Gaming consoles have become a centerpiece of entertainment for many households. With different Xbox models available today, choosing the right one can be challenging for both new gamers and those looking to upgrade their systems.
The Xbox Series X and Series S represent Microsoft’s latest gaming technology, with varying features and price points designed to meet different gaming needs and budgets. Each console offers unique advantages that appeal to different types of players, from casual gamers to dedicated enthusiasts who demand top performance. Understanding these differences helps shoppers make an informed decision.
1. Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s most powerful gaming console available today. Released in November 2020, it continues to be the flagship model in the Xbox lineup as of 2025. The Series X delivers premium performance for serious gamers who want the best experience possible.
The console features impressive technical specifications with a custom AMD processor. It supports gaming at up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, with some games supporting up to 120fps. This makes gameplay incredibly smooth and visually stunning.
One standout feature is the Xbox Series X’s optical drive, which allows users to play physical game discs, Blu-rays, and DVDs. This gives gamers flexibility in how they purchase and collect games.
Storage is another area where the Series X shines. It comes with almost twice the storage space of its smaller sibling, the Series S. The 1TB SSD provides plenty of room for today’s increasingly large game installations.
The console uses Microsoft’s Quick Resume feature, allowing players to switch between multiple games without losing their place. Games load incredibly fast thanks to the custom SSD, eliminating much of the waiting time gamers experienced with previous generations.
In 2025, Microsoft released an all-digital version of the Xbox Series X. This model drops the disc drive but maintains all the power and performance of the original Series X at a lower price point.
The Xbox Series X works seamlessly with Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service. This gives players access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee, representing excellent value for gaming enthusiasts.
2. Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S offers a budget-friendly entry into the next generation of gaming. As Microsoft’s more affordable console option, it delivers impressive performance while maintaining a smaller price tag than its bigger brother.
The Series S features a compact, all-digital design with no disc drive. This sleek white console is notably smaller than the Series X, making it perfect for limited spaces or as a secondary gaming system.
While it may not match the raw power of the Xbox Series X, the Series S still delivers excellent gaming capabilities. It supports gaming at 1440p resolution rather than true 4K, which is still a significant upgrade from previous generations.
Storage space is more limited on the Series S. It comes with a 512GB SSD, which is about half the storage of the Series X. Gamers with large digital libraries may need to manage their installations carefully.
The console pairs wonderfully with Xbox Game Pass. This subscription service gives players access to hundreds of titles, making the Series S an affordable entry point into a vast gaming library without needing to purchase many individual games.
For casual gamers, the Series S hits a sweet spot. Many players report excellent experiences even after years of ownership. The console handles most modern games admirably, though sometimes with reduced visual settings compared to premium consoles.
The Series S supports most of the same next-gen features as its more expensive counterpart. This includes Quick Resume functionality, which allows players to switch between multiple games without losing progress.
Microsoft designed the Series S to be part of its gaming ecosystem. Players can compare the consoles on Microsoft’s website to help determine which Xbox best fits their needs and budget.
3. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is Microsoft’s premium subscription service for gamers. It combines multiple benefits into one comprehensive package, making it a great value for Xbox users.
The service includes hundreds of high-quality games that subscribers can download and play. These range from major franchises like Minecraft and Halo to smaller indie titles.
One of the main advantages of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is day-one access to new releases. Subscribers can play many Microsoft first-party titles on their launch day without paying extra.
The service also includes an EA Play membership, which adds even more games to the library. This partnership brings popular EA titles to subscribers at no additional cost.
Game Pass Ultimate features many highly-rated games like Fallout: New Vegas and The Walking Dead. The catalog regularly features critically acclaimed titles that appeal to different gaming preferences.
Reddit users often recommend games like Indiana Jones, Plague Tale, Hellblade, and Hi-Fi Rush as must-play titles on the service. The diverse library ensures there’s something for everyone.
The subscription works across multiple devices. Members can play on Xbox consoles, PCs, and even mobile devices through cloud gaming, providing flexibility in how they enjoy their games.
Microsoft regularly adds new games to the service while occasionally removing others. This rotation keeps the library fresh and gives players new experiences to try each month.
For those who play games regularly, Game Pass Ultimate offers significant savings compared to purchasing games individually. The subscription cost is often less than buying just two or three new games per year.
4. Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite represents one of the most important titles in the Xbox ecosystem. Released as a showcase for the Xbox Series X|S capabilities, this game continues Master Chief’s saga with expanded gameplay and an impressive open-world environment.
The game offers different experiences depending on which Xbox console you use. On the Xbox Series X, players can enjoy enhanced features like 120 FPS and significantly reduced load times. These improvements create a seamless gaming experience that highlights next-generation capabilities.
Xbox One owners can still enjoy Halo Infinite, though with expected technical limitations. The game was designed to run across multiple console generations, ensuring all Xbox players can experience the latest Halo adventure.
For the most complete Halo experience, many fans choose to play through the Master Chief Collection before jumping into Infinite. This collection runs on all Xbox One and Series consoles, though performance is better on newer hardware.
The multiplayer component of Halo Infinite is free-to-play across all Xbox platforms. This approach has helped maintain an active player base since launch and continues to receive updates.
Visual quality varies considerably between console generations. The Xbox Series X version delivers stunning 4K graphics that showcase the detailed environments and character models at their best.
Microsoft continues to support Halo Infinite with regular updates. Recent gameplay footage from 2025 updates shows improved performance and additional content that keeps the game relevant for Xbox players.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers benefit from day-one access to Halo Infinite as part of their subscription. This integration with Game Pass has helped introduce the franchise to new players who might not have purchased it separately.
Cross-platform play between Xbox consoles and PC creates a unified multiplayer experience. This feature allows friends to play together regardless of their chosen gaming platform.
5. Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 stands as one of the premier gaming experiences on Xbox consoles. This racing game delivers stunning visuals and an immersive open-world environment set in Mexico, making it a showcase title for Xbox hardware capabilities.
For the best Forza Horizon 5 experience, the Xbox Series X offers superior performance compared to the Series S. While both consoles run the game well, the Series X provides enhanced graphics, faster loading times, and more storage space for the substantial game files.
Xbox offers a convenient Forza Horizon 5 Bundle that includes the Premium Edition of the game. This package comes with valuable add-ons such as the Hot Wheels expansion, VIP Membership, and Car Pass, giving players immediate access to premium content.
Remarkably, Forza Horizon 5 maintains compatibility across console generations. The game runs at 1080p resolution on Xbox One, making it accessible to players who haven’t upgraded to the newer hardware.
Microsoft has ensured Forza Horizon 5 is widely available through multiple avenues. The game can be played on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and Steam. Additionally, it’s available through Xbox Game Pass, allowing subscribers to play without purchasing the game separately.
Performance comparisons between console generations reveal significant upgrades. Xbox Series S/X versions demonstrate faster loading times, improved draw distances, and enhanced environmental details compared to their Xbox One counterparts.
The game’s cross-platform functionality extends to multiplayer, allowing friends to race together regardless of which Xbox console they own. This inclusivity helps maintain a vibrant online community for races and events.
6. Gears 5
Gears 5 stands as a showcase title for Xbox gaming systems, particularly on the Xbox Series X where it truly shines. The game’s campaign and multiplayer modes have been fully optimized for next-generation hardware, delivering spectacular visuals and performance.
Many players consider Gears 5 to be one of the most visually impressive Xbox games available. The level of detail and polish in the environments sets a high standard for third-person action games on the platform.
The Xbox Series X enhancement for Gears 5 offers more than just improved graphics. Players can experience the game with 120Hz gameplay, reduced input latency, and visual settings that exceed even PC ultra configurations in certain aspects.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers benefit particularly from Gears 5’s inclusion in the service. The game delivers a complete package with its celebrated campaign and refreshed multiplayer modes, making it an excellent value proposition for subscribers.
The combat mechanics in Gears 5 build upon the franchise’s established cover-based shooting while introducing new abilities and movement options. These refinements help modernize the gameplay without losing the core Gears experience fans expect.
The narrative continues the saga while introducing fresh characters and stakes. Players follow Kait Diaz’s journey as she uncovers secrets about her past and connection to the enemy forces, providing an engaging storyline alongside the action.
Microsoft has confirmed that Gears 6 is in development, likely to expand upon the gameplay innovations introduced in Gears 5. Fans of the franchise can look forward to seeing how the story continues in future installments.
7. Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves is a popular pirate adventure game that has become a standout title for Xbox. The game offers players the chance to sail the high seas, hunt for treasure, and engage in ship-to-ship battles in a shared world environment.
Developed by Rare, Sea of Thieves features around 30 hours of immersive pirate fantasy across two epic storylines. Players can explore eleven different tales that bring the pirate experience to life in a visually stunning open world.
The game received significant technical improvements when moving to the Xbox Series X/S generation. Players benefit from enhanced graphics, nearly doubled framerate, and faster loading times thanks to the SSD in newer consoles.
Xbox Series X owners will notice the game runs at higher resolution compared to the Series S version. Both offer substantial improvements over the Xbox One experience, making the game more enjoyable on the newer hardware.
Sea of Thieves has expanded beyond Xbox exclusivity and is now available on PlayStation 5. This move to multi-platform support has created some controversy as performance comparisons between consoles have emerged.
The 2024 Edition of Sea of Thieves offers the quintessential pirate experience. Players can plunder lost treasures, fight intense battles, and vanquish sea monsters with friends.
For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, Sea of Thieves represents excellent value as it’s included in the subscription. This means players can experience this pirate adventure without purchasing it separately.
The game shines brightest when played with friends, as coordinating a ship’s operation requires teamwork. Solo play is possible but presents a more challenging experience that might not showcase the game’s strengths.
8. Fable
Fable is one of the most beloved franchises on Xbox. This action role-playing series created by Lionhead Studios first appeared on the original Xbox in 2004 and quickly gained a devoted following.
Many fans consider Fable: The Lost Chapters to be the best entry in the series. This expanded version of the original game offers more gameplay and customization options that later titles couldn’t quite match.
Fable’s unique charm comes from its morality system. Players’ choices affect their character’s appearance and how NPCs react to them, creating a truly personalized experience.
Fable 2 expanded on the original with additional features like real estate management, which many players appreciated. The sequel struck a good balance between maintaining what worked in the original while adding meaningful improvements.
Fable 3 continued the series on Xbox 360, though opinions on it are more mixed. The game simplified some systems while trying to innovate in others, with varying degrees of success.
The franchise also spawned several spin-offs, including Fable Heroes, Fable: The Journey, and Fable Fortune. These titles explored different genres but never reached the popularity of the main series.
Players looking to experience Fable today can play Fable Anniversary on Xbox Series X, a remastered version that preserves the classic gameplay while enhancing the visuals.
A new Fable game is currently in development by Playground Games, creators of the Forza Horizon series. This revival has generated considerable excitement among Xbox fans who have been waiting for a new mainline entry since 2010.
9. Elden Ring
Elden Ring stands as one of the most celebrated titles for Xbox consoles in recent years. Released to critical acclaim, this action role-playing game has captured the attention of gamers worldwide with its immersive open-world design.
The game offers Xbox players a challenging yet rewarding experience that has earned it hundreds of accolades including Game of the Year. Its vast landscape and intricate lore were created through a collaboration between game director Hidetaka Miyazaki and fantasy novelist George R.R. Martin.
On Xbox Series X, Elden Ring delivers impressive performance that enhances the gaming experience. While the PS5 version offers some advantages, the Xbox Series X version is never far behind and provides a significant boost over previous generation consoles.
The game features a robust combat system that challenges players to master different weapons and abilities. Its difficulty curve is steep but manageable, encouraging exploration and strategic thinking.
Elden Ring’s world design stands out with breathtaking vistas and haunting environments that reward exploration. Players can discover hidden dungeons, powerful enemies, and valuable treasures throughout the vast Lands Between.
Many consider Elden Ring to be one of the greatest games ever made due to its extraordinary level design and gameplay depth. The game combines challenging combat with unprecedented freedom to explore.
Despite its massive scale, some critics note that the game feels slightly too big for its own good. However, this ambitious scope allows for countless hours of gameplay and discovery.
10. Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 delivers an impressive experience on Xbox consoles, particularly on the Series X where the game truly shines. The 2020 release from CD Projekt Red had a rocky launch, but subsequent updates have transformed it into a showcase title for Xbox hardware.
