Xbox Series S vs Series X Console Review: Can The Cut-Down Console Cut It?

Join Rich for a detailed deep dive into the performance of the Xbox Series S. How do the specs compare and how does this translate into differences in the actual gameplay experience? Xbox Series X is an excellent console - but to what extent does the junior machine match up to the 12TF monster?

[DigitalFoundry]

As is often the case, this is indeed a 4K mastered video, and YouTube continues to process away behind the scenes. Watch now for the info and/or check back for improved 1080p quality and the 4K encode.

[CaptainEggcellent]

I’m still amazed at just how small the Series S is

[AstralPhnx]

Just bought a Series S like, a few hours ago. Got home, opened the box and my jaw DROPPED at how freaking TINY IT IS

[soraaoixxthebluesky]

I need a daily feed from Digital Foundry. It’s like a breakfast to me.

[pleasuretokill]

I think the Series S and Game Pass will sell like crazy in 2021. $299 is a crazy low price for entry level gaming. it will probably play most AAA titles at 1080p/60fps I think which is fine for 90% of casual gamers. It's small enough that it literally fits anywhere. Just a really impressive entry level machine all the way around imo

[tueueis]

I want the series S and I don't even need one, as I have a comparable gaming PC. It's just so small and quiet, and so cheap it's incredible. I'm so happy for all the gamers who are now able to buy a powerful and cute gaming machine for just 300 bucks.

[vincentrowe]

First time I've seen this guy, or watched digital foundry, and like he was so calm, collected, and unbias it was great ngl. Defo coming back for more, great stuff

[TwoMeterGamingUK]

"I had a great time playing games on it"...and that is all that matters.

[projectikaruga]

Series S is a hard deal for people like me who owns a XoneX. Better save for a Series x

[chew]

I went from an Xbox One to the Series S and I'm so happy with it! 😊

[josephD]

The main reason I chose Series S: availability. I could actually get a Series S at retail price, and being able to actually get a console goes a long way into helping to decide which system a lot of players will get.

[KarlRock]

Talk about in depth! Thank you. Series S is a nice package if you don't want to game at 4k. I don't really care about gaming at 4k... But I'll take the Series X for the storage and optical drive for second hand games anyway.

[richardtucker]

Rich's outro 'Digital foundry' was the gentlest rendition i have yet heard.
Like a lullaby to send us all to sleep zzz

[KenMathis]

*Digital Foundry:* Let's look at backwards compatibility of the Series S
*Me:* _(looks at shelf full of Xbox 360 disks)_ Ummm....

[valiantsloth]

With the Series S, I think it's mostly going to come down to how much effort the developer puts into it. We've already seen some say they won't have ray tracing on Series S and others can make it work. Target may be 1440p, but resolutions are going to be all over the place, again, depending on the developer. All of the hardware cutbacks are to be expected if not targeting 4k just from how much more information has to be processed for 4k textures. At least having an equivalent CPU architecture and SSD, game design won't have to be compromised even though visuals will be compromised. For someone like me who never ponied up for the latest gen PC components and typically built my PCs with components that were a year or two old, a Series S follows a lot of the same philosophy. If you just want to be able to play everything and don't care about the highest settings or framerates possible, the Series S is a good value.

[benhero]

Coming on 2 years I would love to see an update to this video

[the.wanginator]

Series S vs One X would make an interesting comparison

[Makoto]

I'm enjoying my Series S alot so far but i wish Devs would patch in options to unlock 60 fps for older games. Sad to see Series S capable of it but can't.

[WoollyMittens]

Quick resume should be optional and if opted out the reserved hard drive cache should be released.

[aligillani]

You guys are freaking brilliant at what you do. As a hardware engineer I tip my hat to you folks.