Xbox Series S Review: Affordable Gaming at Its Finest
Gaming fans looking for a cheap next-gen console will love the Xbox Series S. It's small but packs a big punch, making it perfect for those on a tight budget.
Joystick Journal
2/23/20256 min read


Gaming fans looking for a cheap next-gen console will love the Xbox Series S in 2024. It's small but packs a big punch, making it perfect for those on a tight budget.
Microsoft made the Xbox Series S for digital games only. It offers top-notch graphics and smooth play without the high cost of other consoles. Its sleek white look and small size are a game-changer in console gaming.
This console is a cheaper option compared to the Xbox Series X. It shows that you don't need to spend a lot to have great gaming. The Xbox Series S review (2024) shows it's a big deal for its price and performance.
Check out the >>> Xbox Series S on <<< Amazon
Key Takeaways
Compact and affordable next-gen gaming solution
Digital-only platform with impressive performance
Designed for 1080p gaming experiences
Ideal for casual and budget-conscious gamers
Seamless integration with Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Series S review: The best choice for gamers on a budget
Microsoft's Xbox Series S is a small but mighty console. It's perfect for those who want top-notch gaming without spending a lot. This tiny console has amazing tech and a cool design that makes any gaming area look better.
Compact and Efficient Design
The Xbox Series S is only 2.6 inches tall. It's a big step forward in making consoles smaller. Its white look and small size fit well in any room. It's also quiet and digital-only, making it great for today's gaming spaces.
Powerful Technical Specifications
Even though it's small, the Xbox Series S is very powerful. It has an 8-core processor and 10GB of RAM. This means it can handle 1440p gaming well. It also has ray tracing for better graphics and cloud gaming for more fun.
Unbeatable Value Proposition
The Xbox Series S costs $349.99 for the 1TB model (price may vary). It's a great deal for starting with next-gen gaming. It has fast SSD storage and comes with Xbox Game Pass. This gives you access to lots of games without extra cost.
Check out the >>> Xbox Series S on <<< Amazon
Performance and Gaming Experience
The Xbox Series S gives a great gaming experience. It has a strong eight-core 3.6GHz CPU and a 4 teraflops GPU. This makes it a good deal for those who want to save money.
It shows great performance in games. Most games run well at 1440p and look good at 4K. Games like Dead Island 2 run smoothly at 60 fps, showing the console's power.
The Series S has fast SSD technology. This makes games load up quickly. You can switch between games easily with Quick Resume, making gaming better.
Some games might not run perfectly in very detailed scenes, but the Xbox Series S usually keeps games running smoothly. Forza Motorsport shows this, running well at different settings.
The Xbox Series S proves that next-generation gaming doesn't require breaking the bank.
Storage Solutions and Digital Gaming
The Xbox Series S is great for gamers who want value in a small package. It has a 512GB SSD. This makes playing games smooth and easy to manage.
Internal Storage Capacity
The console has a 512GB SSD. After system software, you get about 360GB. This can hold 4-6 games at a time. Xbox Game Pass users will find it easy to switch games.
Check out the >>> Xbox Series S on <<< Amazon
Expansion Options
There are many ways to expand your Xbox Series S. The Seagate Storage Expansion Card adds 1TB. You can also use USB drives for older games. This lets you keep your library organized.
Digital Library Management
Managing your games is key with an all-digital console. Xbox Game Pass helps you download and remove games easily. Cloud gaming is also a good option for saving space.
Pro tip: Regularly curate your game library to maximize available storage and maintain optimal performance.
Xbox Game Pass Integration and Digital Library
The Xbox Series S makes gaming easy with Microsoft's new way. Xbox Game Pass lets players get into hundreds of games with one subscription.
Cloud gaming is a big deal for Series S users. It lets players play games on many devices, breaking old rules. The subscription is great, with new Microsoft games available right away.
Game Pass Ultimate is special. It mixes console, PC, and cloud gaming. Subscribers get access to a huge library that keeps getting bigger, with new games all the time. The Series S fits perfectly with this streaming idea.
There are over 100 games to play, with more coming. Xbox Game Pass is more than a service. It's a full gaming world. It makes top-notch gaming cheaper and easier for everyone.
"Xbox Game Pass transforms how we discover, play, and experience video games."
Microsoft's dream of a connected gaming world is real with this digital experience. The Xbox Series S is a great choice for those who want lots of fun without spending a lot.
Next-Gen Features and Capabilities
The Xbox Series S is a big step forward in gaming. It has amazing graphics and performance. This small console offers top gaming features at a good price.
