Is the Xbox Series S worth buying in 2024 considering its lower specs compared to the Series X and PS5, specifically for someone who primarily plays single-player games and isn’t overly concerned with having the absolute highest graphical fidelity, and plans to play on a 1080p or 1440p monitor or TV? Also, how does the value proposition change if the hypothetical user is primarily interested in utilizing Xbox Game Pass and its library of games, and what are the potential downsides of choosing the Series S over the Series X in the long run, given the increasing demands of newer game releases in the coming years, and the possibility of limited graphical options?

Answer

The Xbox Series S remains a compelling purchase in 2024 for specific types of gamers, but it’s crucial to understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Here’s a breakdown of why it might be worth buying:

  • Affordability: The Series S is significantly cheaper than the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5. This makes it an accessible entry point into the current generation of console gaming. For budget-conscious gamers, it offers a substantial upgrade over older consoles without breaking the bank.

  • Next-Gen Experience at a Lower Price: While not as powerful as the Series X, the Series S still delivers many next-generation features, including fast loading times (thanks to its SSD), Quick Resume (allowing you to switch between multiple games seamlessly), and access to the full library of Xbox Series X/S games. It also supports technologies like DirectX Raytracing and Variable Rate Shading, though performance may vary depending on the specific game.

  • Compact Size and Design: Its small form factor is a major advantage for those with limited space. It’s easy to fit into entertainment centers or carry around.

  • Xbox Game Pass: The combination of the Series S and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a very attractive proposition. Game Pass provides access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee, including first-party Xbox titles, third-party releases, and EA Play games. This significantly reduces the upfront cost of gaming, making it a cost-effective option for exploring a wide range of titles.

  • Digital-Only Convenience: The Series S is a digital-only console, meaning it doesn’t have a disc drive. This eliminates the need to buy physical games and manage physical media. Some gamers prefer this convenience, especially with the prevalence of digital game sales and subscriptions.

  • Great for Casual Gaming and Cloud Gaming: The Series S is well-suited for casual gamers who primarily play single-player titles or enjoy online multiplayer games. Its capabilities are also ideal for streaming games via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

However, consider these potential drawbacks:

  • Lower Resolution and Graphical Fidelity: The Series S targets 1440p resolution at 60 frames per second, although some games may run at 1080p or even lower to maintain performance. This is a noticeable difference compared to the Series X, which aims for 4K resolution. Textures and other visual details may also be less detailed on the Series S. If visual fidelity is your top priority and you have a large 4K TV, the Series X is a better choice.

  • Less Powerful Hardware: The Series S has a less powerful GPU and less RAM than the Series X. This can result in lower frame rates, reduced graphical settings, and longer loading times in some games. While developers optimize games for both consoles, the Series S version often requires compromises.

  • Smaller Internal Storage: The Series S has a 512GB SSD, of which a significant portion is used by the operating system. This leaves relatively little space for installing games. Modern games are often very large, so you’ll likely need to purchase an external storage solution (like the official Seagate Storage Expansion Card) to store a decent number of games. The cost of the expansion card can significantly increase the overall cost of the console.

  • Digital-Only Limitations: The lack of a disc drive means you can’t play physical games or take advantage of used game sales. You’re entirely reliant on the Xbox Store for game purchases, which may sometimes be more expensive than buying physical copies.

  • Future-Proofing Concerns: As games become more demanding, the limitations of the Series S hardware may become more apparent. While developers will continue to support the console for the foreseeable future, some games may require further compromises or may not run as well as on the Series X. The lifespan of the console will be determined by the future games developed.

In summary:

The Xbox Series S is worth buying in 2024 if you:

  • Are on a budget and want to experience next-gen gaming without spending a lot of money.
  • Prioritize affordability, accessibility, and convenience over raw graphical power.
  • Plan to primarily use Xbox Game Pass for your gaming needs.
  • Don’t mind playing games at a lower resolution and with potentially reduced graphical settings.
  • Have limited space for a console.
  • Prefer a digital-only gaming experience.

The Xbox Series X is a better choice if you:

  • Want the best possible graphical fidelity and performance.
  • Have a 4K TV and want to take full advantage of its capabilities.
  • Want to play physical games.
  • Need more internal storage space.
  • Are concerned about future-proofing your console.