The decision to invest in a new system can be a daunting one, especially for those on a tighter budget. However, Microsoft’s Xbox Series S 1TB has emerged as a compelling option that manages to strike a remarkable balance between performance and affordability.
Unveiled in late 2020, the Xbox Series S has already carved out a unique niche for itself as the more compact and cost-effective sibling of the flagship Xbox Series X. But with the recent introduction of the 1TB variant, Microsoft has addressed one of the platform’s most pressing shortcomings – storage capacity.
At just $349.99 / £299.99 / AU$549, the Xbox Series S 1TB offers more than double the usable storage space of the original 512GB model, providing users with a generous 800GB or more of available storage out of the box. This is a significant upgrade that effectively addresses the primary criticism leveled at the launch console, where the limited onboard storage often forced players to juggle their game libraries or invest in expensive proprietary storage expansions.
If you can afford that extra $50 / £50 / AU$50 for the 1TB edition, then it’s absolutely the version to go for and easily the best gaming console for the price,” says Dashiell Wood, the author of this review. You get more than double the usable storage capacity (more than 800GB out of the box) for a fraction of the cost of any of the best Xbox Series X hard drives and SSDs, finally addressing what was easily the biggest shortcoming of the launch model for most buyers.
While the Xbox Series S 1TB may be the more budget-friendly option in Microsoft’s latest console lineup, it is by no means a compromise in terms of performance. The system is powered by the same custom-designed Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU found in its pricier sibling, the Xbox Series X, ensuring that it can deliver a truly next-generation gaming experience.
Titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator and Dead Island 2 look absolutely stunning on a 1080p or 1440p display, though those with a 4K TV are much more likely to notice the decreased resolution and lower visual settings,” Wood notes.
The console is designed to target a 1440p resolution with the ability to upscale to 4K on compatible displays. While the visual fidelity may not match the sharpness and detail of the Xbox Series X or Sony’s PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series S 1TB more than makes up for it with its exceptional value proposition.
“Performance is the same as the base model, which means that it targets a 1440p resolution with the ability to upscale to 4K on compatible displays. Every title that I tested looked good on a 1080p display, though the differences between the Xbox Series S and the more powerful Xbox Series X do become quite apparent on a larger 4K TV,” Wood explains.
For those who primarily game on 1080p or 1440p displays, the Xbox Series S 1TB offers an incredibly compelling package. Titles like Forza Motorsport, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, and even demanding games like Microsoft Flight Simulator and Dead Island 2 deliver a consistently smooth and visually impressive experience, thanks to the console’s ability to dynamically scale resolutions and frame rates.
If you’re shopping on a tight budget, there’s also quite a strong chance that you don’t own a sizable 4K TV, which would stop you from getting the most out of the higher resolutions and greater detail of the PS5 or Xbox Series X anyway,” Wood points out.
One of the standout features of the Xbox Series S 1TB is its remarkably compact and versatile design. Measuring just 6.5 x 2.5 x 10.8 inches, the console is significantly smaller than the Xbox Series X or the original Xbox One, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space.
The Xbox Series S really needs to be seen to be believed, as photos don’t really do its compact size justice. It’s significantly smaller than the Xbox Series X and the original Xbox One, making it ideal if you’re short on space and want a console that won’t struggle to fit on your desk or media center,” Wood says.
The console’s sleek, all-black or white color options, along with its ability to be oriented both horizontally and vertically, further enhance its adaptability. Whether you’re looking to tuck it away on a crowded desk or display it prominently in your entertainment setup, the Xbox Series S 1TB seamlessly integrates into a wide range of environments.
The console’s port selection is also quite comprehensive, with an Ethernet port, two USB ports, an HDMI output, a storage expansion port, and a power connector. The only notable omission is the lack of a disc drive, making the Xbox Series S 1TB a digital-only console. This decision, while potentially a dealbreaker for some, helps to maintain the system’s compact size and affordability.
One of the Xbox Series S 1TB’s most compelling advantages is its robust backward compatibility, which allows users to experience a vast library of Xbox 360 and Xbox One titles with enhanced performance and visual fidelity.
I’ve been loving going back to some real Xbox 360 gems like Alice: Madness Returns and Far Cry 2, an experience that is still just impossible to replicate on the far more expensive PS5. Older games can be absolutely breathtaking too, with some boasting enhanced resolutions and frame rates that help them look better than ever,” Wood enthuses.
Coupled with the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, the Xbox Series S 1TB provides access to a constantly expanding catalog of both current and classic titles, offering players an abundance of gaming content at their fingertips.
With an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, I found that it was more than enough to keep a few live-service favorites such as Fortnite and Call of Duty on hand at all times while still having room for a rotating selection of games that I wanted to try,” Wood notes.
While the Xbox Series S 1TB may not be the most powerful console on the market, it more than makes up for it with its exceptional value proposition. For those looking to get into the current generation of gaming without breaking the bank, the Xbox Series S 1TB stands out as the clear choice.
“If you’re buying an Xbox right now, then this is the model to choose. The extra storage space is worth the added cost compared to base Xbox Series S and could even save you money compared to buying an expensive Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card down the line,” Wood concludes.
With its impressive performance, ample storage, and adaptable design, the Xbox Series S 1TB is a future-proof investment for budget-conscious gamers who want to experience the best of what the latest generation of consoles has to offer.
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