The current Xbox consoles are the Series X and Series S

Microsoft released two new Xbox consoles in November 2020: the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. Both machines run the same games and use the same online services, but they differ in processing power, storage, and price. The Series X is the more powerful model, while the Series S is a smaller, less expensive option designed for players who want current-generation gaming without the highest performance tier.

These consoles replaced the Xbox One family, which Microsoft stopped manufacturing in 2016. If you own an older Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X, those are previous-generation machines. Games you own for those systems often work on Series X and Series S through backward compatibility, meaning you can play your existing library on the newer hardware.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft's current consoles are called the Xbox Series X (the high-performance model) and Xbox Series S (the budget-friendly model), both released in November 2020.
  • The Series X outputs games at up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second, while the Series S targets 1440p resolution and up to 120 frames per second on some games.
  • The Series X has one terabyte of storage; the Series S has 512 gigabytes, though both can be expanded with external drives or the Seagate expansion card.
  • Most games made for Xbox One work on both Series X and Series S through backward compatibility, so your existing game library transfers over.

Xbox Series X specifications and what it does

The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's flagship console. It has a custom processor with eight cores running at 3.8 gigahertz, 16 gigabytes of RAM, and a one-terabyte solid-state drive. The machine can output games at 4K resolution (3840 by 2160 pixels) at up to 120 frames per second, though most games run at 4K and 60 frames per second. It supports ray tracing, a rendering technique that simulates realistic lighting and reflections.

The Series X is shaped like a black tower about 15 centimeters tall and sits vertically on a stand or horizontally on a shelf. It includes a disc drive, so you can play physical game discs, Blu-ray movies, and 4K Blu-ray films. The console connects to your television through an HDMI 2.1 cable and requires a power outlet.

Xbox Series S specifications and what it does

The Xbox Series S is a smaller, less powerful version of the Series X. It has the same processor as the Series X but with a lower graphics processor, 10 gigabytes of RAM, and 512 gigabytes of storage — half the Series X's capacity. Games on Series S typically run at 1440p resolution (2560 by 1440 pixels) at up to 120 frames per second, though many run at 1080p or 1440p at 60 frames per second.

The Series S is white, roughly the size of a small book, and designed to sit horizontally next to your television. It has no disc drive, so you cannot play physical games or movies — all games must be downloaded from the Xbox Store or played through Xbox Game Pass. The smaller size and lack of a disc drive make it cheaper than the Series X and easier to fit in tight entertainment spaces.

Storage differences and how to expand both consoles

The Series X comes with one terabyte of internal storage, while the Series S has 512 gigabytes. Modern games are large — titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II take up 150 gigabytes or more — so the Series S's storage fills quickly if you download many games. Both consoles let you expand storage using external USB drives for backward-compatible Xbox One games, but new Series X and Series S games require the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S, which costs around $220 for one terabyte and plugs into the back of the console.

If you own a Series S and plan to download many new games, budget for the expansion card. The Series X's larger storage means you can keep more games installed without buying additional hardware, though power users often add the expansion card anyway to avoid constantly uninstalling and reinstalling titles.

Game compatibility and what you can play

Both Series X and Series S play the same games. New titles released for Xbox are built for both consoles, though the Series X version often has higher resolution or frame rates. Older games from the Xbox One era work on both Series X and Series S through backward compatibility — Microsoft has certified hundreds of Xbox One games to run on the new hardware, sometimes with performance improvements.

Games from the original Xbox and Xbox 360 also work on Series X and Series S if you own them digitally or have the physical disc. However, a small number of older games are not compatible. You can check whether a specific game works before you buy by searching the Xbox Store or visiting the official backward compatibility list on Microsoft's website.

Xbox Game Pass and online services

Both consoles use the same online services. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee — it works the same way on Series X and Series S. Xbox Game Pass for Console costs around $11 per month and includes day-one access to new Microsoft-published games. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which costs around $17 per month, adds Xbox Live Gold (required for online multiplayer) and cloud gaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming.

To play online multiplayer games on either console, you need an Xbox Live Gold subscription or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Both consoles also support the same streaming services — Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and others — so the entertainment experience is identical between the two models.

Which console should you choose

Choose the Xbox Series X if you have a 4K television, want the highest frame rates and graphics settings, plan to buy many physical games, or want maximum storage without buying an expansion card. The Series X is the better choice for players who want the best possible performance and don't mind spending more.

Choose the Xbox Series S if you have a 1080p or 1440p television, play mostly through Xbox Game Pass, don't care about physical discs, or want a smaller console that takes up less space. The Series S is significantly cheaper and plays the same games — the difference is resolution and frame rate, which matters less on smaller screens or if you're comfortable with 1440p gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play the same games on Series X and Series S?

Yes. New games released for Xbox work on both consoles. The Series X version usually has higher resolution or frame rates, but you're playing the same game. Both consoles also play backward-compatible Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games.

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

No. The Series X works with any television that has an HDMI port. If your TV is 1080p or 1440p, you'll see the benefit of the Series X's faster performance and frame rates, but not the 4K resolution. A 4K TV lets you see the full capabilities of the console.

Can I play physical game discs on the Xbox Series S?

No. The Series S has no disc drive, so all games must be downloaded. If you own a large collection of physical Xbox games, the Series X is the better choice because it can play discs.

How much does it cost to expand storage on Series S?

The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S costs around $220 for one terabyte. You can also use external USB drives to store backward-compatible Xbox One games, which is free if you already own a drive.

What's the difference between Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold?

Xbox Live Gold is required to play online multiplayer games. Xbox Game Pass is a library of games you can download and play. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes both, plus cloud gaming. You need at least one of these subscriptions to play online on either console.