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Choose the Xbox Series X if you want native 4K gaming, need to play physical discs, or want the 2 TB configuration. Choose the Xbox Series S if you want an all-digital console, are happy with 1440p gaming upscaled to 4K, and want a much smaller box. Neither is the better buy for everyone. The right pick depends on the exact model, your display, how you buy games, how much storage you need and the price in your market. Xbox says prices and availability vary by retailer and market.
Xbox Series X vs. Series S: which should I buy?
| Your priority | Lean toward | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Physical game discs, or disc-based backward-compatible games | Series X with a disc drive | Series S cannot play discs. Confirm the Series X you pick has the optical drive. |
| Native 4K gaming | Series X | Xbox describes Series X as displaying games in native 4K. |
| All-digital gaming in a small console | Series S | It is disc-free and has a much smaller listed footprint. |
| Most internal storage | Series X 2 TB | Series X is listed at 1 TB or 2 TB. Series S is listed at 512 GB or 1 TB. |
| Lowest price | Check local retailers | Current prices differ by market, so compare exact models on the day you buy. |
Xbox’s own Series X FAQ sums up the split: “The primary difference between the two consoles is that the XBOX Series X displays games in native 4K, is available with a UHD Blu-ray Disc player, and you can choose between 1TB SSD or 2TB SSD. XBOX Series S is designed for disc-free gaming at 1440p (with the ability to upscale to 4K) and you can choose between 512GB SSD or 1TB SSD.”
Which configurations does Xbox list?
Model names matter because each console comes in more than one version. Xbox’s comparison page lists these:
| Console | Storage | Disc drive | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series X | 1 TB | Yes | Carbon Black |
| Series X | 1 TB | No (all-digital) | Robot White |
| Series X | 2 TB | Yes | Galaxy Black |
| Series S | 512 GB | No (all-digital) | Robot White |
| Series S | 1 TB | No (all-digital) | Carbon Black |
| Series S | 1 TB | No (all-digital) | Robot White |
Configurations can change, so check the retailer’s exact listing. “Series X has a disc drive” is not always true, because an all-digital Series X exists.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Does Xbox Series S play discs?
No. Series S is all digital and does not play physical discs. On a disc-drive Series X, a compatible disc-based backward-compatible game still needs its disc in the drive to play, even after installation. Xbox says that on both consoles, compatible digital Xbox One games appear in your library. Disc-based games are not supported on Series S.
Is Xbox Series S enough for a 4K TV?
It works fine on a 4K TV, but the resolution story differs. Xbox designs Series S for 1440p gaming and upscales to 4K. Xbox says Series X displays games in native 4K. Xbox also says Series S can stream 4K video, but that is not the same as rendering games at 4K.
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
Treat these as console-level positioning, not per-game guarantees. Individual games vary in output resolution and frame rate. Both consoles list frame rates up to 120 FPS, but that needs supported content and a supported display. A 4K TV matters more if you want Series X’s native 4K. If you have a 1080p or 1440p screen, Series X’s resolution advantage matters less.
How much storage do Xbox Series X and Series S have?
- Series X: 1 TB or 2 TB SSD.
- Series S: 512 GB or 1 TB SSD.
These are Xbox’s listed options, from the Series X FAQ. The cheapest-looking configuration isn’t automatically the best value. A small SSD you outgrow means buying extra storage later, so weigh how many large games you keep installed.
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.
Can I add storage to Xbox Series X or Series S?
Yes. Xbox’s Series X|S Storage Expansion Card plugs into the dedicated expansion port and matches the performance of the internal custom SSD. It is sold separately, so it is an optional cost, not a requirement. Xbox also lists support for USB 3.1 external hard drives. See the Series S page for details.
Can I use my Xbox One controller on Series X or Series S?
Xbox says both consoles work with most Xbox One controllers and gaming accessories, as noted on the Series S page. “Most” is not “all,” so check any specialist accessory before relying on it.
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.
What do both consoles share?
- Quick Resume, which lets you switch between games and pick up where you left off.
- Xbox Velocity Architecture.
- Smart Delivery.
- Compatibility with thousands of games across four generations.
- Frame rates up to 120 FPS, subject to the game and display.
Because the platform features are shared, the choice comes down to disc support, resolution target, storage and size.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How different is the size?
| Console | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Series S | 6.5 × 15.1 × 27.5 cm | 4.25 lb |
| Series X (as compared by Xbox) | 15.1 × 15.1 × 30.1 cm | 9.8 lb |
These come from Xbox’s Series S specification and comparison pages. Series S is roughly 4.25 lb against about 9.8 lb, which helps in a small cabinet or a dorm. Confirm the exact Series X model’s measurements before you plan around them.
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What about price?
At launch in 2020, Xbox listed Series X at $499 USD and Series S at $299 USD in its September 2020 fact sheet. Those are historical figures. They do not reflect today’s retail prices, which vary by retailer, market and configuration. Compare current listings in your region, and include a storage card or a disc-drive model if you need one.
Quick Recap
A quick decision path
- Do you own or want to buy discs? If yes, pick a Series X with a disc drive.
- Do you have a 4K TV and want native 4K gaming? If yes, lean toward Series X.
- Is your library digital and your space tight? Series S fits well.
- Do you install many large games? Look at the 1 TB or 2 TB options, or budget for expansion storage.
- Compare exact model listings locally before buying.
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.
