure next-gen experience, you won’t regret spending the extra money on the Series X. It delivers top-tier performance and an immersive gaming experience that justifies the additional investment.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the console that best suits your gaming needs and preferences.
