Is the Xbox One still worth buying in 2024, considering its age, the availability of newer consoles like the Xbox Series S/X, the price difference between them, and the game availability on each platform? Specifically, I’m wondering about the cost-benefit analysis focusing on factors like access to Game Pass, the used game market for Xbox One, the visual and performance differences in games between the Xbox One and newer consoles, and whether the Xbox One is still viable for casual gamers or families with budget constraints who primarily want to play existing games and don’t necessarily need the latest technology.

Answer

The Xbox One’s worth in any given year depends heavily on your individual needs and priorities. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:

Reasons Why the Xbox One Might Still Be Worth Buying:

  • Price: The Xbox One is significantly cheaper than the Xbox Series X or S. Used consoles are particularly affordable. If budget is your primary concern, it’s a viable option.
  • Game Library: The Xbox One has a massive game library, including many excellent titles. A large percentage of games are also backward compatible with the Series X/S, but the One gives you access to physical games, if you prefer that.
  • Physical Media: The Xbox One can play Blu-ray discs and DVDs, which the Xbox Series S cannot.
  • Xbox Game Pass: Access to Xbox Game Pass grants you access to a large library of downloadable games. While this is also available on newer consoles and PC, if you are just interested in the games and not top-of-the-line performance, this provides great value.
  • Second Console: It can serve as a second console for another room, especially for households with multiple players.
  • Casual Gaming: For casual gamers who aren’t concerned with the latest graphics or frame rates, the Xbox One provides a solid gaming experience.
  • Streaming: Xbox One still supports many streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.

Reasons Why the Xbox One Might Not Be Worth Buying:

  • Performance: The Xbox One’s hardware is outdated. Games will load slower, graphics will be less impressive, and frame rates will be lower compared to the Xbox Series X/S. Newer games might not even be released for the platform at all.
  • No New Games Optimized for the One: Microsoft has moved on to optimizing games for the Xbox Series X/S. New titles may not be optimized or even playable on the older console.
  • Resolution and Frame Rate: The Xbox One is limited to 1080p resolution for most games, while the Xbox One X offered 4K. Frame rates are generally locked at 30fps on the original Xbox One, while newer consoles target 60fps or even 120fps.
  • Loading Times: Loading times are significantly longer on the Xbox One compared to the SSD-equipped Xbox Series X/S.
  • Future Support: While Xbox Live services will likely continue to function for some time, the Xbox One is in the twilight of its life cycle. There will be reduced software updates and support moving forward.
  • Resale Value: The resale value of the Xbox One is continuously decreasing as time goes on.
  • Digital-Only Future: If you’re primarily interested in digital games, the Xbox Series S is a more forward-looking console with better performance and features at a similar or only slightly higher price point (especially when new).

Consider these questions to make your decision:

  • What is your budget?
  • What resolution and frame rate are you targeting?
  • Do you want access to the latest games, or are you content with older titles?
  • Do you prioritize performance and loading times?
  • Do you need a console with a disc drive?
  • Are you interested in Xbox Game Pass?
  • How long do you plan to use the console?

In summary: If budget is your absolute top priority and you’re fine with older games at lower resolutions and frame rates, a used Xbox One might be a viable option as a budget gaming console. However, the Xbox Series S offers significantly better performance, future-proofing, and access to newer games for a relatively modest price increase. If you can afford it, the Series S is the better choice. The Xbox One X is a stronger variant, but still shows its age compared to current gen consoles.