The current Xbox lineup includes the Series X, Series S, and the original Xbox One

Microsoft released the Xbox Series X and Series S in November 2020, and both are still the main consoles you can buy new. The Series X is the more powerful model with faster processing and better graphics. The Series S is smaller, less expensive, and still plays the same games — it just renders them at lower resolution on most titles.

The older Xbox One is still out there in the used market and still receives some game updates, but Microsoft stopped manufacturing it years ago. If you are shopping for a new console right now, your choice is between Series X and Series S.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft's current generation consists of two models: the Xbox Series X (the high-end version) and the Xbox Series S (the budget-friendly version), both released in 2020.
  • The Series X outputs 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second, while the Series S typically runs games at 1440p or 1080p depending on the title.
  • Both consoles play the same games and use the same Game Pass subscription service, so the choice comes down to your TV and budget.
  • The Xbox One is no longer manufactured, though used units are available and still receive some software updates.

Xbox Series X versus Series S: which one to choose

The Series X costs more but delivers sharper visuals and faster load times. If you own a 4K television and want the best performance the current generation offers, the Series X is the better choice. Games load noticeably faster on the Series X, and some titles run at higher frame rates.

The Series S is the right pick if you have a 1080p or 1440p TV, or if you want to spend less. It plays every game the Series X plays — there are no exclusive titles locked to the more expensive model. The main trade-off is visual quality and speed, not game availability. Many players find the Series S more than adequate, especially if they play online multiplayer games where frame rate matters less than on single-player titles.

Both consoles come with a one-month trial of Xbox Game Pass, which is a subscription service that includes hundreds of games. Game Pass is available on both models at the same price.

Where to buy Xbox Series X and Series S

Both consoles are widely available at major retailers including Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Prices are consistent across retailers — the Series X typically costs around $500 and the Series S around $300, though occasional sales do happen. Stock is generally stable now, unlike the shortages that occurred in 2020 and 2021.

You can also buy refurbished or used units from GameStop, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace if you want to spend less. Refurbished units from official retailers come with a warranty, but used units from private sellers do not. Check the condition carefully before buying used.

What happened to the Xbox One

The Xbox One launched in 2013 and was Microsoft's main console for seven years. Production ended around 2020 as the Series X and Series S took over. You can still find Xbox One units in the used market, and they still work — Microsoft continues to release security updates and some games still come out for it.

However, new games are increasingly exclusive to the Series X and Series S. If you are buying a console now, the Xbox One is not the right choice because you will hit a wall with new releases within a year or two. The Series S is cheap enough that buying used Xbox One hardware is not worth the savings.

Game Pass and what it includes

Both Series X and Series S come with a one-month Game Pass trial. Game Pass is a subscription that gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee — think of it like Netflix for video games. New Microsoft games appear on Game Pass on the day they release, which is unusual in the industry.

Game Pass includes games from major studios like Bethesda and Obsidian, which Microsoft owns. You can download games to your console or stream them over the internet if your connection is fast enough. The subscription renews monthly unless you cancel, so set a reminder if you only want to try it once.

Backwards compatibility: playing older games

Both the Series X and Series S can play most Xbox One games, and many games from the original Xbox and Xbox 360 era. This means your old game collection still works on the new hardware. Some older games run better on the new consoles — they load faster and sometimes run at higher frame rates than they did on the original hardware.

Not every old game is compatible, but the list is extensive. You can check whether a specific game works by searching the Xbox backwards compatibility list on Microsoft's website. Physical discs from Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox will work in the Series X, but the Series S has no disc drive, so you can only play digital versions on that model.

Storage and what you need to know about it

The Series X comes with 1 terabyte of storage, and the Series S comes with 512 gigabytes. Both sound like a lot, but modern games are large — a single game can take 100 to 150 gigabytes. You will fill the Series S storage with just a few games.

Both consoles let you expand storage with an external hard drive, but there is a catch: you can play Xbox One games from the external drive, but Series X and Series S games must be on the internal drive. Microsoft sells an official expansion card that plugs into the back of the console and costs extra. If you plan to own many games, budget for either the expansion card or plan to delete and reinstall games as you switch between them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a new Xbox coming out soon?

Microsoft has not announced a new generation console. The Series X and Series S are still current, and typically a new generation does not arrive until at least five to seven years after the previous one launched. The Series X and Series S came out in 2020, so a successor is likely several years away.

Can I play my old Xbox games on the new consoles?

Most Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games work on Series X and Series S. Check the official backwards compatibility list on Microsoft's website to confirm a specific game. Physical discs work on the Series X but not the Series S, which has no disc drive.

Do I need a 4K TV to enjoy the Series X?

No. The Series X will work on any TV with an HDMI port. If your TV is 1080p or 1440p, the console will output at that resolution instead of 4K. You will still get faster load times and better performance than on the Series S, but the visual difference will be smaller.

What is the difference between Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold?

Xbox Live Gold is a separate subscription that lets you play online multiplayer games. Game Pass is a library of games you can download and play. You need both if you want to play online multiplayer games from Game Pass, but they are sold separately.

Can I use my old Xbox controller on the new consoles?

Yes. Xbox One controllers work with Series X and Series S. The new consoles also come with an updated controller that has a slightly different design, but older controllers are fully compatible.