Although both the Xbox Series S and Series X have seen price increases since their debut, the Series S remains the more budget-friendly option. The primary distinction driving this cost difference is the absence of a disc drive on the Series S, making it a digital-only console. While a discless variant of the Series X exists at a slightly lower price point, the internal specifications of the two systems diverge significantly.
Under the hood, the Series X is built for higher performance, targeting 4K resolution with 12 teraflops of processing power. In contrast, the Series S is limited to 4 teraflops and 1440p native resolution, though both units support 120 fps output. Both consoles rely on custom AMD Zen 2 CPUs and RDNA 2 GPUs, but the Series X features a higher clock speed, 52 compute units compared to the Series S’s 20, and a more robust memory architecture.
Memory configurations further separate the two devices. The Series X includes 16GB of RAM, with 10GB capable of transferring data at 560 GB/s and an additional 6GB operating at 336 GB/s. The Series S comes with 10GB of RAM, where 8GB runs at 224 GB/s and 2GB at 56 GB/s. Additionally, base model Series S units offer 512GB of storage, whereas the Series X starts with 1TB, though both can be expanded via proprietary cards.
From a user perspective, the choice depends on gaming habits and space constraints. The Series S is approximately 60 percent smaller than the Series X, making it easier to fit into entertainment centers. It is well-suited for players who rely on Xbox Game Pass or digital purchases rather than physical media. However, for those who prioritize 4K visuals or own a collection of disc-based games, the Series X remains the superior choice.
For consumers willing to wait, Microsoft is developing Project Helix, a new family of devices expected to arrive after 2027. Alpha hardware is scheduled for developer distribution in 2027, suggesting a consumer launch likely follows. These upcoming machines are anticipated to be more expensive than current models, offering a potential middle ground for those seeking cutting-edge technology without committing to the current generation.
I’m skeptical about waiting for Helix. By then, prices will likely be higher and games won’t even run well on older hardware.
The size difference is actually huge. My TV stand is tiny, so the Series S fits perfectly where the boxy X never would.
Does anyone know if Project Helix will include a disc drive as standard? I’m tired of choosing between digital-only and premium pricing.
So the disc drive alone is worth like two hundred bucks? Seems steep for something that barely changes the CPU.
I didn’t realize the RAM speed difference was so drastic. That explains why the S feels slower loading assets.