The newest Xbox is called the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S

Microsoft released two new consoles in November 2020: the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. Both run 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.

These replaced the Xbox One, which came out in 2013. If you own an Xbox One, your games and accessories still work on the Series X and Series S — Microsoft designed the new consoles to play older games without changes.

The naming can be confusing because "Xbox Series X" and "Xbox Series S" both start with "Xbox Series". Think of it like car models: they are both in the same generation (the Series family), but the X is the high-end version and the S is the standard version.

Key Takeaways

  • The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are the current generation of Xbox consoles, released in November 2020.
  • The Series X has more processing power and plays games at higher frame rates and resolutions than the Series S.
  • Both consoles play the same games and work with the same online service, so your choice depends on your budget and screen setup.
  • Games and controllers from the older Xbox One work on both new consoles without any changes needed.

How the Xbox Series X and Series S are different

The Xbox Series X is the more powerful machine. It plays games at up to 4K resolution (the sharpest picture available on most TVs) and can run games at 120 frames per second — that means the picture updates 120 times per second, making motion look smoother. It has more storage space built in and a larger, tower-shaped body.

The Xbox Series S plays games at up to 1440p resolution (sharper than older consoles but not as sharp as 4K) and typically runs games at 60 frames per second. It is smaller and disc-less, meaning you read all your games instead of buying physical discs. The Series S costs less than the Series X.

For most people playing on a standard TV or monitor, the Series S performs well. If you have a newer 4K TV and want the absolute best performance, the Series X is the better choice. Both consoles play the exact same games — the difference is how sharp and smooth they look.

What happened to the Xbox One

The Xbox One is no longer in production, but it still works and Microsoft continues to release games for it. If you own an Xbox One, you can keep using it. Your games, your saved progress, and your controllers all work on the Series X and Series S if you ever upgrade.

Microsoft stopped making new Xbox One consoles to focus on the Series X and Series S. This is normal — console makers release new hardware every five to seven years, and older models eventually stop being manufactured.

Where the names come from

Microsoft named these consoles the "Series X" and "Series S" to show they are part of the same family, released at the same time. The X stands for the high-performance version, and the S stands for the standard version. This naming style is different from older Xbox names like "Xbox One" or "Xbox 360", which used numbers instead.

The word "Series" tells you these are the current generation. When Microsoft releases the next generation in a few years, they will probably use a different naming scheme entirely — something like "Xbox Next" or a completely new name.

Games and services that work on both consoles

Both the Series X and Series S play the same games. New games released by Microsoft and third-party studios work on both consoles. Your game library transfers between them if you upgrade from one to the other.

Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft's subscription service that works on both consoles. For a monthly fee, you can read and play hundreds of games. This is included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which also covers online multiplayer.

Your Xbox Live account, your friends list, and your saved game progress all move with you if you switch consoles. You do not lose anything when you upgrade.

Accessories that work with both consoles

The standard Xbox controller works on both the Series X and Series S. Older Xbox One controllers also work on the new consoles. Headsets, charging docks, and most third-party accessories designed for Xbox One are compatible with the Series X and Series S.

Some newer accessories are designed specifically for the Series X and Series S — for example, the Xbox Velocity Architecture Storage Expansion Card lets you add more storage to either console. But you do not need to buy new accessories just to use the new console. Your existing Xbox gear will work.

How to tell which Xbox you own

If you are not sure which console you have, look at the shape and the label. The Xbox Series X is a tall black tower. The Xbox Series S is a smaller white box. Both have the Xbox logo on the front.

You can also check by turning on the console and going to Settings, then System, then About. The console name appears on that screen. If it says "Xbox Series X" or "Xbox Series S", you have a current-generation console. If it says "Xbox One", you have the older model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Xbox One games on the Series X and Series S?

Yes. Nearly all Xbox One games work on both new consoles without any changes. Your saved progress transfers over automatically. Some older games from the original Xbox and Xbox 360 also work, though not all of them.

Is the Xbox Series S worth buying if I have a regular TV?

Yes. The Series S plays games smoothly on any TV. You only need the Series X if you have a 4K TV and want the sharpest possible picture. For standard TVs, the Series S performs well and costs less.

Will there be a new Xbox after the Series X and S?

Yes, eventually. Console generations typically last five to seven years, so the next Xbox will probably arrive around 2025 to 2027. Microsoft has not announced a release date yet.

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

No. Xbox One controllers work on both new consoles. You can use the controller that came with your old console. New controllers designed for the Series X and S are available, but they are not required.

What is the difference between Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live?

Xbox Live is the online service that lets you play multiplayer games and talk to friends. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription that gives you access to hundreds of games to read and play. Game Pass Ultimate includes both services.