The Xbox Series X and Series S are faster machines that play games at higher quality and speed

The newest Xbox consoles — the Series X and Series S — are faster than the previous generation (Xbox One) in three ways that matter: they load games in seconds instead of minutes, they display games at higher resolution and frame rates, and they can run games that the older console cannot. The Series X is the more powerful machine; the Series S is smaller and cheaper but still handles most current games well.

If you own an Xbox One, you do not have to upgrade. Games still come out for it. But if you want to play new releases at their best quality, or if your console is aging and you are buying new anyway, the Series X or Series S will do noticeably more.

Key Takeaways

  • The Series X plays games at 4K resolution (sharper picture) and up to 120 frames per second (smoother motion), while the Series S plays at 1440p resolution and up to 120 fps on some games.
  • Both consoles load games in 10 to 20 seconds using a fast solid-state drive, compared to 30 to 60 seconds on the Xbox One.
  • The Series X costs more but handles demanding games at maximum settings; the Series S is cheaper and works well for most players who use a standard TV rather than a 4K display.
  • Games you own on Xbox One usually work on the new consoles, and you can transfer your saved progress automatically.
  • Game Pass, Microsoft's subscription service, includes hundreds of games on both consoles and is often cheaper than buying games individually.

Resolution and frame rate: what the numbers mean

Resolution is how many pixels (tiny dots) make up the picture on your screen. The Series X outputs 4K, which is 3840 by 2160 pixels — roughly four times sharper than the 1080p (1920 by 1080) that older consoles used. The Series S outputs 1440p (2560 by 1440), which is sharper than 1080p but not as sharp as 4K. On a standard 1080p TV, you will not see the difference between 1440p and 4K, so the Series S is a sensible choice if you do not own a 4K display.

Frame rate is how many times per second the screen refreshes the image. Most games on the Series X and Series S run at 60 frames per second (fps), which feels smooth. Some newer games offer a 120 fps mode, which feels even smoother but requires a TV that supports 120 Hz refresh rate — most standard TVs do not. The older Xbox One typically ran games at 30 fps or 60 fps, so the jump to 120 fps is noticeable if your TV can handle it, but not necessary.

Loading speed and the solid-state drive

Both new consoles use a solid-state drive (SSD) instead of the older hard disk drive (HDD). An SSD has no moving parts and reads data much faster. On the Xbox One, loading a game could take 30 to 60 seconds. On the Series X or Series S, the same game loads in 10 to 20 seconds. This matters most in games where you travel between areas frequently — the wait between zones shrinks from 15 seconds to 2 or 3 seconds.

The Series X has a larger SSD (1 terabyte) than the Series S (512 gigabytes), so the Series X can hold more games installed at once. If you own many games, you will delete and reinstall games more often on the Series S. Both consoles let you expand storage with an external SSD, though Microsoft's official expansion drive is expensive.

Backward compatibility: playing old games on new hardware

Most games you own on Xbox One will play on the Series X and Series S without any changes. Microsoft calls this backward compatibility. Your saved progress transfers automatically through your Xbox account. Some older games run even better on the new hardware — they load faster and may run at higher frame rates than they did on the Xbox One.

A small number of games do not work on the new consoles, usually because of licensing issues or technical problems the developer did not fix. Microsoft maintains a list of incompatible games on its website. If you are moving from Xbox One to Series X or Series S, check that list for any games you own regularly.

Game Pass and the cost of playing

Game Pass is a subscription service that gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. New Microsoft games appear on Game Pass on the day they release, so you do not pay $60 to $70 per game if you subscribe. Game Pass works on both the Series X and Series S, and also on Xbox One and PC.

The cost varies depending on which tier you choose. The basic tier includes games but not online multiplayer; the standard tier includes online play; the premium tier includes cloud gaming (playing games streamed to your phone or tablet). If you play a few games heavily, Game Pass may cost less than buying them individually. If you play one or two games a year, buying them outright is probably cheaper.

Series X versus Series S: which one to choose

The Series X is the flagship console. It has more processing power, a larger SSD, and plays games at 4K resolution. If you own a 4K TV and want the best possible performance, the Series X is the right choice. It costs more upfront but will handle demanding games at maximum settings for years.

The Series S is smaller, cheaper, and still plays all current games. It outputs at 1440p instead of 4K, which is fine on a standard 1080p or 1440p TV. It has less storage, so you may need to delete games more often. If you are budget-conscious, do not own a 4K TV, or want a console for casual gaming, the Series S is a solid choice.

What you need to play online and use all features

Both consoles need an internet connection to read games, receive updates, and play online multiplayer. You also need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to play online multiplayer games — this is separate from Game Pass, though Game Pass Premium includes it. A standard controller comes with each console, but you can buy additional controllers if you want to play split-screen games with others in the room.

The consoles connect to your TV via HDMI. If you want to use the 4K or 120 fps features, your TV must support those resolutions and refresh rates. A basic 1080p TV works fine with both consoles, but you will not see the benefit of the newer hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play games from the original Xbox or Xbox 360 on the Series X or Series S?

Some games from those older consoles work on the new hardware through backward compatibility, but not all. Microsoft has a list of compatible titles on its website. Most newer games are designed for Xbox One and later, so the older library is limited.

Do I need a 4K TV to use the Series X?

No. The Series X works on any TV with an HDMI port. On a standard 1080p TV, you will see faster loading and smoother gameplay, but not the sharper picture that 4K provides. If you do not own a 4K TV, the Series S is a better value.

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

Xbox Live Gold is a subscription for online multiplayer only — it does not include games. Game Pass is a subscription that includes hundreds of games plus online multiplayer (on the premium tier). Game Pass is usually better value if you play multiple games.

Can I transfer my games and saves from Xbox One to Series X or Series S?

Yes. Games you own digitally will appear in your library on the new console automatically. Physical game discs work on the Series X but not the Series S (which has no disc drive). Your saved progress transfers through your Xbox account.

How long will the Series X and Series S be supported with new games?

Microsoft typically supports a console generation for seven to ten years. The Series X and Series S launched in 2020, so you can expect new games for them through at least 2027 to 2030. Older consoles continue to receive updates and games for several years after the new generation launches.