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Choose Xbox Series X if you want a 4K gaming target or need to play supported discs. Choose Xbox Series S if you are happy with digital games and a 1440p target, and prefer a smaller console with a lower listed price in the compared U.S. configurations. The right choice also depends on the exact storage tier and whether the particular Series X model has a disc drive.
At a glance: Series X vs. Series S
| Feature | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming resolution target | Native 4K target; actual resolution and frame rate depend on the game and display. | Designed for 1440p, with upscaling to 4K; actual output depends on the game and display. |
| Disc support | Available with an optical drive or as an all-digital model. The drive model plays supported discs. | Digital-only; disc-based games are not compatible. |
| Internal storage options | 1TB disc-drive, 1TB all-digital, and 2TB disc-drive configurations are listed by Xbox. | 512GB and 1TB all-digital configurations are listed. |
| Example U.S. listed price | $799.99 for the 1TB disc-drive configuration. | $499.99 for the 512GB configuration. |
| Size and weight of compared models | 15.1 × 15.1 × 30.1 cm; 9.8 lb. | 6.5 × 15.1 × 27.5 cm; 4.25 lb. |
| Graphics hardware figure | 12 teraflops. | 4 teraflops. |
Specifications, configurations, and prices above are from Xbox’s U.S. console comparison and its console product pages. Xbox notes that price and availability can vary by retailer; these are listed prices for the named U.S. configurations, not a promise of the price you will find locally. Check the listing for the exact model before buying.
Choose based on your games and display
Choose Series X for a 4K-focused setup
Xbox describes Series X as targeting native 4K gaming. That makes it the stronger fit if you have a 4K TV and want the console designed around that resolution. It does not mean every game runs at native 4K or at a particular frame rate: those results depend on the individual title and display.
The compared Series X has a 12-teraflops GPU, while Series S has a 4-teraflops GPU, according to Xbox. These are hardware specifications, not a guarantee of how a specific game performs; check the game’s supported modes if resolution or frame rate is decisive.
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- FASTEST, MOST POWERFUL XBOX — Experience next-generation performance with 12 teraflops of processing power, delivering smoother gameplay, richer worlds, and faster responsiveness than any previous XBOX.
- TRUE 4K GAMING UP TO 120 FPS — Enjoy breathtaking visuals with true 4K resolution, HDR, and frame rates up to 120 FPS, plus hardware-accelerated ray tracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 1TB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 1TB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF GAMES — Play thousands of games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX, with many titles enhanced for better visuals and performance on XBOX Series X.
Choose Series S for a 1440p target and a compact console
Xbox positions Series S for 1440p gaming, with the ability to upscale to 4K. It suits a buyer who values a smaller, lighter system and does not need a disc drive. Upscaling is not the same as native 4K rendering, and the displayed result varies by game.
Both consoles list support for HDMI 2.1, variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), compatible Xbox One accessories, and performance up to 120 FPS. The 120 FPS figure is a supported-content target, not a setting every game or display will reach. Since these features overlap, they are less useful for choosing than resolution needs, disc use, storage, and price.
Rank #2
- What's in the box: Xbox Series X console, 1 Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black, Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, Power cord.
- Equipped with AMD's Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, DirectX ray tracing delivers true-to-life lighting, shadows and accurate reflections to create dynamic, living worlds.
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6 w/320 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6 GB @ 336 GB/s; Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: True 4K; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; High Dynamic Range: Up to 8K HDR; Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
- Bundled with HDMI_Cable
Decide whether you need a disc drive
Series S requires digital game licenses
Series S has no optical drive and cannot play disc-based games. You will need compatible digital licenses for the games you want to play on it. A storage device cannot add a disc drive to Series S.
Xbox says backward compatibility covers select Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Original Xbox games. That does not mean every older title is supported; see Xbox’s backward-compatibility information for the applicable games. On Series S, compatibility still depends on having a compatible digital license.
Rank #3
- BEST VALUE IN GAMING — Experience next-gen speed and performance in the smallest XBOX ever. The XBOX Series S delivers powerful all-digital gameplay in a sleek, compact design.
- UP TO 120 FPS GAMEPLAY — Enjoy smooth, responsive gaming with frame rates up to 120 FPS, powered by XBOX Velocity Architecture, a custom NVMe SSD, and DirectX Raytracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 512GB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 512GB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF DIGITAL GAMES — Play thousands of digital games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX with backward compatibility. Many titles are enhanced for better visuals and performance. Smart Delivery ensures you always get the best version for your console.
Check which Series X you are buying
Some Series X configurations have an optical drive and others are all-digital. If you rely on game discs or supported disc-based playback, confirm the specific listing says it includes a disc drive. An all-digital Series X does not meet that need.
Compare storage before choosing a configuration
Xbox lists Series S with 512GB or 1TB of internal storage. Series X options include a 1TB disc-drive model, a 1TB all-digital model, and a 2TB disc-drive model. The prices in the comparison above apply only to the named 1TB disc-drive Series X and 512GB Series S configurations; do not assume they apply to the other storage or drive variants.
Rank #4
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
Both console families support the Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card. Xbox says these cards replicate the custom SSD experience and add game storage at the same performance. Xbox also lists USB external HDD support. The cited product information does not provide a detailed comparison of expansion capacities, prices, or loading performance, so check the current accessory and game requirements before deciding which route suits you.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Account for price, size, and placement
In Xbox’s U.S. comparison, the 1TB Series X with a disc drive is listed at $799.99 and the 512GB Series S at $499.99. The difference is $300 between those specific listed configurations, not necessarily between every Series X and Series S variant or the prices available from every retailer. Compare current local listings on a like-for-like basis, including storage and disc-drive status.
The compared Series S is substantially smaller and lighter than the compared Series X: 6.5 × 15.1 × 27.5 cm and 4.25 lb, versus 15.1 × 15.1 × 30.1 cm and 9.8 lb. If the console needs to fit a tight shelf or be moved often, those measurements may matter as much as the resolution target.
A practical way to make the decision
- Need discs? Choose a Series X configuration with an optical drive. If you do not need discs, either an all-digital Series X or Series S remains an option.
- Prioritize native 4K? Choose Series X for Xbox’s native 4K target. Choose Series S if a 1440p target with 4K upscaling is sufficient for your setup.
- Check capacity and price together. Identify the storage tier and drive type in the exact listing, then compare current prices in your market rather than applying one model’s listed price to the whole range.
- Measure your space. Use the dimensions and weight of the actual configuration you plan to buy, especially if placement is constrained.
Xbox Game Pass is an optional subscription, not a requirement for either console. A compatible storage expansion card is likewise an optional way to add storage, not a substitute for a disc drive.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
