The Xbox Series X remains a compelling high-end console for players who want fast loading, a large compatible Xbox library and the option of disc games. Its strongest everyday advantages are convenience and ecosystem breadth, not a guarantee that every game runs at native 4K and 60 frames per second. Storage can also become a constraint. This review distinguishes Stuff’s hands-on observations, from its review originally published in 2020 and updated in 2024, from Microsoft’s current product information; it is not a fresh 2026 retest.
What Stuff’s review found
Stuff gave the Xbox Series X 4 out of 5. The publication praised its fast loading, Quick Resume, power, improvements to older games and Game Pass. It also called out a bulky design, limited optimized launch titles at the time of its original review, and storage that could fill quickly. These are Stuff’s assessments, not new test results.
In its own use, Stuff described the console as quiet and reported much faster loading than on the Xbox One S it used for comparison, including when launching Forza Horizon 4. It also liked Quick Resume—the ability to return to suspended games—but qualified its praise with “when it works.” Treat these as observations from that review, rather than a guarantee about every game or a current performance test.
Performance: a capable 4K-oriented console, not a universal 4K/60 promise
Microsoft lists a custom Zen 2 CPU with eight cores running at 3.8GHz, or 3.6GHz with simultaneous multithreading; an RDNA 2 GPU rated at 12 teraflops with 52 compute units at 1.825GHz; and 16GB of GDDR6 memory. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent benchmark results. Microsoft’s Xbox Series X product page and specifications describe the console as targeting up to 120 frames per second. That upper limit depends on supported game content and a compatible display; it is not the default output of every title.
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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.
Stuff notes that demanding games may offer performance modes that trade resolution for a higher frame rate. Check the current mode options for the specific games you play and the capabilities of your screen. A console specification or “Optimised for Xbox Series X|S” badge alone does not establish that a particular game runs at native 4K/60, or at 120fps.
Loading, Quick Resume and older Xbox games
The review’s clearest day-to-day benefit is reduced waiting: games loaded much faster in Stuff’s comparison with an Xbox One S, and Quick Resume made switching between supported suspended games convenient. Quick Resume behavior can vary by title, as Stuff’s own qualification makes clear.
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
Backward compatibility is another reason to consider the console if you already own Xbox games. Microsoft says thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games are supported. That does not mean every older game works. Depending on the title, a compatible game may load faster or benefit from higher resolution, smoother frame rates or HDR; those improvements are not uniform. Check support for the exact games in your library. For supported games, Smart Delivery can provide the version appropriate to the console, while “Optimised for Xbox Series X|S” identifies titles designated for the newer consoles.
Storage: decide whether 1TB is enough for your library
Stuff reported 802GB available for games and system use on its reviewed 1TB console. That figure describes that review unit and should not be treated as a guaranteed free-space total on every configuration or software version. The review found that large installations could consume capacity quickly, making storage a genuine ownership consideration if you keep many games 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.
Microsoft currently lists three Series X configurations on its US product page:
| Configuration | Disc drive | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 1TB Carbon Black | Yes | 1TB |
| 1TB Robot White | No; all-digital | 1TB |
| 2TB Galaxy Black | Yes | 2TB |
These are the configurations shown on Microsoft’s US page; availability and retailer pricing can differ by market. Choose a disc model if you want to use physical games or UHD Blu-ray discs. The all-digital model requires digital purchases and downloads.
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.
There are two broad ways to add capacity, with different purposes. Microsoft says its Series X|S Storage Expansion Cards match the internal SSD’s performance and connect at the console’s dedicated expansion port. A standard USB external drive can provide space to store or transfer games, but Stuff says USB storage is not suitable for playing optimized Series X games. An expansion card is therefore the closer match when you want additional space for those games without moving them back to internal storage; it is optional, not a requirement for every player. Check current local card prices before deciding whether the convenience is worth the cost.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Games, Game Pass and value
Stuff considered Game Pass and the wider Xbox ecosystem important strengths of the console. Whether that makes the Series X good value for you depends on the games you want, your existing library and the subscription terms available in your region. The review’s service comments are dated: they do not establish current plan names, prices, catalog, cloud access or included benefits. Check Microsoft’s current local Game Pass listing before subscribing, and compare it with the games you would otherwise buy.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe same preference test applies to Xbox versus PlayStation. Compare the franchises and specific games you care about, your owned library, current local subscription offers, game-specific performance modes, backward compatibility for the titles you own, physical-media needs, storage costs and how each console fits your space and display. There is no universal winner implied by the Series X’s headline specifications.
Should you buy the Xbox Series X?
It is a strong fit if you want a premium Xbox console, value quick loading and convenient game switching, or want to continue with a supported Xbox library. Pick among the listed configurations based on whether you need a disc drive and how much installed-game capacity you want. The main trade-offs are storage pressure on 1TB models, the console’s size, and the fact that top-end resolution and frame-rate outcomes depend on individual games.
Consider the Series S as a lower-tier alternative only if its trade-offs suit you: Microsoft describes it as designed for 1440p with upscaling to 4K and as disc-free, while Series X targets native 4K and disc models include a UHD Blu-ray drive. Check current local models and pricing before comparing them. Stuff’s observations support the Series X as a capable premium console, but its 2020-era hands-on findings should not be mistaken for a new 2026 review.
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