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[sw0mp_d0nk3y]

I have a PS5 already, but when I couldn't get Halo Infinite running on my son's reasonably good PC, I impulse bought an Xbox Series S just to play it. I have to say, I'm pretty impressed. Halo runs great at 60fps, and it looks fine on a 4k tv. I was surprised to find that I could play Halo Infinite with friends online with voice chat and everything, without having a subscription to Xbox Live. That is definitely a bonus. Another pleasant surprise was that there was a list of all the Xbox 360 games I had played years ago, and I can just download the digital version, and it works. I thought that you needed the original disc to play old games that you owned on disc (which wouldn't work on the S), but it appears if you played a game 10 years ago on disc, it just lets you download it and play.

I got a 3 month gamerpass sub for $10 with my console, so I'll activate that when Halo campaign is released and probably download Forza and Flight Simulator. The cool thing is, every time a big Microsoft exclusive like Fable or Elder Scrolls 6 comes out in the future, I can just get another temporary gamepass subscription to play them. Otherwise, this will primarily be a Halo multiplayer box.

Like most people, I wrote this console off as under-powered and a waste, but I am impressed. Solid frame rate, good graphics, fast loading, free muliplayer with voice chat (on Halo anyway), and all my old 360 games, makes this thing an outstanding value. It seemed like Microsoft made a mistake making a lower powered console instead of just going disc and disc-less like PS5. The Covid chip shortage ended up making Microsoft's gamble pay off big time, as the S is the only console available this xmas. Fortunately, I imagine a lot of people are going to be pleasantly surprised by how competent this little console is.

 

[avin]

Dude, there's nothing to argue about. It's an awesome console. The whiners are just - whiners.

avin

 

[Editaur]

For me it's a better overall package than the X, but still think it's overpriced.

Also the best looking console out of the current 3.

 

[MaulerX]

I have a PS5 already, but when I couldn't get Halo Infinite running on my son's reasonably good PC, I impulse bought an Xbox Series S just to play it. I have to say, I'm pretty impressed. Halo runs great at 60fps, and it looks fine on a 4k tv. I was surprised to find that I could play Halo Infinite with friends online with voice chat and everything, without having a subscription to Xbox Live. That is definitely a bonus. Another pleasant surprise was that there was a list of all the Xbox 360 games I had played years ago, and I can just download the digital version, and it works. I thought that you needed the original disc to play old games that you owned on disc (which wouldn't work on the S), but it appears if you played a game 10 years ago on disc, it just lets you download it and play.

I got a 3 month gamerpass sub for $10 with my console, so I'll activate that when Halo campaign is released and probably download Forza and Flight Simulator. The cool thing is, every time a big Microsoft exclusive like Fable or Elder Scrolls 6 comes out in the future, I can just get another temporary gamepass subscription to play them. Otherwise, this will primarily be a Halo multiplayer box.

Like most people, I wrote this console off as under-powered and a waste, but I am impressed. Solid frame rate, good graphics, fast loading, free muliplayer with voice chat (on Halo anyway), and all my old 360 games, makes this thing an outstanding value. It seemed like Microsoft made a mistake making a lower powered console instead of just going disc and disc-less like PS5. The Covid chip shortage ended up making Microsoft's gamble pay off big time, as the S is the only console available this xmas. Fortunately, I imagine a lot of people are going to be pleasantly surprised by how competent this little console is.

Glad you're enjoying the little guy.

I'm assuming the three months you got is regular Game Pass? Just get 3 years of Gold for $180 then convert it to GPU for $1. GPU includes Gold, Game Pass, EA Play and Game Pass for PC (in case you want to play games like Age of Empires etc... on that PC you mentioned) and XCloud on your phone/tablet etc... Best deal in gaming.

 

[Lone Wolf]

We have 2 in the house and love them. Great little console.