Quick Resume Revolution
Xbox Velocity Architecture brings a new feature called Quick Resume. It lets you switch between six games fast. No more waiting for games to load.
Check out the >>> Xbox Series S on <<< Amazon
Ray Tracing and Visual Fidelity
Ray tracing makes games look real on the Series S. It adds depth and realism. Games look better with cool lighting and shadows.
Performance at 1440p Gaming
The console is great for 1440p gaming. It runs games smoothly at up to 120 frames per second. It has a fast processor and lots of RAM for clear gameplay.
Even though it aims for 1440p, it can sometimes go up to 4K. This means games look really good for their price.
With 16 games currently supporting 120 fps, the Xbox Series S offers a remarkable next-gen gaming experience that was previously unimaginable at this price range.
Comparison with Other Consoles
The Xbox Series S is a great choice for those who want to save money. It costs just $299.99. (Price may vary.). This makes it a good option compared to pricier consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
Looking at the Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X, we see some differences. The Series S has 4 teraflops of GPU power. The Series X has 12 teraflops. But, for those watching their budget, the Series S is a good choice.
Compared to the PlayStation 5, the Series S is much cheaper. Sony's console aims for 4K gaming. But the Series S focuses on 1440p, making games smoother at a lower price. Its small size and digital-only format also help keep costs down.
The Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck offer portable gaming. But the Xbox Series S is more powerful for home use. It has fast load times and supports Xbox Game Pass. This makes it a great deal for those who want top-notch gaming without spending too much.
The Xbox Series S proves that high-quality gaming doesn't require a massive investment.
Conclusion
The Xbox Series S is a top choice for those starting with next-gen gaming. It's priced at $249 and packs a lot of power. Its design is sleek, showing that you don't need to spend a lot to play great games.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate makes the Series S even better. For $16.99 a month, you get access to many games. It's great for those who want to play without spending a lot. (price may vary)
But the Series S has a big drawback: its storage. The original model has less than 400GB for games. The new Carbon Black Edition has 1TB, making it better for gamers.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Xbox Series S is a smart choice. It's affordable, has a strong Game Pass, and is easy to carry. Microsoft has made gaming more accessible without losing quality.
Check out the >>> Xbox Series S on <<< Amazon
Source Links
Xbox Series S Review - https://nichegamer.com/reviews/xbox-series-s-review/
The best Xbox Series X games in 2025 — our top picks - https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-xbox-series-x-games
The 20 best Xbox Series X/S games you should play right now - https://www.eurogamer.net/best-xbox-series-x-s-games
Xbox Series S 1TB review: the best option for console buyers on a budget - https://www.techradar.com/gaming/xbox-series-s-1tb-review
Choosing the Right Xbox: Series X or Series S - https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/choosing-best-xbox-series-x-vs-series-s/
Xbox Series S 1TB review: the best option for console buyers on a budget - https://www.yahoo.com/tech/xbox-series-1tb-review-best-140000287.html
Xbox Series S vs Xbox One S - which one should you go for? - https://www.videogamer.com/tech/console/xbox-series-s-vs-xbox-one-s/
Best Xbox Series X hard drives and SSDs in 2025: upgrade your storage for less - https://www.techradar.com/gaming/xbox/best-xbox-series-x-hard-drives-and-ssds
The Best Amazon Prime Day 2024 Xbox Series X and Series S Deals Still Live - https://gamerant.com/best-prime-day-deals-xbox-series-x-s/
Is the Xbox Series S Worth It in 2025? - thinglabs - https://thinglabs.io/is-the-xbox-series-s-worth-it-in-2025
Is Xbox Series X Worth It in 2025? - ComputerCity - https://computercity.com/consoles/xbox/is-xbox-series-x-worth-it-in-2025
Xbox Series S review: budget-friendly next-gen gameplay - Gayming Magazine - https://gaymingmag.com/2020/11/xbox-series-s-review-budget-friendly-next-gen-gameplay/
Xbox Series S review - https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/xbox-series-s
Best gaming console in 2025: every major system tested and ranked - https://www.techradar.com/news/best-consoles
Xbox Series S review (2024): The best choice for gamers on a budget - https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-series-s-review
Xbox Series S Review for 2024 - https://tomeversley.com/xbox-series-s-review-for-2024/
Xbox Series S: The Compact Powerhouse - https://twicethebits.com/2024/07/01/xbox-series-s-the-compact-powerhouse/
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