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Microsoft announced a Carbon Black Xbox Series S with a 1TB SSD on June 11, 2023, and said it would be available beginning September 1, 2023. The new model doubled the original Series S’s 512GB built-in storage; Xbox said its speed and performance were otherwise the same. Its U.S. launch estimated retail price was $349.99.
What changed in the 1TB Carbon Black Series S?
The announcement introduced two headline changes: a matte Carbon Black finish and a 1TB custom NVMe SSD instead of the 512GB drive in the original Series S. Xbox described the storage as double the original capacity and said the console retained the same next-generation speed and performance. The finish was described as matching the look of Xbox Series X and the Xbox Wireless Controller; Xbox also noted that the console incorporated post-consumer recycled resins. Xbox’s June 11, 2023 announcement and its September 1, 2023 launch follow-up provide those product details.
The larger SSD means more room for installed digital games before you need to manage storage. It does not change the console into a disc-based system or make the games run faster than on the 512GB Series S.
When did it launch, and what was the announced price?
Xbox announced the console on June 11, 2023, with availability beginning September 1, 2023. The announced U.S. estimated retail price was $349.99. That is the original U.S. launch price, not a current quote or a guarantee of today’s price in any market.
#1 Best Overall
- BEST VALUE IN GAMING — Experience next-gen speed and performance in the smallest XBOX ever. The XBOX Series S delivers powerful all-digital gameplay in a sleek, compact design.
- UP TO 120 FPS GAMEPLAY — Enjoy smooth, responsive gaming with frame rates up to 120 FPS, powered by XBOX Velocity Architecture, a custom NVMe SSD, and DirectX Raytracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 1TB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 1TB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF DIGITAL GAMES — Play thousands of digital games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX with backward compatibility. Many titles are enhanced for better visuals and performance. Smart Delivery ensures you always get the best version for your console.
A Microsoft pricing document dated October 3, 2025 lists $449.99 for the U.S. Series S 1TB. It is a dated price reference, not evidence of the October 2026 price or the price or stock of the Carbon Black color specifically. See Microsoft’s U.S. console pricing document dated October 3, 2025. For a purchase, verify the exact color and storage configuration, retailer, condition, current stock, and price in your market.
Does the Carbon Black Series S play discs?
No. Xbox Series S is an all-digital console and does not support game discs. Games must be accessed digitally; buying a physical Xbox game disc will not let you play it on this console. Xbox’s Series S specifications page identifies the system as all-digital and confirms that it does not support discs.
Rank #2
- XBOX SERIES S 1TB: Go all digital and experience next-gen speed and performance. Double the fun with double the storage.
- FASTER LOAD TIMES: Make the most of every gaming minute with Quick Resume, lightning-fast load times, and gameplay of up to 120 FPS – all powered by Xbox Velocity Architecture.
- IN THE BOX: Xbox Series S 1TB console, one Xbox Wireless Controller, an ultra high-speed HDMI cable, power cable, and 2 AA batteries.
- SURROUND SOUND: Enhance gameplay with both full-spectrum visuals and immersive audio with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
- DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVORITE GAME: Get the most out of your Xbox Series S with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (membership sold separately) and be the first to play new games like Starfield and Forza Motorsport on day one.
What gaming and display capabilities does Series S offer?
Xbox positions Series S for 1440p gaming, with the ability to upscale to 4K. It lists gameplay support up to 120 FPS, but actual resolution and frame rate depend on the game and supported content, as well as a suitable display. These are manufacturer specifications, not a promise that every game runs at 1440p or 120 FPS.
How does it fit into the Series S lineup?
In June 2024, Xbox announced a 1TB Series S in Robot White, saying it had the same features as the Carbon Black 1TB model. Xbox said fans could still buy Carbon Black “while supplies last.” That statement describes the lineup at the time; it does not confirm current retailer stock or establish a definitive production end date. Xbox’s June 9, 2024 lineup announcement gives that historical context.
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- FASTEST, MOST POWERFUL XBOX — Experience next-generation performance with 12 teraflops of processing power, delivering smoother gameplay, richer worlds, and faster responsiveness than any previous XBOX.
- TRUE 4K GAMING UP TO 120 FPS — Enjoy breathtaking visuals with true 4K resolution, HDR, and frame rates up to 120 FPS, plus hardware-accelerated ray tracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 1TB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 1TB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF GAMES — Play thousands of games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX, with many titles enhanced for better visuals and performance on XBOX Series X.
The practical choice depends on whether you need the extra built-in storage, prefer the black finish, or require disc playback. Series S is the all-digital, 1440p-targeted option; Xbox describes Series X as native 4K and offers relevant configurations with a UHD Blu-ray disc player. Check the specifications and availability for the exact console configuration and market before choosing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you expand its storage?
Yes. Xbox lists Storage Expansion Cards for Xbox Series X|S as an optional way to expand console storage. The card is a separate accessory, not part of the console’s built-in 1TB SSD. Check compatibility and the capacity of a specific card before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
Rank #4
- Access your favorite entertainment through apps like YouTube, Netflix, and more
- Enjoy over 100 games right out of the box with a 1 month Xbox Game Pass trial
- Watch 4K Blu-ray movies and stream 4K video on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Microsoft Movies & TV, and more
- Play with friends and family near and farsitting together on the sofa or around the world on Xbox Live, the fastest, most reliable gaming network
- Xbox One games and accessories work together
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