 

[Saucy Papi]

I have a PS5 already, but when I couldn't get Halo Infinite running on my son's reasonably good PC, I impulse bought an Xbox Series S just to play it. I have to say, I'm pretty impressed. Halo runs great at 60fps, and it looks fine on a 4k tv. I was surprised to find that I could play Halo Infinite with friends online with voice chat and everything, without having a subscription to Xbox Live. That is definitely a bonus. Another pleasant surprise was that there was a list of all the Xbox 360 games I had played years ago, and I can just download the digital version, and it works. I thought that you needed the original disc to play old games that you owned on disc (which wouldn't work on the S), but it appears if you played a game 10 years ago on disc, it just lets you download it and play.

I got a 3 month gamerpass sub for $10 with my console, so I'll activate that when Halo campaign is released and probably download Forza and Flight Simulator. The cool thing is, every time a big Microsoft exclusive like Fable or Elder Scrolls 6 comes out in the future, I can just get another temporary gamepass subscription to play them. Otherwise, this will primarily be a Halo multiplayer box.

Like most people, I wrote this console off as under-powered and a waste, but I am impressed. Solid frame rate, good graphics, fast loading, free muliplayer with voice chat (on Halo anyway), and all my old 360 games, makes this thing an outstanding value. It seemed like Microsoft made a mistake making a lower powered console instead of just going disc and disc-less like PS5. The Covid chip shortage ended up making Microsoft's gamble pay off big time, as the S is the only console available this xmas. Fortunately, I imagine a lot of people are going to be pleasantly surprised by how competent this little console is.

I totally agree. I think it's the best value console that's ever come out. I mean, the BC on this thing alone is absolutely insane.

 

[Chinpoko_Master]

The thing that turns me off about the Series S is that there's no disc drive. I don't want to go all digital.

 

[avin]

^ Yeah, well, maybe I'd pay extra for that. I'm fabulously old, but I try not to be the kind of dork that pretends he's living in the 90s.

avin

 

[kingfey]

The thing that turns me off about the Series S is that there's no disc drive. I don't want to go all digital.

 

[ShirAhava]

Its an awesome box, sticking with my Xbox One X because the way Microsoft has leveled standard of backwards compatibility
(Series X/One X on the higher tier for emulation, Series S/ONE S on the lower) that and lack of a disc drive (so many old xbox and 360 disc and compatible now its really cool) keep me from owning the 'S' models

 

[DarkMage619]

Its an awesome box, sticking with my Xbox One X because the way Microsoft has leveled standard of backwards compatibility
(Series X/One X on the higher tier for emulation, Series S/ONE S on the lower) that and lack of a disc drive (so many old xbox and 360 disc and compatible now its really cool) keep me from owning the 'S' models

The XSS was never intended to be an upgrade to the X1X in the first place. It still shocks me how many people don't seem to recognize the X1S was the console replaced by XSS. That said outside of resolution the XSS is still considerably more powerful than the X1X. I get it if the disc drive is the deal breaker but the SSD on the XSS and XSX makes it a completely worthwhile upgrade by itself.

 

[ShirAhava]

The XSS was never intended to be an upgrade to the X1X in the first place. It still shocks me how many people don't seem to recognize the X1S was the console replaced by XSS.

Isn't that what I just said? Series X/One X on one tier and Series S/One S on another thats why I wouldn't upgrade to it

That said outside of resolution the XSS is still considerably more powerful than the X1X.

The GPU in the One X(6tf) is more powerful than the Series S (4tf) architectural improvements of Navi notwithstanding

 

[Javthusiast]

 

[Quantum253]

That is definitely a bonus. Another pleasant surprise was that there was a list of all the Xbox 360 games I had played years ago, and I can just download the digital version, and it works. I thought that you needed the original disc to play old games that you owned on disc (which wouldn't work on the S), but it appears if you played a game 10 years ago on disc, it just lets you download it and play.

So if I understand this correctly, all those Xbox 360 games rented via GameFly can have the digital version downloaded for free as long as it's supported by BC?

 

[Oddvintagechap]

It’s a brilliant strategy that I also follow with my little cousin, with a Xbox one. Whenever there’s a new game, I subscribe him for a dollar.

