Okay let's be real - comparing Xbox One X and Series S feels weird because they're from different generations. But I get why you're here. Maybe you found a cheap One X, or saw Series S on sale, or just want the best bang for your buck. Having used both for months (yeah, I own both), I'll cut through the marketing fluff. This isn't about specs on paper. It's about what actually happens when you plug these things into your TV.
Quick reality check: The One X came out in 2017 as Microsoft's 4K powerhouse. The Series S launched in 2020 as the "next-gen budget king." Right now, the Series S costs about $299 new, while used One X consoles go for $200-$250. That price gap matters.
Raw Power: Why Paper Specs Lie
Looking at teraflops? Don't. The One X has 6 TFLOPS, Series S has 4. But that's like comparing diesel to electric engines. The Series S uses modern architecture that runs circles around the One X. Let me explain with real examples:
Performance Face-Off in Actual Games
| Game Title | Xbox One X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1080p @ 30fps (with frequent drops) | 1440p @ 60fps (Performance Mode) |
| Forza Horizon 5 | 4K @ 30fps | 1440p @ 60fps (or 1080p @ 120fps) |
| Halo Infinite | Dynamic 4K @ 30fps | 1080p @ 120fps (Multiplayer) |
See that? The Series S consistently hits higher frame rates. I remember playing Assassin's Creed Valhalla on both - the difference in smoothness was night and day. The One X version felt sluggish after trying the 60fps on Series S.
Load Times Will Change Your Life
This is where the xbox one x vs series s debate ends for me. The Series S SSD loads games in seconds. We're talking:
- Red Dead Redemption 2: One X (1min 50sec) vs Series S (35sec)
- GTA V Online: One X (3+ minutes) vs Series S (45sec)
Seriously, after using Quick Resume on Series S (where you jump between 5+ games instantly), going back to One X feels like rewinding to dial-up internet.
Storage Nightmares and Solutions
Here's where things get messy. The Series S has only 364GB usable space out of the box. With modern games:
- Call of Duty: Warzone = 100GB
- Microsoft Flight Simulator = 150GB
You'll fill it fast. I had to buy the $200 Seagate Expansion Card. The One X has 1TB, but its mechanical hard drive is painfully slow. You can upgrade it with a $50 SSD though - huge improvement.
Where Xbox Series S Wins
- Next-gen exclusives: Starfield, Forza Motorsport won't come to One X
- Frame rates: Consistent 60fps/120fps modes
- Instant gaming: Quick Resume, fast loading
- Future-proof: Still getting full support
- Whisper quiet: Never heard my Series S fan
Where Xbox One X Holds Up
- Disc drive: Play used games and 4K Blu-rays
- Native 4K: For older optimized games
- Storage space: 1TB out of the box
- Cheap games: Physical copies cost less
The Resolution Truth Bomb
Microsoft advertised Series S as 1440p, but many games run at 1080p. Meanwhile, One X often hits native 4K... at 30fps. Which is better? Depends:
- On a 4K TV sitting 8ft away? One X might look slightly sharper
- On a 1080p screen or gaming monitor? Series S looks cleaner
- Motion clarity? Series S wins every time with higher fps
I tested both on my LG OLED. Forza Horizon 5 on One X looked crisp but felt choppy. Series S version was smoother with better lighting effects. Trade-offs.
Game Compatibility: The Hidden Trap
Both play thousands of Xbox games, but differently:
| Feature | Xbox One X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox One games | Runs original versions | Automatically upgrades with FPS Boost |
| New releases | Likely discontinued soon | Full support for 5+ years |
| Xbox 360/OG games | Plays enhanced versions | Matches One X enhancements |
Here's the kicker: When I popped my Red Dead Redemption disc into Series S... nothing happened. No disc drive. Had to rebuy it digitally. Felt brutal after owning the physical copy.
Real People Scenarios: Who Wins the Xbox One X vs Series S Battle?
Choose Series S If:
- You care more about smooth gameplay than max resolution
- Hate waiting through loading screens
- Want to play upcoming exclusives
- Don't own physical games
Choose One X If:
- You collect 4K Blu-rays
- Already have 50+ Xbox discs
- Found one under $200
- Only play occasionally
My buddy Dave regrets buying a One X last year. He couldn't play the new Flight Simulator. Meanwhile, Sarah loves her used One X - she only plays FIFA and Netflix.
Future-Proofing Dilemma
Microsoft will probably stop One X game releases by 2024. Series S will get new titles through 2028+. That $100 price difference? You'll pay it later anyway.
Personal take: Unless you're broke or obsessed with discs, Series S is smarter long-term. That tiny white box under my TV has given me zero regrets. Well, except the storage thing - that still annoys me.
Essential Accessory Costs
Base price doesn't tell the full story:
| Item | Xbox One X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| Console | $200-$250 (used) | $299 (new) |
| Extra controller | $45 | $45 |
| Storage expansion | $50 (1TB SSD) | $200 (512GB Seagate card) |
| Total | $295-$345 | $544 |
See why people hesitate? That storage tax on Series S hurts. You could use external USB drives for older games though.
Frequently Asked Questions (Actual Things People Ask Me)
Can Xbox Series S really do 4K?
Technically yes, but rarely. Mostly it upscales 1080p/1440p to 4K. For native 4K gaming, you'll need Series X or PS5.
Will my Xbox One games look better on Series S?
Usually! Games with FPS Boost (like Skyrim, Fallout 4) run at 60fps instead of 30fps. Some get resolution bumps too.
Is the storage manageable?
If you play 2-3 big games at once, no. I constantly delete/reinstall. Cloud gaming helps but requires good internet.
Should I upgrade from One X to Series S?
Only if you want next-gen exclusives or hate loading times. Otherwise, wait for Series X - it's a bigger jump.
Does the Series S overheat?
Mine never has, even during 6-hour Halo sessions. The One X sounded like a jet engine playing RDR2 though.
The Final Verdict
Let's be brutally honest - comparing xbox one x vs series s is like comparing a flip phone to a budget smartphone. Both make calls, but one belongs to the future. Unless you're trapped in a disc-based ecosystem or found One X dirt cheap, Series S is the better buy today. Yeah, the storage sucks. No, it's not true 4K. But loading GTA in under a minute? Priceless.
When I unboxed the Series S, I laughed at how small it was. Three months later, my One X was collecting dust. That SSD speed ruins you forever. Still wish it played discs though.
Looking at this xbox one x vs series s matchup today? Unless you're getting that One X for under $150, put that money toward Series S. Future you will high-five present you when Starfield launches.
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