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Choose Xbox Series X if you want native 4K gaming, a model with a UHD Blu-ray drive, or the option of up to 2TB of listed internal storage. Choose Xbox Series S if an all-digital console designed for 1440p gaming—with the ability to upscale to 4K—fits your setup and library. Check the exact model and current local price before buying: Series X comes in both disc-drive and all-digital editions, and Xbox says availability and pricing vary by market and retailer.
What’s the difference between Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S?
The main differences are resolution target, disc support and available internal-storage configurations. Xbox describes Series X as displaying games in native 4K. Series S is designed for 1440p gaming and can upscale to 4K; connecting it to a 4K television does not make it a native-4K console. Both are part of the Xbox Series X|S platform and share several features, including Quick Resume and Smart Delivery. Xbox’s Series X product information and its official console comparison describe the differences and shared features.
| What to compare | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution target | Xbox describes games as displayed in native 4K. | Designed for 1440p gaming, with the ability to upscale to 4K. |
| Disc options | Some configurations include a UHD Blu-ray drive; an all-digital configuration is also listed. | All-digital. |
| Listed internal-storage configurations | 1TB or 2TB, depending on configuration. | 512GB or 1TB, depending on configuration. |
| Shared platform features | Quick Resume, Smart Delivery, Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, play across four generations, and support for up to 120 FPS when the game and display support it. | |
Capacities above are configuration labels, not claims about usable formatted space. The models and configurations shown vary by market; check the listing in your region. Xbox’s comparison page lists Series X configurations as 1TB disc-drive Carbon Black, 1TB all-digital Robot White and 2TB disc-drive Galaxy Black. Its Series S listings include 512GB all-digital Robot White, 1TB all-digital Carbon Black and 1TB all-digital Robot White.
Choose Series X if native 4K or discs matter most
You want a native-4K target
Series X is the clearer fit if native 4K gaming is a priority. Resolution in an individual game can depend on the game itself, but Xbox positions Series X for native 4K, unlike Series S, whose stated design target is 1440p with 4K upscaling. If you are comfortable with upscaling or play on a 1440p-oriented setup, the resolution distinction may matter less to your choice.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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.
You use supported physical games or UHD Blu-ray
Choose a Series X configuration with a UHD Blu-ray disc drive if you want to play supported disc games or watch UHD Blu-ray movies. Not every Series X has a drive: Xbox also lists an all-digital model, so verify the edition rather than relying on the Series X name alone. For a supported disc game, the disc must remain in the drive to play after installation. Series S is all-digital and cannot play game discs or UHD Blu-ray discs.
Choose Series S if an all-digital, 1440p console suits you
Series S makes sense if you buy and access games digitally, do not need a disc drive, and are comfortable with its 1440p design target and 4K upscaling. It is also available in a 1TB configuration, so compare that option with the Series X model you are considering instead of assuming every Series S has the same capacity. Xbox associates Game Pass with access to a game library and other benefits on its comparison page, but a subscription is optional—not a requirement for using either console.
Rank #2
- What's in the box: Xbox Series X console, 1 Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black, Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, Power cord.
- Equipped with AMD's Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, DirectX ray tracing delivers true-to-life lighting, shadows and accurate reflections to create dynamic, living worlds.
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6 w/320 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6 GB @ 336 GB/s; Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: True 4K; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; High Dynamic Range: Up to 8K HDR; Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
- Bundled with HDMI_Cable
How much storage do you need?
Choose based on the size and turnover of your installed game library, then compare the capacity and price of the exact console configuration available locally. Series X is listed in 1TB and 2TB configurations; Series S is listed in 512GB and 1TB configurations. Those figures describe the editions, not the amount of free space after system software and other usage.
Expand with a dedicated card or USB drive
Xbox says the separately sold Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card adds game storage at the same performance as the console’s custom SSD. Xbox also lists USB 3.1 external HDD support. An external HDD is a different option and should not be treated as equivalent to the expansion card’s SSD performance. See Xbox’s comparison page or Series X product page for its storage details.
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- 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.
- 512GB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 512GB 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.
What features do both consoles share?
Xbox lists Velocity Architecture, Quick Resume, Smart Delivery, Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode for both consoles. Both support up to 120 FPS when the game and display support that frame rate; it is not a guarantee that every game will run at 120 FPS. Xbox also says Series X|S consoles work with most Xbox One controllers and gaming accessories. The shared platform features are useful if you are choosing between these two systems, but they do not erase the differences in resolution target, disc access or configuration options.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which console is better value?
There is no single current price comparison established here: Xbox says prices and availability vary by market and retailer. Compare live local listings for the specific storage and disc configuration you want, including the cost of a separate storage card if you expect to need one. Do not use launch prices as today’s prices: Microsoft’s September 2020 fact sheet listed launch prices of $499 USD for Series X and $299 USD for Series S, historical figures rather than current offers (Xbox Series X|S Fact Sheet).
Rank #4
- 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.
For technical context, Xbox lists Series S with a custom Zen 2 CPU, a custom RDNA 2 GPU rated at 4 TFLOPS, 10GB GDDR6 memory, and a custom NVMe SSD in 512GB or 1TB editions. Those specifications do not, by themselves, tell you how a particular game will look or perform; for this buying decision, the stated resolution target, disc needs and storage configuration are more directly useful.
Quick Recap
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.