I did build him a library headed by Cuphead & Contra, which is the only games I play with him.

Everyone else just wants a Switch or a Playstation though.

 

[Huevos de Oro]

I might pick one up soon. I just bought a 1440p monitor and my old ass video card won't cut it. And I'm not paying out of the ass for an overpriced one.

 

[Bragr]

Smart cool little console, a great idea from Microsoft that seems to be paying dividends.

 

[eastcoastkody]

The thing that turns me off about the Series S is that there's no disc drive. I don't want to go all digital.

really the only thing that effects for me, is BC games. Because theres no reason to buy new physical games. I've owned maybe 4 physical games since 2018. you can by everything digital for the same price or better than physical. And especially with Quick Resume it negates some of that usefullness of that feature if u have to insert a disc. BC games are where it gets tricky tho. Because most often you can get the old game off ebay for cheaper than it is on the Xbox store. And half of the stuff thats BC isn't even sold digitally

 

[nordique]

I just got one and I can’t believe how small it is

 

[twilo99]

I might pick one up soon. I just bought a 1440p monitor and my old ass video card won't cut it. And I'm not paying out of the ass for an overpriced one.

Its perfect for a 1440p monitor. Does it have VRR? If it does you are goood

 

[twilo99]

Smart cool little console, a great idea from Microsoft that seems to be paying dividends.

I don't think its paying anything.. the "media" managed to create a very potent negative image which is near impossible to undo. They will sell some, but its not going to be the hit they thought it will be.

 

[checkcola]

For me it's a better overall package than the X, but still think it's overpriced.

Also the best looking console out of the current 3.

My brother owns an S, I got an X. The S does look much more pleasing to the eye. PS5, for its part, is completely ugly (which my nephew has).

I just traded in my XBox One S and I will miss it as it looked visually appealing as well.

 

[kingpotato]

Congrats! I knew I was going to get one when they announced it and it's pretty great for me so far.

Gamepass is really nice and I was able to drop a few items from my steam, switch and PS wish lists right after subscribing. Honestly I think I'm going to try and make it the whole gen without buying any games on this box, just strategically subscribing to Gamepass when the titles launch. At the moment, Forza is great, but at the risk of getting banned I'll say that I personally found flight simulator underwhelming. Still with Gamepass there's no reason not to give it a go. I'm really looking forward to Halo Infinite's campaign next week and the Gunk the week after. The box is small but surprisingly heavy and it's pretty quiet as well. It's very nice.

 

[THE DUCK]

I don't think its paying anything.. the "media" managed to create a very potent negative image which is near impossible to undo. They will sell some, but its not going to be the hit they thought it will be.

Not sure why you would say that, despite some negative people on this board, I don't think it got negative mainstream press for the most part, and it's managing to sell basically all the stock they can build. (some estimates have it at as many as 4 million or more sold)
Also I don't think MS envisioned exactly this scenario for the S, I think they expected to actually be able to build more, and by this christmas be at a $499 vs $249 price point which would have helped move even more units. But no point in doing that if they are moving briskly almost all they can build.......

 

[DarkMage619]

Isn't that what I just said? Series X/One X on one tier and Series S/One S on another thats why I wouldn't upgrade to it



The GPU in the One X(6tf) is more powerful than the Series S (4tf) architectural improvements of Navi notwithstanding

The XSS may be the upgrade to the X1S but the XSS is still a tier above the X1X in the actual performance department and features seeing how it has way more 60 and 120fps games and a significantly better SSD.

The GPU in the X1X is NOT more powerful it just has more RAM so it can run games at higher resolutions. It's a GCN GPU so it lacks the RDNA 2 features of the current generation. That's why the 'lower tier' XSS has hardware based raytracing and the X1X doesn't. People around here always say you can't rely on the TF number when talking about the PS5 so assume the same here.

You can also see in games like Forza Horizon 5 the XSS actually has more car detail despite the lower resolution. Nothing wrong with wanting the X1X for playing last gen games at higher resolutions and Blu-ray playback though. The XSS is just better for playing games overall.

