The newest Xbox consoles are called Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

Microsoft released two new console models in November 2020: the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. Both play the same games and use the same online service, but the Series X is more powerful and costs more. The Series S is smaller, less expensive, and designed for people who play at lower screen resolutions or want a budget option.

If you own one of these consoles, you can find out which model you have by looking at the back or bottom of the device — the model name is printed there. You can also check in the console's settings: go to Settings, then System, then About, and the model will appear on that screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft's current generation consoles are the Xbox Series X (the more powerful model) and Xbox Series S (the smaller, less expensive model), both released in November 2020.
  • You can identify which model you own by checking the physical label on the back or bottom of the console, or by navigating to Settings > System > About on the device itself.
  • Both Series X and Series S play the same games and connect to Xbox Game Pass, but the Series X has faster processing and better graphics performance.
  • If you have an older Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X, those are previous-generation consoles and are no longer in production, though they still work with most current games.

How to tell the Xbox Series X and Series S apart

The Xbox Series X is a tall black tower about 12 inches high with a large circular vent on top. It is the flagship model and has the most processing power. The Xbox Series S is a smaller white rectangular box about 6 inches wide and sits flat or stands upright. It is designed to take up less space and costs less than the Series X.

Both consoles have the same controller, the same game library, and the same online service called Xbox Game Pass. The main difference is performance: the Series X can display games at higher frame rates and resolutions, while the Series S is built for 1080p or 1440p gaming. For most casual players, the Series S performs well. For people who want the highest visual quality or play demanding games, the Series X is the better choice.

Where to find the model name on your console

Look at the back or bottom of your Xbox. You will see a label with text printed on it. The model name — either "Xbox Series X" or "Xbox Series S" — will be written on that label, usually near the barcode or serial number.

If the label is hard to read or you want to check through the console itself, turn on your Xbox and press the Xbox button on the controller to open the guide. Go to Settings, select System, then choose About. The console model will be listed on that screen along with your serial number and other system information.

Older Xbox models you might still own

If you have an Xbox from before 2020, it is likely an Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X. These are previous-generation consoles. Microsoft stopped making them, but they still work and can play most games released in recent years. You can tell them apart from the Series X and S because they are bulkier and have different shapes — the original Xbox One is a large black box, the One S is a white rectangular console, and the One X is a black box similar in size to the One S.

If you are not sure which older model you have, the same method works: check the label on the back or bottom, or go to Settings > System > About to see the model name on screen.

What Xbox Game Pass is and why it matters

Both the Series X and Series S come with access to Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that lets you read and play hundreds of games. It is included free for the first month or two when you buy a new console, depending on the retailer. After that, it costs a monthly fee.

Game Pass works the same way on both Series X and Series S — the difference is just how fast the games run and how good they look. If you want to know which games are on Game Pass right now, you can browse the full list on the Xbox website or in the Game Pass app on your console.

Why Microsoft made two models instead of one

Microsoft released two consoles to serve different budgets and needs. The Series X targets people who want the best performance and are willing to pay more. The Series S targets people who want a current-generation console but prefer a lower price point or do not need the highest performance.

This two-model approach is common in the gaming industry. It lets people choose based on their own situation rather than forcing everyone to buy the same expensive device. Both consoles receive the same games and updates, so your choice does not limit what you can play — it only affects how the games look and run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play the same games on Xbox Series S as on Xbox Series X?

Yes. Both consoles play the same games and have access to the same Game Pass library. The difference is performance: games may run at lower frame rates or resolution on the Series S, but the game itself is identical. Most players do not notice the difference in everyday play.

Is the Xbox Series S worth buying if I already have an Xbox One?

That depends on your situation. If your Xbox One still works and you are happy with it, you do not need to upgrade right away. If you want faster load times, better graphics, or access to newer games that may eventually drop support for older consoles, the Series S is a budget-friendly upgrade path.

What if I have an even older Xbox, like an Xbox 360?

Xbox 360 games do not work on Series X or Series S. However, some original Xbox games (the very first generation from 2001) are playable on current consoles through backward compatibility. Check the Xbox website to see if your specific game is supported.

Do I need to buy a new controller for Xbox Series X or S?

No. The controller that comes with Series X and Series S is the same as the one used on Xbox One, and older controllers are compatible. You can use any Xbox One controller with the new consoles without any issues.