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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Xbox Series X is the more powerful console; Xbox Series S is the smaller, digital-only alternative. Both use the same Zen 2 CPU family, SSD-based Xbox Velocity Architecture, backward compatibility, Quick Resume and support for up to 120fps in compatible games. Series X has roughly three times the GPU compute performance, more memory, higher-resolution targets, larger storage options and, on selected models, a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive. Series S costs less than Series X in the U.S. Store, but its 2026 price is much higher than the historical launch price.
U.S. Microsoft Store prices and availability checked August 18, 2026.
Quick comparison
| Specification | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 8-core custom AMD Zen 2, 3.8GHz; 3.6GHz with SMT | 8-core custom AMD Zen 2, 3.8GHz; 3.6GHz with SMT |
| GPU | Custom RDNA 2, 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs at 1.825GHz | Custom RDNA 2, 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs at 1.565GHz |
| Memory | 16GB GDDR6; 10GB at 560GB/s and 6GB at 336GB/s | 10GB GDDR6; 8GB at 224GB/s and 2GB at 56GB/s |
| Gaming target | Native or “true” 4K; up to 120fps in supported games | 1440p; can upscale to 4K; up to 120fps in supported games |
| Internal SSD options | 1TB, 1TB Digital Edition or 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition | 512GB or 1TB |
| Disc drive | Standard 1TB Carbon Black and 2TB Galaxy Black models include 4K UHD Blu-ray; 1TB Digital Edition does not | None |
| Dimensions | 15.1 × 15.1 × 30.1cm | 6.5 × 15.1 × 27.5cm |
| Weight | 9.8lb disc model; 7.9lb digital model | 4.25lb |
| Ports | 1 HDMI 2.1; 3 USB 3.1 Gen 1 | 1 HDMI 2.1; 3 USB 3.1 Gen 1 |
| U.S. Store price checked August 18, 2026 | $749.99 Digital Edition; $799.99 standard model; 2TB listed at $799.99 but out of stock | $499.99 512GB; $599.99 1TB White |
Microsoft’s complete comparison is available on its Xbox comparison page. Model names and availability vary by market, so confirm the exact configuration before buying.
Xbox Series X official specifications
CPU and GPU
Series X uses an eight-core custom AMD Zen 2 CPU rated at 3.8GHz without simultaneous multithreading, or 3.6GHz with SMT. Its custom RDNA 2 GPU has 52 compute units running at 1.825GHz and is rated at 12 TFLOPS.
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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.
The console’s headline advantage is graphical performance. Its GPU has three times the official compute figure of Series S, but that does not mean every game runs at exactly three times the frame rate. Resolution, ray tracing, game-engine design, CPU workload and developer-selected modes all affect results.
Memory and storage
Series X has 16GB of GDDR6 memory on a 320-bit bus. Microsoft specifies 10GB at 560GB/s and 6GB at 336GB/s. It is available in 1TB and 2TB configurations, although the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition was listed out of stock when checked and Microsoft announced that the model would be sunset.
The advertised capacity is not the same as free space available for games. The operating system and reserved system data use part of the SSD, and modern games can occupy a substantial amount of space.
Video, ports and size
Series X is designed for native 4K gaming and supports up to 120fps in compatible titles. It includes HDMI 2.1, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet and support for variable refresh rate and Auto Low-Latency Mode.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe disc model measures 15.1 × 15.1 × 30.1cm and weighs 9.8lb. The digital model has the same listed dimensions but weighs 7.9lb.
Xbox Series S official specifications
CPU and GPU
Series S uses the same published CPU specification as Series X: eight custom AMD Zen 2 cores at 3.8GHz, or 3.6GHz with SMT. It is therefore not simply an older Xbox in a new case.
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
The major reduction is the GPU. Series S has 20 RDNA 2 compute units at 1.565GHz and 4 TFLOPS. The lower GPU capacity is paired with less memory and lower bandwidth, which is why the console targets lower rendering resolutions and may use reduced visual settings in demanding games.
Memory, SSD and video target
Series S includes 10GB of GDDR6 on a 128-bit bus: 8GB at 224GB/s and 2GB at 56GB/s. Storage options are 512GB and 1TB. The 512GB version is the model most likely to require regular game management because the usable space is lower than the number printed on the box.
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Size and connectivity
Series S measures 6.5 × 15.1 × 27.5cm and weighs 4.25lb. It has HDMI 2.1, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet. Its compact size is a substantial practical advantage, but it still needs appropriate ventilation clearance.
What the specification gap means in games
Resolution: native 4K versus upscaled 4K
Series X is the better choice for buyers who specifically want native 4K or the strongest image quality available from an Xbox console. Series S is intended primarily for 1440p. A game may use dynamic resolution scaling, a quality mode, a performance mode or a ray-tracing mode on either console, so neither machine guarantees one fixed resolution in every title.
In practical terms, a 4K television is compatible with Series S, but the console does not become equivalent to Series X when connected to one. The distinction is between 4K output, which Series S can provide, and native 4K rendering, which is the Series X target in supported games.
