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Expect the Xbox Series X to target native 4K gaming and the Xbox Series S to target 1440p, with Series S able to upscale to 4K. Both support up to 120 FPS when a game and display support it. Series X has the stronger listed GPU specification, but that does not mean every game looks or runs a fixed amount better. The practical difference depends on the game, your screen, storage needs, and whether you want to use physical discs.
How different are their gaming performance targets?
Microsoft positions Series X for native 4K gaming and Series S for 1440p gaming, with the latter able to upscale to 4K. These are platform targets, not guarantees for every game: a title may use a different resolution or rendering mode, and an upscaled image is not the same as native 4K rendering.
Microsoft lists the Series X GPU at 12 TFLOPS and the Series S GPU at 4 TFLOPS. Both are custom RDNA 2 GPUs, but the listed figures do not translate into a universal three-times performance advantage. The specifications describe hardware, not measured results across a representative set of games. Microsoft also lists 16 GB of GDDR6 memory for Series X and 10 GB for Series S.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →There is no title-by-title benchmark or consistent cross-game performance comparison established here. Treat game-specific resolution and frame-rate modes as individual features to check for the games you play, rather than assuming the platform target applies uniformly.
#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.
What frame rates can you expect?
Both console families support up to 120 FPS, but that is a ceiling, not a mode every game offers. Microsoft qualifies high-frame-rate capability as requiring supported content and a capable display. A console alone cannot make a game run at 120 FPS if the game does not support it, and the display must support the relevant output mode.
For a buying decision, check the specific game’s published graphics or performance modes and your TV or monitor’s specifications. Do not assume that choosing Series X guarantees 120 FPS, or that Series S cannot offer a high-frame-rate mode.
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
Which console fits your display?
Choose Series X for a native 4K priority
Series X is the better fit if you want a console designed for native 4K gaming and have a compatible 4K display. Actual rendering resolution still varies by game, so “native 4K” is the system’s stated target rather than a promise for every title.
Choose Series S for a 1440p-oriented setup
Series S is designed for 1440p gaming and can upscale to 4K. That can suit a 1440p display or a player who is comfortable with an upscaled image on a 4K screen. Upscaling does not make the game’s original rendering resolution native 4K.
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.
Do storage and discs change the choice?
Storage capacity and disc support vary by configuration, so check the exact model in a retailer listing rather than relying only on the console family name.
| Console and configuration | Listed storage options | Disc support |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | 1 TB or 2 TB SSD | Microsoft lists a UHD Blu-ray drive on specified models; confirm that the chosen configuration includes one. |
| Xbox Series S | 512 GB or 1 TB SSD | Digital-only; it does not play physical discs. |
Both support Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Cards, which Microsoft says add storage at internal SSD performance. USB external HDD support is also listed. An external HDD can add space, but the storage-card option is the one Microsoft describes as matching the internal SSD experience. Check compatibility and the particular console’s listing before buying storage.
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 is shared between the consoles?
Both are part of the Xbox Series X|S family and share platform features such as Quick Resume. The core performance distinction described by Microsoft is the higher Series X rendering target and stronger listed GPU specification, not a separate game library implied by these specifications.
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Which one should you choose?
- Pick Series X if native 4K is a priority, you want the stronger listed GPU specification, or you need a physical-disc drive—after confirming the specific model includes one.
- Pick Series S if a digital-only console and a 1440p-oriented target suit your setup and priorities.
- Compare the exact configurations if storage capacity matters; both families have more than one listed capacity.
There is no blanket value winner established by these specifications alone. Retail prices and availability vary by market and retailer, and the right choice depends on your display, preferred games, disc collection, and storage needs.
Quick Recap
Official specifications
- Microsoft’s Xbox console comparison describes the consoles and qualifies 4K at up to 120 FPS as requiring supported content and a display.
- Microsoft’s Xbox Series X specifications list the Series X gaming target and hardware details.
- Microsoft’s Xbox Series S specifications list the Series S gaming target, configuration options, and hardware details.
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.
