Microsoft’s Smaller Xbox Brings Big Features at a Lower Price

The Xbox Series S is Microsoft’s smaller, more affordable entry into the current console generation.

Launched alongside the more powerful Series X, it delivers the same next-gen gaming features; fast load times, Quick Resume, and full Game Pass integration, but at a lower price and with a digital-only approach.

The compact design and lower power draw make it an appealing option for casual players, secondary setups, or anyone who wants a modern Xbox experience without committing to the cost and size of the flagship model.

Series S Hardware and Storage is Fast & Compact, but Limited

Inside its small white shell, the Xbox Series S uses the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU architecture as the Series X but with a pared-down GPU and less memory. This translates into lower native resolutions but similar speed in loading and multitasking.

Games typically target 1440p resolution with upscaling to 4K and can reach up to 120 frames per second on supported titles. Despite its compact form factor the console runs quietly and coolly, making it easy to fit into tight spaces without the heat and noise of larger systems.

Storage, however, is where the budget approach shows. The standard Series S ships with a 512GB SSD, of which only about 364GB is usable after system files. This fills up quickly with today’s large games, especially if you subscribe to Game Pass.

Microsoft sells proprietary expansion cards that slot into the back for instant extra space, but they’re relatively expensive compared to standard external drives. External USB drives can be used for last-gen titles or as cold storage, but not to run Series-optimized games directly.

Microsoft’s Entry-Level Console Delivers More Than Expected

The Xbox Series S delivers the same dashboard and features as the Series X.

You get Microsoft’s unified interface, Quick Resume across multiple titles, and seamless integration with Game Pass.

Navigating the UI is fast and fluid thanks to the SSD and updated hardware, and switching between games or apps is nearly instant. Game sharing, cloud saves, and backward compatibility are all baked in, making the experience feel like a full-fledged Xbox rather than a cut-down version.

As a whole, the Series S offers a balanced mix of next-gen features and affordability. Its compact design, quiet operation, and access to the same library as the Series X make it a compelling option for casual players, secondary TVs, or those prioritizing digital libraries over physical discs.

The trade-offs are its limited storage and lower native resolution, but for the price it remains one of the most accessible ways to step into modern console gaming.