 

[MrFunSocks]

Another pleasant surprise was that there was a list of all the Xbox 360 games I had played years ago, and I can just download the digital version, and it works. I thought that you needed the original disc to play old games that you owned on disc (which wouldn't work on the S), but it appears if you played a game 10 years ago on disc, it just lets you download it and play.

So if I understand this correctly, all those Xbox 360 games rented via GameFly can have the digital version downloaded for free as long as it's supported by BC?

No, both of these are wrong.

You can only download digital BC copies of games that you owned digitally. What is likely happening is those games are on game pass. If you own the 360 disc but not the digital copy you can download and play the digital BC version only when you have the disc in the console, so with the Series S that is ............ never.

 

[Ozriel]

I don't think its paying anything.. the "media" managed to create a very potent negative image which is near impossible to undo. They will sell some, but its not going to be the hit they thought it will be.

Which ‘media’? Are you somehow conflating Twitter and forum console warriors for the general consensus?
the media in general is very positive towards the series s. Most reviews are very positive. And the device is already quite a hit with the segment of the market it’s aimed at.

 

[-hadouken]

The Covid chip shortage ended up making Microsoft's gamble pay off big time, as the S is the only console available this xmas.

That’s not paying off - it’s available due to soft demand. MS sells every Series X it ships worldwide, and that manufacturing capability could have been servicing the rabid demand from enthusiasts eager for a next gen console. Instead the S sits around (was even discounted to $280 USD in Oz) whilst Sony steadily grows the base for the PS5.

 

[sw0mp_d0nk3y]

That’s not paying off - it’s available due to soft demand. MS sells every Series X it ships worldwide, and that manufacturing capability could have been servicing the rabid demand from enthusiasts eager for a next gen console. Instead the S sits around (was even discounted to $280 USD in Oz) whilst Sony steadily grows the base for the PS5.

I'm guessing a lot of people looking for a PS5 will be going home with a Series S instead, because they can. Then they will probably subscribe to gamepass. I'm no genius, but in my book that is a win for Microsoft.

 

[GeneralKird]

I understand why the price appeals to people, but losing all that space on the SDD down to 450gb or so, when you have gamepass with titles like FH5, Halo MCC, Flight Sim which take up around 100gb each makes it nonviable to me. I'm always going to want to have those installed on the system. You'll want to double that space in a year so there goes $100 for a 512gb card, so now its really a $400 system and for 25% more than that you could have an X with a disc drive for playing cheap, used and sale titles to subsidize cost and triple the graphical performance.

 

[sw0mp_d0nk3y]

No, both of these are wrong.

You can only download digital BC copies of games that you owned digitally. What is likely happening is those games are on game pass. If you own the 360 disc but not the digital copy you can download and play the digital BC version only when you have the disc in the console, so with the Series S that is ............ never.

I'm pretty sure I tried Witcher 2 and Red Dead 1 on discs, and when I downloaded them they worked (no gamepass activated). Perhaps they were free games with gold later after I gave my xbox 360 to my cousin. Probably just got lucky on the 2 games I tried.

 

[Tschumi]

I've got one, it's fantastic for emulation and pretty good for games, but i find the PlayStation library to be far better. I just bought a PS5 for when i want to play good single player games, which is what i prefer playing.

The series S lets me pay GTA 3, ssx3, in HD, stuff like that.. but replying old games is a huge timesink, at least with new stuff you've never done it before... I'll probably end up selling the XSS, it fetches a high price second hand here...

 

[sw0mp_d0nk3y]

I understand why the price appeals to people, but losing all that space on the SDD down to 450gb or so, when you have gamepass with titles like FH5, Halo MCC, Flight Sim which take up around 100gb each makes it nonviable to me. I'm always going to want to have those installed on the system. You'll want to double that space in a year so there goes $100 for a 512gb card, so now its really a $400 system and for 25% more than that you could have an X with a disc drive for playing cheap, used and sale titles to subsidize cost and triple the graphical performance.

