The low-cost behemoth from Microsoft is still a serious challenger. Xbox Series S
Even though the ninth console generation has been underway for more than a year, will the Xbox Series S still be a worthwhile investment in 2022?
When it comes to selecting a gaming system, customers now have more options than ever before. As great as Sony’s PS5 and Microsoft’s Xbox One X are in demonstrating the capability of 4K gaming, the Nintendo Switch continues to forge forward on its own with a slew of excellent first- and third-party exclusives.
While the Xbox One X is still the most powerful system in the current generation, the Xbox Series S is a more affordable option that has a lightning-fast SSD, 120Hz support, and the ability to play Xbox Series X/S upgraded games.
You may easily dismiss the Xbox Series S as the Master System to the Mega Drive/Genesis if you’re in the market for a new console, but that’s a mistake. That, however, is completely incorrect. In spite of its lower price tag than the PS5, Xbox Series X, and even the Nintendo Switch OLED, Microsoft’s Xbox Series S is a competent system that adheres to the “bang for your buck” maxim.
So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the new Xbox? Why is it better than its more powerful sister in terms of value? Does the absence of a disc drive really matter? This and other questions will be addressed in the following paragraphs, so keep reading to learn whether the Xbox Series S is worth getting now and if it’s the best platform for you.
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It’s now possible to buy the new Xbox Series S console.
An key consideration is whether or not you’ll be able to get an Xbox Series S in 2022, whether it’s still worth the price. The PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC graphics card availability are all suffering from chronic chip shortages, so how does the Xbox Series S fair as a system you can afford?
In contrast to its more costly counterparts, you have a considerably higher chance of getting your hands on an Xbox Series S. The Xbox Series S is the simplest current-generation system to get your hands on, thanks to the increased frequency with which it is in stock at major shops. Currently, we’d say that the OLED version of the Nintendo Switch is more readily available in the United States.
You’re not really saving money by switching to the Xbox Series S instead of the Xbox Series X, but you are gaining access to all of Xbox’s features in exchange for somewhat inferior specifications.
Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X: a short look at their differences
The price of the Xbox Series S is likely to be the first thing that people notice about it. It’s the cheapest current-generation console on the market, beating out the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.
It should come as no surprise, at least at first glance. It’s worth noting that the Series S has some excellent features, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the Series X in terms of power. However, the general gameplay experience hasn’t changed all that much. Series X has an A12-1200 CPU, whereas the Series S has an A8-1200 CPU. However, both have the ability to run games at 4K resolution although only Ori and the Will of the Wisps is capable of running at 4K resolution on a Series S (however certain titles can run at 4K, but it’s an exception).
Additionally, the Series S’s SSD is much less than the 1TB SSD featured in the Series X, with 512GB. With the lack of a disc drive and the fact that the platform is digital only, this is one of the main drawbacks of having a Series S, particularly when considering that physical copies of games cannot be played on the device.
However, there are more similarities between the two systems than you may expect. A 120Hz frame rate and an auto low-latency mode are also available, and this helps to reduce input lag from wireless controllers.
Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision are also supported, allowing for totally immersive audio and HDR visuals. Both systems feature variable refresh rates, which ensures seamless gaming on compatible smart TVs, as well as 1440p resolution.
As with its more powerful sister, Xbox Series S has many of the same quality-of-life features. If you’re playing a game on a compatible console, Smart Delivery will immediately download the best possible version of that game to your system. You don’t need to choose a version that isn’t compatible with your console in order to play it.
All backward-compatible games from previous Xbox generations are accessible on Xbox Game Pass for Xbox Series S customers. In addition, if you’re a member of the Xbox One generation, your previous controllers and headphones will operate with the Xbox Series S.
When it comes to its size, the Xbox Series S really has an edge over its bigger sister. The Xbox Series S is Microsoft’s smallest console to date, making it portable around the home or on a vacation. The Xbox Series S is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for something more unobtrusive in your home theatre setup.
Even if the Xbox Series S doesn’t come with a premium price tag, it’s still a worthy competitor for the top award. Not only is it strong enough to be your primary platform, but it’s also a great secondary system if you currently play on PS5, Switch, or PC. ” The fact that it can run The Matrix Awakens: Unreal Engine 5 Experience proves that it is a next-generation platform.
At the pinnacle of Game Pass,
The Xbox Game Pass membership service is a great incentive to choose an Xbox Series S over other consoles, but it’s also one of the most expensive. In exchange for a monthly price of $9.99 / £7.99 for Xbox Game Pass, you’ll get unlimited access to a constantly-updated library of titles.
As a result, the Xbox One S has earned a reputation as a Game Pass machine. Because the system lacks an optical disc drive, you’ll have to make do with digital downloads to keep you entertained. Because to services like Xbox Game Pass, you may have access to a wide variety of games for a flat fee.
If you’re planning on purchasing an Xbox Series S, we’d also suggest purchasing an extra external SSD like the Seagate Xbox Capacity Expansion Card, which provides around 1TB more storage to your console’s storage. If you plan to use Xbox Game Pass to download a large number of titles, the card is now available for a significant discount off of its initial sticker price.
Is the new Xbox Series S worth the money??
In 2022, the Xbox Series S is still an excellent investment. Even though it’s less expensive than the Series X, Microsoft’s budget console offers many of the same high-quality features as the Series X. It’s also the best way to get access to Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
However, it’s important to remember that the Series S has certain flaws as well. Given that the Series S is an entirely electronic device, the SSD’s relatively low storage capacity makes it all the more frustrating. In our opinion, the console’s weaker CPU (in comparison to the Series X) and lower gameplay resolution objective of 1440p are simply minor downsides.
As such, if you can’t afford an Xbox Series X or are just fed up with waiting for stock, don’t rule out the Xbox Series S as an alternative. You’ll not only save money and time, but you’ll also get one of Microsoft’s greatest consoles to date.