On Xbox Series X, players can choose between ray tracing mode and performance mode, with the latter offering slightly better performance than its PlayStation counterpart. The game renders Night City in stunning detail, taking full advantage of the console’s powerful hardware.
The massive gameplay update for Series X|S has significantly improved the overall experience. Players can now explore the dystopian open world with enhanced visuals, better frame rates, and reduced loading times compared to previous generation consoles.
Xbox Series S owners aren’t left behind either. The game offers a full 60 FPS option on the smaller console that holds firm during gameplay. While it lacks some visual enhancements of its bigger sibling, it delivers a smooth experience that was previously unattainable.
The 2.1 update brought additional improvements to the Xbox versions, further enhancing the frame rate stability and resolution. This update cemented Cyberpunk 2077’s status as a game-of-the-year contender, especially for those experiencing it for the first time on current-gen hardware.
Benchmark tests reveal that Xbox Series X performs admirably, though internal testing shows it’s quite closely matched with PS5 and Series S in many scenarios. The differences are minimal for most players, but the Xbox ecosystem offers a solid way to experience this futuristic RPG.
The game’s immersive storytelling and expansive Night City environment make excellent use of Xbox’s quick resume feature, allowing players to jump back into their adventure with minimal interruption.
Technical Specifications
The Xbox Series X and Series S represent significant leaps in gaming hardware with powerful components designed for next-generation gaming experiences. Both consoles offer different technical capabilities to suit various gaming needs and budgets.
Chipset and Processing Power
Both Xbox Series consoles utilize custom AMD processors based on Zen 2 architecture, but with notable differences in performance capabilities. The Xbox Series X features significantly more power than any other current-generation console, using an 8-core 3.8 GHz CPU (3.6 GHz with SMT).
The Series S utilizes the same CPU architecture but runs at a slightly lower 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz with SMT). This difference might seem minimal, but it contributes to the overall performance gap between the two systems.
Both consoles support hardware accelerated ray tracing and variable refresh rates, though the Series X has more raw processing power to handle demanding games. The custom SoC (System on Chip) in the Series X has a die size of 360.45 mm, indicating its substantial processing capabilities.
Graphics Capabilities
The graphics capabilities between the two Xbox consoles represent their most significant divergence in specifications:
Xbox Series X:
- 12 TFLOPS of GPU power
- 52 CUs (Compute Units) at 1.825 GHz
- Targets native 4K resolution at 60fps or 120fps in supported games
- Full hardware-based ray tracing capabilities
Xbox Series S:
- 4 TFLOPS of GPU power
- 20 CUs at 1.565 GHz
- Targets 1080p to 1800p resolution, with upscaling to 4K in many titles
- Support for ray tracing, though less powerful implementation
Both consoles support HDR, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for compatible displays, ensuring smooth gameplay with reduced screen tearing.
Storage Options
Storage technology represents one of the most important advancements in the new Xbox generation, with significant differences between models:
The Series X comes equipped with a 1TB custom NVME SSD, offering approximately 802GB of usable space after system files. By comparison, the Series S includes a 512GB SSD with about 364GB available for games and apps.
Both consoles feature similar I/O throughput capabilities of 2.4 GB/s raw or 4.8 GB/s compressed with custom hardware decompression, allowing for significantly faster load times compared to previous generations.
For expandable storage, both models support the official Seagate Storage Expansion Card that plugs into a dedicated port. This maintains the full speed benefits of the internal SSD. Standard USB 3.1 external drives can also store and play backward-compatible titles.
Exclusive Features
Xbox consoles offer several standout features that separate them from competitors. These exclusive offerings enhance the gaming experience and provide added value to Xbox owners through expanded game libraries, flexible play options, and forward-thinking technology.
Backward Compatibility
Xbox excels in backward compatibility, allowing gamers to play titles from previous generations. This feature supports games from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One on newer consoles like the Xbox Series X/S.
Many older games receive enhancements when played on newer hardware, including improved frame rates and resolutions. Microsoft regularly adds to the backward compatible library, preserving gaming history and allowing players to revisit classics.
The Auto HDR feature automatically enhances compatible older games with HDR lighting effects, even if they weren’t originally designed with HDR. This breathes new life into older titles without requiring developer intervention.
Players can use their existing game discs or digital purchases, eliminating the need to rebuy games they already own.
