The Xbox Series S is the perfect next-gen all-digital console at an accessible price point. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at this product and the experiences of users who have already purchased it.
I got my Xbox SS on launch week and have been impressed with its performance. The console is sleek and stylish, with the white and black undertones contrasting in an attractive way. The SSD provides noticeable upgrades, and the loading screens are nowhere near as much of a hassle. I also enjoy the fact that it is the smallest Xbox console ever made, making it easier to fit into my gaming setup.
I opted for Gamepass Ultimate, and I have been very happy with the experience so far. It includes over 100 high-quality games on console, PC, and Android mobile devices, online multiplayer, and an EA Play membership for one low monthly price. I have been playing games like Fable II & III, The Outer Worlds, Fallout 76, and Need for Speed Heat.
However, my controller came with partially unresponsive buttons, which is frustrating. Other than that, the controller is stylish and comfortable, and with the official Xbox rechargeable battery pack, it lasts days on a single charge.
Introduction to Xbox Series S
Introducing the Xbox Series S, the smallest, sleekest Xbox console ever, designed to offer next-gen gaming at an affordable price point. The console comes in a sleek white design and is all-digital, which means you can enjoy disc-free gaming. The Xbox Series S is powered by the Xbox Velocity Architecture, which features a custom SSD and integrated software, providing next-gen speed and performance. With backward compatibility, you can play thousands of digital games from four generations of Xbox, including optimized titles at launch. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes over 100 high-quality games on console, PC, and Android mobile devices, online multiplayer, and an EA Play membership at an affordable price. The bundle includes the Xbox Series S console, one Xbox Wireless Controller, a high-speed HDMI cable, and a power cable.
Performance and Design
With features like the Xbox Velocity Architecture, which provides fast load times and quick resume features, the Xbox Series S delivers an impressive performance. The console offers up to 120 frames per second, which is perfect for gaming enthusiasts. The console may not offer native 4K resolution, but it can upscale to 4K from 1440p, making it a great option for those who don’t yet own a 4K TV/Monitor or don’t want to make a full investment.The design of the Xbox Series S is sleek and stylish, with a simplistic shape that looks great in any setup. The console comes in a white color with black undertones, which contrasts attractively. The console size is compact and doesn’t take up much space, making it easy to store and transport.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is one of the biggest advantages of the Xbox Series S, offering over 100 high-quality games on console, PC, and Android mobile devices, online multiplayer, and an EA Play membership at an affordable price. The subscription service is a great deal for gamers, providing access to many latest games and exclusive titles. With Game Pass Ultimate, you can try out new games without buying them. The service also offers weekly deals on Xbox games, with prices as low as £7-20. Game Pass Ultimate is beneficial for players who often travel between homes, making it a highly transportable console, which is not much larger than half a shoebox.
Xbox Series S: Backward Compatibility
Backward compatibility is offered by the Xbox Series S, meaning you can play thousands of digital games from four generations of Xbox, including optimized titles at launch. The backward compatibility feature is a huge plus for those who own Xbox games from previous generations, as it allows them to play their favorite games on the new console.The backward compatibility feature also includes several benefits, such as improved load times, increased frame rates, and Auto HDR support, which provides a more immersive gaming experience. The feature is perfect for those who want to play their favorite games without having to repurchase them.
Xbox Wireless Controller
The stylish and comfortable Xbox Wireless Controller is included with the Xbox Series S. The controller has very little lag wirelessly, making it almost identical to a wired connection. The official Xbox rechargeable battery pack called Xbox Play & Charge Kit with USB-C (that you buy separately) lasts days on a single charge. The controller may have some partially unresponsive buttons, but it doesn’t hinder the performance. The controller is perfect for casual gamers and gaming enthusiasts alike, providing a comfortable and responsive gaming experience.
Xbox Series S: Customer Reviews
Mostly positive reviews have been given by customers who have purchased the Xbox Series S, praising the console’s performance, design, and affordability. Some customers have reported issues with partially unresponsive buttons on the controller, but it does not seem to be a significant issue.Many customers have also praised the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which offers an extensive library of games, including exclusive titles, at an affordable price. Some customers have also mentioned that the backward compatibility feature is a huge plus, allowing them to play their favorite games on the new console without repurchasing them.Overall, the Xbox Series S is an excellent option for those who want to experience next-gen gaming at an affordable price point. The console offers impressive performance, sleek design, and an extensive library of games, making it a great investment for gamers.
Pros:
- The Xbox Series S is an all-digital console, making it more affordable than its disc-based counterparts.
- The Xbox Series S is sleek and stylish, with a small form factor that makes it easy to fit into any entertainment setup.
- The Xbox Series S has impressive loading times and performance thanks to its custom SSD and integrated software.
Cons:
- The Xbox Series S has a limited amount of storage space, which can be an issue for gamers who like to have multiple games installed at once.
- The Xbox Series S can only upscale to 4K resolution, rather than providing native 4K like the Series X.
- The Xbox Series S is a digital-only console, which means that gamers cannot play physical copies of games.
Conclusion
Overall, I would recommend the Xbox SS to anyone looking for a next-gen all-digital console at an accessible price point. Its small size, fast performance, and Gamepass Ultimate make it an excellent choice for casual gamers or those who don’t yet have a 4K TV/Monitor. However, if you want to take full advantage of a 4K TV/Monitor, you may want to invest in the Series X model.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Is the Xbox Series S a good option for casual gamers?
Answer: Yes, the Xbox Series S is a great option for casual gamers who don’t need a lot of storage space and don’t have a 4K TV. It’s an affordable console that provides fast loading times and a good selection of games with Game Pass Ultimate.
Question: Are there any downsides to the all-digital nature of the Xbox Series S?
Answer: Yes, the main downside to the Xbox Series S being a digital-only console is that gamers cannot play physical copies of games. This can be an issue for those who like to collect games or who prefer the option of reselling games.
Question: Can the storage space on the Xbox Series S be expanded?
Answer: Yes, the storage space on the Xbox Series S can be expanded with an expansion card, but it can be expensive. Gamers should carefully weigh the cost of an expansion card against the cost of upgrading to a Series X with more storage.