Rank #3
- 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.
Frame rate and 120Hz
Both consoles support up to 120fps in compatible software. To use that mode, the game must offer it and the television or monitor must support the appropriate refresh rate and input features. A 120Hz display does not make every game run at 120fps; many titles remain capped at 30fps or 60fps, or offer separate quality and performance modes.
Series X generally has more headroom for high-resolution, high-frame-rate and ray-tracing modes because of its substantially stronger GPU and memory subsystem. That is a hardware-based expectation, not a universal frame-rate guarantee for every game.
Why memory matters
Series X has 16GB of memory compared with 10GB in Series S, and its memory bandwidth is also higher. Capacity and bandwidth affect how much visual data a game can keep available, including textures, resolution buffers and some advanced effects. Memory bandwidth is not the same as SSD speed and does not independently determine frame rate, but it is an important part of the consoles’ different graphics targets.
Shared features
Both consoles use Xbox Velocity Architecture and support:
- Quick Resume
- Smart Delivery
- Variable refresh rate
- Auto Low-Latency Mode
- DirectX ray tracing
- Spatial sound
- HDMI 2.1
- Three USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
- 802.11ac dual-band wireless and Gigabit Ethernet
- Dolby and DTS audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD with Atmos support
- Thousands of games spanning four Xbox generations
- Most Xbox One controllers and gaming accessories
Microsoft lists the same 2.4GB/s raw and 4.8GB/s compressed I/O throughput for the consoles. That shared SSD architecture enables fast loading and Quick Resume, but it does not make their graphics performance identical.
Storage and expansion
Both systems support Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Cards. These cards are designed to match the internal SSD’s performance and are the appropriate expansion option for running Series X|S-optimized games from additional storage.
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.
A USB 3.1 external hard drive or SSD is useful for storing games and running compatible older titles. However, Series X|S-optimized games generally need to be moved to the internal SSD or an expansion card to receive their intended performance. A USB drive is therefore not a complete substitute for an expansion card.
Storage should be part of the purchase calculation. A 512GB Series S may have the lowest entry price, but a buyer with a large digital library could soon need additional storage. Do not assume a fixed ownership cost: expansion-card prices, game sizes and the buyer’s library vary.
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Disc support and backward compatibility
Every Series S model is digital-only. It cannot play physical Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Xbox 360 or original Xbox discs. Backward compatibility does not turn a physical disc into a digital licence.
The standard 1TB Carbon Black Series X has a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, as does the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition. The 1TB Series X Digital Edition has no drive. If you own discs, buy used games, borrow physical games or want UHD Blu-ray playback, check the exact Series X model rather than assuming every Series X includes a drive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Current U.S. prices and model availability
On August 18, 2026, Microsoft’s U.S. Store listed:
- Xbox Series S: $499.99
- Xbox Series S 1TB White: $599.99
- Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition: $749.99
- Xbox Series X standard model: $799.99
- Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black: $799.99, listed out of stock
Microsoft announced U.S. console price increases effective August 1, 2026: $100 for 512GB models and $150 for 1TB models. Consequently, launch prices are historical rather than current U.S. pricing. The Xbox Series S launched at $299 and the Series X at $499, but older articles quoting those prices should not be used as a current buying guide.
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Microsoft’s Store listing and the company’s announcement about the 2TB model do not perfectly describe the same availability situation. Treat stock and regional pricing as live information and verify them with Microsoft or a retailer before purchasing.
Which Xbox should you buy?
Choose Series X if you:
- Want native 4K or the strongest available image quality.
- Own a 4K television and care about graphical headroom.
- Need to play physical Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One or UHD Blu-ray discs.
- Want more internal storage or expect to install many large games.
- Care about higher-resolution performance modes, ray tracing and demanding graphics settings.
- Want the most capable conventional Xbox and can justify the price.
Choose Series S if you:
- Want the smallest and lightest console.
- Buy only digital games or mainly use a digital subscription library.
- Play on a 1080p or 1440p display.
- Accept lower rendering resolutions or reduced graphics settings where necessary.
- Want to spend less than the available Series X models.
- Already have another device for physical games.
By display
For a 1080p or 1440p display, Series S can be a sensible fit if its digital-only limitation and storage capacity are acceptable. For a 4K display, Series X is the stronger choice if you want the console’s higher-resolution potential rather than merely a compatible 4K output.
By game library
A physical collection makes Series S a poor fit because discs cannot be used. A large digital library makes the 512GB model less attractive unless you are comfortable uninstalling and redownloading games or budgeting for an expansion card.
Bottom line
Buy Xbox Series X for performance, native-4K potential, physical media and greater storage. Buy Xbox Series S for compact size and a lower entry price when you are committed to digital games and primarily play at 1080p or 1440p. The shared CPU and Xbox features make Series S a current-generation console, but its GPU and memory limits are substantial; it is not a smaller Series X with identical graphics performance.
For exact specifications, see Microsoft’s Series X page, Series S page and comparison page.
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.
