Xbox Series X versus Xbox Series S: Everything you need to know
An Xbox console is a staple in many homes across Australia and the world, starting with the original Xbox, and onto the more modern consoles like Xbox Series X and Series S.
It's not common for a gaming and tech company to release two consoles within the same time period as they did with the Series X and Series S in November 2020. Despite their similarities, they do have slight differences that could determine what a gamer should buy depending on how they play.
So let's take a deep dive into the world of Xbox and find out what you need to know about the two consoles before you head to the checkout – including where to get the best deal.
Firstly, where to buy
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Amazon is currently selling the Xbox Series S console for $581.10.
If you're looking for a discount on your Xbox, grab the Xbox Series S Gilded Hunters Bundle for $429.
Not only will you get your hands on the Xbox Series S, but you'll also get nine in-game cosmetics and virtual currency to spend on Fortnite, Fall Guys and Rocket League.
For Fortnite, you will receive the Hunter Saber Outfit, Saber's Fang Pickaxe and The Hunt Begins Wrap as well as 1,000 V-Bucks. For Fall Guys, you'll get the Falltron Ultra Costume, Falltronic Emote and Falltronic Nameplate with 1,000 Showbucks to spend on your champion. For Rocket League, you will get the Fennec Car, Huntress Decal, Orange Hexphase Boost and Titanium Astro CSX Wheels and 1,000 Rocket League credits for your upgrades.
All this for $429 – get gaming!
You can grab the Xbox Series X for $1,009.
Amazon also sells physical copies of games that can be used on the Xbox Series X, with some of the best including:
- NBA 2K23
- Forza Horizon 5
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Elden Ring
- Far Cry 6
- Watch Dogs Legion
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
LIVE UPDATES: All the best deals from Amazon's Black Friday sale as they drop
Shared features between consoles
The Series S and Series X share the majority of features that make them one of the most sought-after gaming consoles to play.
DirectX Raytracing
Raytracing is a visual rendering technique incorporating 3D graphics to recreate the real world in the simulated gaming world. The aim is to make the graphics and visuals clearer and more realistic to create greater immersion for the players.
Xbox has used software like AMD's Zen 2 and RDNA 2 to formulate architectures that replicate real-life reflections and movements surrounding light.
Variable rate shading
Variable rate shading helps formulate newer and larger quantities of pixels on the screen to help render the images. The goal is to increase framerates for particular sections of games that need more rendering for a clearer and more focused visual without slowing down the mechanics of the console or losing any additional power.
Velocity architecture
This feature reduces wait times for games to load as well as reduces lag when playing games, improving game quality and player experience.
3D spatial sound
Using algorithms from uniquely composed games, the 3D spatial sound technology creates a greater listening experience for the player, heightening the sounds heard by the character in game. For example, if the character in game hears a bang close by, the sound produced will replicate what the character heard.
Quick resume
This feature allows players to have multiple games open in the background while playing another and enables them to switch between games without closing any. This does not hinder any progress made in any of the games and doesn't cause the console to lag.
Improved wireless controllers
The new controllers for these consoles have been significantly improved and updated from previous Xbox models. The triggers have an added texture applied to improve the player's grip and avoid slipping. The D-pad is now shaped in a circle while maintaining the traditional format and layout of the pad buttons. Including this shape helps press the buttons in a sequence. There is also a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack on the controller.
The newest addition to the controller though is the 'share button'. This feature allows players to capture screenshots, videos and other recordings of the game they are playing, watch it back and share their gaming experience with others.
Bluetooth technology
Both consoles are able to pair up the wireless controller with other devices like precious Xbox models, Windows PC, Android and iOS. So gamers no longer need complete access to a TV to play their favourite games.
Backward compatibility
To avoid gamers buying multiple copies of the same game if a new console is released, backwards compatibility solves this issue by enabling games designed for previous consoles to be played on the newer ones. Players can have access to over 100 gaming titles via the Xbox Game Pass library to return to their favourite older games as well as newer games designed for the modern console.
Smart delivery access
Working in conjunction with backward compatibility, smart delivery access helps ensure games are purchased only once rather than multiple times. It also stores the games and keeps them updated, so any changes or updates made by the developers to the game will be updated for free.
Dolby streaming capability
Both the Series S and Series X are the first gaming consoles to support features from Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. If the TV you're playing on has the specifications needed for these features, both the visuals and the sounds will have an even greater quality.
Optimisation
Several games have a logo reading 'Optimised for Xbox Series X/S'. If you're playing a game with this feature, the game's design will improve the standard loading times, visuals and 120 fps framerate.
Some of these optimised games include Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, Hitman III, and Watch Dogs: Legion. Many of these games are discounted through Amazon's Black Friday sales.
A full list of optimised games can be found here.
Entertainment access
Both consoles are able to access and stream content and entertainment from services like Amazon Video, Netflix and Disney+.
Features found only in the Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S is a physically smaller and lighter console compared to the Series X. It is able to store 512GB worth of data from saved games. Its processing power equals four teraflops – which is the measurement used to determine the speed quality of a computer device based on how quickly it can operate per second. Four teraflops is an improved processing power from the previous Xbox One's processing power of approximately 1.3 teraflops.
The visual resolution is 1440 – which means it can show 1,440 pixels on the screen in good clarity.
The Series S is used for digital games only.
It does not have a disc drive and is not compatible for hardcopy games. The games played are only from the player's gaming library.
Features found only in the Xbox Series X
The Series X is both larger in size and weight compared to the Series S and stores nearly double the amount of saved game data at 1TB. Its processing power is 12 teraflops and is equipped for a 4K gaming resolution – it can show 4,000 pixels on screen. Physical copies of games can be played on the Xbox Series X, with an included disc drive. Digital games from the Xbox game library can also be accessed and played.
A unique feature of the Series X that does not appear in the Series S is the Xbox Parallel Cooling Architecture. This is an in-built cooling mechanism that helps prevent overheating in the console. The motherboard is split to allow greater airflow and cooling and there is a quiet vertical airflow fan used.
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Additional extras sold separately
Despite its high-tech features, Xbox has made additional features to create an even greater experience for the player.
Seagate Storage Expansion card
Similar to a USB, this storage card expands how much gaming data can be saved, without causing any disruption to speed times or graphics.
Amazon is currently selling 1TB and 2TB storage cards.
Xbox wireless headset
Designed specifically for Xbox gaming, this wireless headset can be paired directly to the console instead of plugging a separate headset into the jack on the controller. The headset supports Dolby Atmos technologies as well as Windows Sonic.
The earcup rotates to adjust audio – both in-game sound as well as sound from chats when in multiplayer. It also has an adjustable microphone that isolates the players speaking voice when in use, and minimises any background noise. It can detect when the player is not speaking and can automute as well as having a manual mute button.
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