Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Choosing the Right Xbox: Series X or Series S

After a seven-year run, Microsoft has stopped making the Xbox One, and a new generation of video game consoles is here. The $500 Xbox Series X and the $300 Xbox Series S may both be part of the same generation, but each model targets a different level of speed and graphics performance, and that might make it difficult for you to figure out which one to buy—or, if you need to buy one at all.

Our pick

Xbox Series X

The best Xbox

Get the Series X if you’ll use it with a 4K TV (now, or eventually), want the absolute best in graphics like raytraced lighting effects, or if you want a disc drive for games and movies.

Buying Options

Buy from Microsoft

May be out of stock

Buy from Best Buy

May be out of stock

$500 from Target

May be out of stock

*At the time of publishing, the price was $500.

With better graphics, more storage, and a disc drive, the Xbox Series X is worth the higher price in many cases. If you have a 4K TV—especially a model with high end features like 120hz and variable refresh rate—or will buy one in the next few years, you’ll likely come across games that can take advantage of the extra graphics capability on the Series X over the Xbox Series S. And although both consoles have impressively fast storage that improves boot-up and load times, the Series X drive has over 800 GB available internally, nearly twice the available storage space in the Series S. Plus, if you have a collection of physical Xbox One, Xbox 360, or original-Xbox games that you want to keep playing, only the Series X has a disc drive, which also makes it the model of choice if you want a console that can also be your 4K Blu-ray player.

Also great

Xbox Series S

Less for less

Games on the Series S are unlikely to take advantage of TVs with 4K resolution, and it lacks a disc drive, a downside if you own a lot of physical games or movies, or like to buy them used. But it will still let you play the new generation of games, and is a great value when paired with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. It’s also very small and light, which makes it a great console for users with less space or who often travel.

Buying Options

Buy from Microsoft

May be out of stock

Buy from Best Buy

May be out of stock

On the other hand, if you don’t have a 4K TV (and won’t buy one soon), if space in your entertainment center is a concern, or if you don’t have or plan to buy many physical discs, the Xbox Series S offers a lot of value and still gives you the chance to play the new generation of games to come. And anyone who mostly plays games from Xbox Game Pass—the monthly subscription service with access to hundreds of games, including new releases—probably won’t miss the disc drive. We also think that makes the Xbox Series S an especially budget-conscious choice for younger kids, since the less expensive console and monthly membership add up to more games than a kid can play, with no need to buy new ones all the time. The Series S might also be a good option for some travelers and hosts. If you’re going somewhere for an extended stay, it can easily fit in a carry-on piece of luggage. And if you have a guest room or vacation rental, a Series S adds a lot beyond a regular media streaming box.

If the only reason you’d buy a new console is for brand-new games you can’t play on your existing Xbox One (or, for that matter, a PlayStation 4), you may not need to rush into the next generation just yet—most high profile titles this year are still receiving versions on older consoles. But if you spend a lot of time with your Xbox One now and are ready for plenty of immediately noticeable quality of life improvements and conveniences, as well as performance and visual improvements in the games you already have, an Xbox Series X or Series S will provide plenty of benefits right now.

We also have answers to the most frequently asked questions below.



from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/choosing-best-xbox-series-x-vs-series-s/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

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