Xbox Series X vs Series S: both play the same games, use the same controller and work with Game Pass, but they are built for different players and budgets. This guide explains the difference between Xbox Series S and X in plain terms, compares prices in 2026, and also covers how both compare with the older Xbox One X and Xbox One S.
The short answer
- Buy the Series X if you have a 4K TV, want the best graphics and frame rates, play physical discs, or want the most storage.
- Buy the Series S if you play on a 1080p or 1440p screen, mainly use Game Pass and digital games, want the cheapest current Xbox, or need a small second console.
Xbox X vs S: specs side by side
| Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S | |
|---|---|---|
| GPU power | 12 teraflops | 4 teraflops |
| Target resolution | 4K at 60fps, up to 120fps | 1080p-1440p at 60fps, up to 120fps |
| Memory | 16GB GDDR6 | 10GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 1TB or 2TB SSD | 512GB or 1TB SSD |
| Disc drive | 4K Blu-ray (except Digital Edition) | None |
| Size | Tall tower, 4.45 kg | About 60% smaller, 1.93 kg |
| US price (Oct 2026) | $799.99 disc / $749.99 digital | $599.99 (1TB) / $499.99 (512GB) |
The difference between Xbox Series S and X in real games
Every game released for Xbox Series X|S runs on both consoles; developers have to support the Series S. The difference is how good it looks. On Series X, most big games run at 4K or near-4K with high detail, often with a 60fps performance mode, and many add ray tracing. On Series S, the same games usually run at 1080p to 1440p with lower texture quality and fewer effects, and some skip ray tracing. Load times are similar because both have fast SSDs. On a 1080p TV, the difference is much smaller than on a 4K TV.
One limit is memory: the Series S has less RAM, and a few games have arrived later on Series S or with missing features, such as split-screen in Baldur’s Gate 3 at launch. This is rare, but worth knowing if you love demanding games.
Storage: the Series S weak spot
The 512GB Series S has only about 364GB of usable space, enough for a handful of big games. If you choose the Series S, the 1TB model or a Storage Expansion Card is strongly recommended. Read our Xbox storage expansion guide.
Xbox Series S vs Xbox Series X: which is better value?
Price per performance favors the Series X: it costs more but delivers roughly three times the GPU power, a disc drive and more storage. Price of entry favors the Series S: it is the cheapest way to play Game Pass on a TV. If you plan to play for many years on a 4K TV, the Series X is the better long-term buy. If you already own a gaming PC or a PS5 and want a cheap Game Pass box, the Series S is ideal.
Xbox Series S vs Xbox One X
The Xbox One X (2017) actually has more raw GPU power on paper (6 teraflops) than the Series S (4 teraflops), so people often ask whether the older console is better. In practice, the Series S wins clearly. Its modern Zen 2 CPU is several times faster than the One X’s Jaguar processor, its SSD loads games in seconds instead of minutes, and its newer RDNA 2 graphics architecture does more work per teraflop. Most importantly, the Series S plays every new Xbox game, while the One X gets fewer new releases every year. The One X keeps two advantages: a 4K Blu-ray drive and sharper native 4K output in some older Xbox One X Enhanced games. If you are choosing between a used Xbox One X and a Series S at similar prices, pick the Series S unless you specifically want discs.
Xbox One S vs Xbox Series S
This one is easy: the Series S is far more powerful than the One S, loads much faster, supports 120fps and ray tracing, and gets new games. The One S still plays 4K Blu-ray discs and older Xbox One games, and it can be found very cheaply used. As a modern gaming console, the Series S is the right choice; the One S is only worth it as a cheap media player or a console for older games.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X
The Series X is a full generation ahead: twice the GPU power, a much faster CPU, an SSD instead of a hard drive, Quick Resume, 120fps modes and ray tracing. It also plays every Xbox One X game, often with improvements thanks to FPS Boost and Auto HDR. Upgrading from a One X to a Series X is one of the biggest jumps in console history in terms of load times and frame rates.
Comparison summary
- Most powerful current Xbox: Series X.
- Cheapest current Xbox: Series S 512GB.
- Best for discs: Series X (disc model) or Xbox One S/X for older collections.
- Best for a 1080p TV: Series S.
- Best for 4K and long-term use: Series X.
Which accessories work with both?
All Xbox Series X|S accessories are shared: controllers, headsets, Storage Expansion Cards, USB drives and the media remote work on either console. Xbox One controllers and most Xbox One accessories also work on both. That means you can upgrade from a Series S to a Series X later without replacing anything except perhaps your TV.
Series X vs Series S FAQ
Do all games work on Series S?
Yes. Every game released for Xbox Series X|S must support the Series S.
Is the Series S next gen?
Yes. The Series S is a current-generation console with the same CPU architecture, SSD technology and features as the Series X, just with less graphics power and no disc drive.
Can the Series S output 4K?
It can upscale games and play 4K streaming video, but most games render at 1080p-1440p.
Should I wait for the next Xbox?
Microsoft’s next console, Project Helix, is reported for 2028 and likely to be much more expensive. If you want to play now, buy a Series console; see the Project Helix page.
Compare both hubs: Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
Prices in late 2026
Microsoft raised Xbox prices again on August 1, 2026. The current US prices are $799.99 for the Xbox Series X with a disc drive, $749.99 for the Series X Digital, $599.99 for the 1TB Series S and $499.99 for the 512GB Series S. The gap between the cheapest Series S and the Series X is now $300, which makes the Series S the clear budget choice and the Series X the choice for players who want the best picture and a disc drive. The Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition, at $899.99 from November 13, 2026, uses Series X hardware.
Who should buy which?
- Choose the Series S if you play mostly on a 1080p or 1440p screen, rely on Game Pass, play popular online games like Fortnite and Call of Duty, or are buying for a child or a second room.
- Choose the Series X if you have a 4K TV, want the best graphics and frame rates, buy physical discs, or want more storage without buying an expansion card right away.
- Consider waiting only if you are happy to wait until at least 2028 for Project Helix, which is expected to cost much more.
Whichever you pick, your games, saves and Game Pass membership move with your account, so you can upgrade later without losing anything.