I think you are going to run out of space on any of the the SSD systems pretty quickly anyway. The cheaper option is to use an external hard drive and swap games to the SSD from that. My PS5 SSD is almost filled up, but I have a 5TB external hard drive which I can offload to.

 

[Rykan]

That’s not paying off - it’s available due to soft demand. MS sells every Series X it ships worldwide, and that manufacturing capability could have been servicing the rabid demand from enthusiasts eager for a next gen console. Instead the S sits around (was even discounted to $280 USD in Oz) whilst Sony steadily grows the base for the PS5.

Pretty much this. Its baffling how many people repeat that the Series S is paying off when the PS5 is running away in terms of sales.

 

[Md Ray]

The XSS may be the upgrade to the X1S but the XSS is still a tier above the X1X in the actual performance department and features seeing how it has way more 60 and 120fps games and a significantly better SSD.

The GPU in the X1X is NOT more powerful it just has more RAM so it can run games at higher resolutions. It's a GCN GPU so it lacks the RDNA 2 features of the current generation. That's why the 'lower tier' XSS has hardware based raytracing and the X1X doesn't. People around here always say you can't rely on the TF number when talking about the PS5 so assume the same here.

You can also see in games like Forza Horizon 5 the XSS actually has more car detail despite the lower resolution. Nothing wrong with wanting the X1X for playing last gen games at higher resolutions and Blu-ray playback though. The XSS is just better for playing games overall.

Not just more RAM, One X also has more powerful GPU. It has more grunt and memory bandwidth to hit higher resolution/framerates*, but what makes Series S GPU superior is that it has some brand new as well as improved GPU feature-sets that One X completely lacks.

*lack of higher framerate on One X is due to CPU holding it back.

 

[djjinx2]

I understand why the price appeals to people, but losing all that space on the SDD down to 450gb or so, when you have gamepass with titles like FH5, Halo MCC, Flight Sim which take up around 100gb each makes it nonviable to me. I'm always going to want to have those installed on the system. You'll want to double that space in a year so there goes $100 for a 512gb card, so now its really a $400 system and for 25% more than that you could have an X with a disc drive for playing cheap, used and sale titles to subsidize cost and triple the graphical performance.

You can store games on external HDDs and SSDs moving them to internal in minutes. You don't have to delete games and redownload if you have one of these lying around (which most people do)

 

[sw0mp_d0nk3y]

Glad you're enjoying the little guy.

I'm assuming the three months you got is regular Game Pass? Just get 3 years of Gold for $180 then convert it to GPU for $1. GPU includes Gold, Game Pass, EA Play and Game Pass for PC (in case you want to play games like Age of Empires etc... on that PC you mentioned) and XCloud on your phone/tablet etc... Best deal in gaming.

Great deal no doubt. It is a 3 month Ultimate pass. So my son can use it on his PC as well. I don't think we need to subscribe to it long term though, as we have shit tons of PS4, PS5, Switch, and PC games anyway that we already don't play. At least right now, I plan on utilizing game pass as more of a rental service for when I really want to play something, but we'll see, maybe it'll hook me.

 

[GeneralKird]

You can store games on external HDDs and SSDs moving them to internal in minutes. You don't have to delete games and redownload if you have one of these lying around (which most people do)

Minutes is too long and it breaks Quick Resume which is arguably the Series' best unique feature. A lot of people don't just have an external harddrive lying around, out-of-use, either so you're talking about spending more than $300 already.

My argument is the system is more than $300 when it comes down to it, kind of like the Nintendo Switch and its lack of a Pro Controller and MicroSD card. But they hide the cost by making the base cheap and making people think they're saving money to lure them in with $300 for an equalish experience. It works, but if you think about it - the majority of gamers would be better off getting a Series X (if they can find one). I'm sure there are people who will just use the base system and like it, but I think if people really do like it within two years or so they'll wish they'd have gotten an X instead.