Game Pass Subscription
Xbox Game Pass stands as perhaps Microsoft’s most revolutionary offering. This subscription service provides access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee.
Subscribers gain immediate access to all Xbox exclusives on release day, including major titles like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon. The library rotates regularly, adding new games each month while maintaining a core collection.
Game Pass comes in multiple tiers:
- Game Pass Console: For Xbox hardware only
- Game Pass PC: For Windows computers
- Game Pass Ultimate: Combines both with additional perks
The service includes EA Play membership, providing access to Electronic Arts titles. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers also receive exclusive in-game content, discounts on purchases, and free perks.
Cloud Gaming Potential
Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly Project xCloud) allows subscribers to stream games directly to compatible devices without downloading. This service is included with Game Pass Ultimate memberships.
Players can access their games on smartphones, tablets, web browsers, and smart TVs without needing an Xbox console. Progress syncs across devices, allowing seamless transitions between platforms.
The service requires a stable internet connection but eliminates hardware limitations. Microsoft continues expanding device compatibility, recently adding support for more smart TVs and streaming devices.
The phone connectivity through the Xbox app enhances the cloud experience, allowing players to use their mobile device as a controller. This feature opens gaming to those without traditional console hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox consoles offer different features, performance levels, and value propositions depending on your gaming needs. Game Pass significantly enhances the Xbox ecosystem with hundreds of titles available for a monthly subscription.
Which Xbox console model offers the best value for money?
The Xbox Series S is widely considered the best value option at $299, providing next-gen gaming at a more affordable price point than the Series X. It delivers 1440p resolution gaming with up to 120fps performance.
For digital-only gamers who don’t need 4K resolution, the Series S offers exceptional value, especially when paired with Xbox Game Pass.
Storage space is more limited at 512GB compared to the Series X’s 1TB, but external storage options are available for both consoles.
What are the top-rated games for the Xbox Series X/S?
Halo Infinite stands as a flagship title for Xbox, offering both an engaging campaign and free-to-play multiplayer that showcases the console’s capabilities.
Forza Horizon 5 delivers stunning visuals and open-world racing across a beautiful Mexican landscape with incredibly detailed environments and vehicles.
Other highly rated titles include Microsoft Flight Simulator, Psychonauts 2, and Sea of Thieves, all available through Xbox Game Pass.
How does the Xbox Series X compare to the Xbox Series S in terms of performance?
The Xbox Series X outputs true 4K gaming at up to 120fps with 12 teraflops of GPU power, while Series S targets 1440p resolution with 4 teraflops. This creates a noticeable difference in visual fidelity and performance.
Series X includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, while Series S is digital-only. The Series X also provides 1TB of storage compared to the Series S’s 512GB.
Load times are similarly impressive on both consoles thanks to the custom NVME SSD, though the Series X generally handles more complex games better.
What accessories are considered must-haves for Xbox Series X/S users?
The Xbox Wireless Headset offers excellent sound quality, simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity, and direct integration with the Xbox interface at a competitive price point.
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 provides customizable buttons, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, and premium build quality for serious gamers seeking competitive advantages.
An external storage expansion card is valuable, especially for Series S owners or those with extensive game libraries, as modern games often require 50-100GB each.
Where can I find reliable reviews and ratings for the latest Xbox consoles?
Digital Foundry provides in-depth technical analysis of console performance, frame rates, and visual quality comparisons that go beyond surface-level reviews.
IGN, GameSpot, and Eurogamer offer comprehensive coverage of both hardware and games with professional insights and scoring systems to help inform purchasing decisions.
Reddit communities like r/XboxSeriesX provide real-world user experiences, troubleshooting tips, and discussions about various aspects of Xbox ownership.
Can you highlight the major differences between Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S?
The Xbox Series X/S consoles feature significantly faster load times thanks to custom SSD storage, with games loading in seconds rather than minutes on Xbox One.
Series X/S support features like Quick Resume, allowing players to instantly switch between multiple games without losing progress, which isn’t possible on Xbox One.
The new consoles offer ray tracing capabilities, higher frame rates up to 120fps, and better resolutions, while maintaining backward compatibility with thousands of Xbox One games that often run better than on their original hardware.
