The Xbox Series S, released in November 2020, has been a topic of discussion among gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. As the more affordable counterpart to the Xbox Series X, the Series S has raised questions about its price point and overall value. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the Xbox Series S, exploring its features, performance, and pricing to determine whether it’s truly a cheap console or a budget-friendly gem.
Understanding the Xbox Series S
Before we dive into the pricing, let’s take a closer look at what the Xbox Series S has to offer. This console is part of Microsoft’s fourth-generation Xbox family, designed to provide a next-gen gaming experience without the hefty price tag.
Key Features
The Xbox Series S boasts an impressive array of features, including:
- A custom AMD Zen 2 CPU with 36 compute units at 3.4 GHz
- 10 GB of GDDR6 RAM and 24 GB of bandwidth
- A 4 TFLOP GPU with 24 CUs at 1.565 GHz
- Support for ray tracing, variable rate shading, and mesh shading
- A 512 GB SSD for fast loading times and responsive gameplay
- 8K resolution at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz
- HDR10 and Dolby Vision support
- A sleek, compact design with a digital-only approach (no disc drive)
Performance
The Xbox Series S is capable of delivering smooth, high-quality gameplay, thanks to its powerful hardware and optimized software. While it may not match the Xbox Series X in terms of raw power, the Series S still offers an impressive gaming experience.
In terms of performance, the Xbox Series S is comparable to the Xbox Series X in many ways. Both consoles share similar architectures and feature sets, with the main difference being the Series S’s lower GPU clock speed and reduced RAM. However, the Series S’s digital-only approach and optimized software help to minimize the performance gap.
Pricing and Value
Now that we’ve explored the Xbox Series S’s features and performance, let’s talk about its price point. The console is currently available for around $299, making it significantly cheaper than the Xbox Series X ($499) and even some of the more affordable gaming PCs.
Is the Xbox Series S Cheap?
So, is the Xbox Series S truly cheap? The answer depends on your perspective. If you’re comparing it to the Xbox Series X or high-end gaming PCs, then yes, the Series S is a budget-friendly option. However, if you’re looking at the console market as a whole, the Series S is actually priced competitively with other mid-range consoles.
To put things into perspective, here’s a rough breakdown of the console market:
| Console | Price |
| — | — |
| Xbox Series S | $299 |
| Xbox Series X | $499 |
| PlayStation 5 | $399 (digital), $499 (standard) |
| Nintendo Switch | $299 (base), $399 (OLED) |
| PlayStation 4 | $299 (Slim), $399 (Pro) |
As you can see, the Xbox Series S is priced similarly to the Nintendo Switch and the base PlayStation 4, while being significantly cheaper than the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
Value for Money
While the Xbox Series S may not be the cheapest console on the market, it offers an incredible amount of value for its price. With its powerful hardware, impressive feature set, and sleek design, the Series S is an excellent choice for gamers on a budget.
In fact, the Xbox Series S is one of the most affordable ways to experience next-gen gaming, with many of the same features and performance capabilities as the Xbox Series X. When you factor in the cost of games, accessories, and online subscriptions, the Series S becomes an even more attractive option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Xbox Series S is not necessarily cheap, but it is an excellent value for its price. With its powerful hardware, impressive feature set, and sleek design, the Series S offers an incredible gaming experience at an affordable price point.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the Xbox Series S is definitely worth considering. Its competitive pricing, impressive performance, and feature-rich design make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their gaming setup without breaking the bank.
So, is the Xbox Series S cheap? Maybe not, but it’s certainly a budget-friendly gem that’s worth exploring.
Is the Xbox Series S really cheap compared to other consoles?
The Xbox Series S is indeed priced lower than many other consoles on the market, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. With a launch price of around $300, it’s significantly cheaper than the Xbox Series X and many other next-generation consoles. However, it’s essential to consider the value you’re getting for your money, rather than just focusing on the price tag.
While the Xbox Series S may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive consoles, it still offers impressive performance, a solid lineup of games, and many of the same features as its more expensive counterparts. So, while it may be cheap in terms of price, it’s not necessarily cheap in terms of value.
What are the key differences between the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X?
The main differences between the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X lie in their processing power, graphics capabilities, and storage. The Xbox Series X has a more powerful processor, higher-end graphics card, and more storage, making it better suited for 4K gaming and more demanding games. The Xbox Series S, on the other hand, is more geared towards 1080p and 1440p gaming, although it can still handle some 4K titles.
Another key difference is the Xbox Series S’s lack of a disc drive, making it a digital-only console. This can be a drawback for those who prefer to buy physical copies of games or have a large collection of discs. However, for those who are comfortable with digital game ownership, the Xbox Series S’s lower price point and smaller size may be a more appealing option.
Is the Xbox Series S powerful enough for next-generation gaming?
Despite being the more budget-friendly option, the Xbox Series S is still a powerful console that’s capable of delivering next-generation gaming experiences. It features a custom AMD processor, 10GB of GDDR6 RAM, and a 4TFLOP GPU, making it well-suited for playing demanding games at high frame rates.
While it may not be able to handle 4K gaming at the same level as the Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series S can still deliver smooth performance and impressive graphics in many next-generation titles. Additionally, Microsoft’s Xbox Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume features help to further enhance the gaming experience, making the Xbox Series S a great option for those who want to play the latest games without breaking the bank.
What kind of games can I play on the Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S has access to the same library of games as the Xbox Series X, including many next-generation titles and a wide range of backwards compatible games from previous Xbox consoles. This means you can play popular games like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 4, and Gears 5, as well as a vast array of indie titles and Xbox exclusives.
In addition to the latest games, the Xbox Series S also supports Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription-based gaming service. This gives you access to a vast library of games for a flat monthly fee, making it easy to discover new titles and play a wide range of games without having to purchase them individually.
Is the Xbox Series S a good option for those on a budget?
Absolutely. The Xbox Series S is an excellent option for those on a budget who still want to experience next-generation gaming. Its lower price point makes it more accessible to those who may not be able to afford the more expensive Xbox Series X or other high-end consoles.
Additionally, the Xbox Series S’s digital-only design and lack of a disc drive help to keep costs down, making it an even more appealing option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly console. And with Xbox Game Pass, you can access a wide range of games for a flat monthly fee, making it easy to play a variety of titles without having to purchase them individually.
Can I upgrade the Xbox Series S’s storage?
Yes, the Xbox Series S’s storage can be upgraded using external storage devices. Microsoft recommends using a high-speed external SSD, such as the Seagate Expansion Card, which is specifically designed for the Xbox Series S and Series X.
Upgrading the storage on your Xbox Series S can help to improve loading times and give you more space to store your games and other content. However, it’s worth noting that the console’s internal storage is relatively fast, so you may not need to upgrade right away. Additionally, Microsoft has implemented a number of features to help manage storage, such as the ability to uninstall games and apps, and to store less frequently played games on external storage.
Is the Xbox Series S a good option for those who want a compact console?
Yes, the Xbox Series S is a great option for those who want a compact console. Its small size and digital-only design make it perfect for those who live in small spaces or who want a console that won’t take up too much room in their entertainment center.
The Xbox Series S is also relatively quiet and produces minimal heat, making it a great option for those who want a console that won’t disturb them while they’re gaming. And with its sleek, modern design, it’s a great addition to any living room or gaming setup.