 

[sw0mp_d0nk3y]

Minutes is too long and it breaks Quick Resume which is arguably the Series' best unique feature. A lot of people don't just have an external harddrive lying around either so you're talking about spending more than $300 already.

I'm sure you can find a 1tb external hard drive for 20 bucks or so, if you look. Pretty negligible. Like I said earlier, you are going to fill up a PS5 or XSX SSD pretty quickly as well. Annoying, but worth it for the increased performance of the SSDs.

 

[DenchDeckard]

The tide is turning slowly on the series S. it’s crazy to think how much it got/gets panned then anyone who actually gets one or tries it enjoys the little beast. It’s awesome.

 

[DarkMage619]

Not just more RAM, One X also has more powerful GPU. It has more grunt and memory bandwidth to hit higher resolution/framerates*, but what makes Series S GPU superior is that it has some brand new as well as improved GPU feature-sets that One X completely lacks.

*lack of higher framerate on One X is due to CPU holding it back.

If it doesn't have a superior feature set how could it be more powerful? Just because it can hit higher resolutions doesn't make it more powerful. I'd say the one that has hardware raytracing and the more modern features is more powerful.

 

[cireza]

It is a great console, have fun !

 

[Chukhopops]

That’s not paying off - it’s available due to soft demand. MS sells every Series X it ships worldwide, and that manufacturing capability could have been servicing the rabid demand from enthusiasts eager for a next gen console. Instead the S sits around (was even discounted to $280 USD in Oz) whilst Sony steadily grows the base for the PS5.

Best Selling Console On Black Friday Wasn't The Switch Or PS5, But The Xbox Series S

The digital-only and cheaper Xbox apparently outsold the PS5, Switch OLED, and the more powerful Series X

kotaku.com

Ampere: Xbox Series S outselling Series X in key markets

Data analysts Ampere says that Xbox Series S is out-selling Series X across several key markets.GamesIndustry.biz has a…

www.gamesindustry.biz

No demand for it eh?

 

[sw0mp_d0nk3y]

I mean yeah Series S is fine but for $100 more you can get a far more powerful system, better controller, more storage, and access to Sony exclusives.

True, already have a digital PS5. No Halo on it though....

 

[-hadouken]

I'm guessing a lot of people looking for a PS5 will be going home with a Series S instead, because they can.

If MS had unlimited manufacturing capacity during this chip shortage, you might have a point, but they don’t. Instead of supplying more engaged enthusiasts with an X, Series S consoles remain available because demand in the market is soft (they are completely ignored by scalpers here in Australia).

For the $ it’s a niche, compromised product that eats into X production and userbase.

 

[gundalf]

The truly only bad thing about the Series S is, that it doesn't have enough GPU power to act as a Xbox One X in back compat mode and that's it. Otherwise its nearly perfectly balanced in all aspects from design, noise, processing power, price and availability.

 

[TLZ]

The thing that turns me off about the Series S is that there's no disc drive. I don't want to go all digital.

Imo it would've been the perfect console for game pass if it had a 1tb. 500gb and download only isn't enough. And if I buy the SSD accessory they'll cost me as much as a series X altogether. So that's a definite no for me.

 

[M1chl]

For me it's a better overall package than the X, but still think it's overpriced.

Also the best looking console out of the current 3.

Just... How?

 

[Banjo64]

Brilliant console. Runs MS exclusives beautifully. Forza, Halo and Flight Sim look brilliant at 60fps. Gears and Ori at 120fps are stunning, as is Sea of Thieves at 60fps. Xbox and 360 games at native 1440p and framerate boosts for Xbox One games.

 

[Gameplaylover]

Series S is great and if even many core gamers like it, it's a 100% more than enough for the target audience: Casuals.

I mean yeah Series S is fine but for $100 more you can get a far more powerful system, better controller, more storage, and access to Sony exclusives.

Yeah, but it's not just the 100 bucks, it's also 70-80 bucks for every Sony game while you have Game Pass for every Microsoft game. In the end it's much more than just 100 bucks and some gimmicks don't make a better controller. I turn that stuff off in most games, in competetive games anyways.