All You Need to Know About the Xbox Series X and Series S

22 October 2020 at 08:45 in Gaming News with 2 comments

From features, price, and more, we go through everything the new-gen Xbox Series X and Series S consoles offer.

By   Author Kyle Williams  WilKyle  |  Author Daniel Burrows  Windfell

 

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What is the Xbox Series X/S?

The Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S are the fourth consoles added to the Xbox family.

 

When will Xbox Series X and Series S come out?

The Xbox Series X/S will release worldwide on November 10, just a couple of days ahead of the PS5 official launch date.

 

It’s no surprise that stocks of the console immediately ran out as pre-orders opened. Demand for the new Xbox consoles is high, with online stores often crashing and failing to fulfill orders.

Below we delve into what you can expect from the Xbox Series X/S and the consoles’ differences.

 

What are the specs of the Xbox Series X and Series S?

The burning question on everyone’s lips is, “just how different are the two consoles?” Below we offer the specs for both and go through what it means.

Xbox Series X-Series S Size Comparison

 

Xbox Series X Specs:

  • CPU: 8x Cores @ 3.8GHz (3.66GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
  • GPU: 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU
  • Die Size: 360.45 mm2
  • Process: 7nm Enhanced
  • Memory: 16GB GDDR6 w/ 320mb bus
  • Memory Bandwidth: 10GB @ 560 GB/s, 6GB @ 336 GB/s
  • Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD

Xbox Series S Specs:

  • CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU @ 3.6GHz (3.4GHz with SMT enabled)
  • GPU: AMD RDNA 2 GPU, 20 compute units @ 1.565GHz
  • GPU power: 4 TFLOPS
  • SoC: Custom 7nm Enhanced SoC
  • RAM: 10GB GDDR6 (8GB @ 224GB/s, 2GB @ 56GB/s)
  • Performance target: 1440p @ 60fps, up to 120fps
  • Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVME SSD (2.4GB/sec uncompressed, 4.8GB/s compressed)
 

Xbox Series X vs. Xbox Series S

Surprisingly, unlike the two versions of the PS5, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S do have some differences.

The Xbox Series X has a better CPU, a slightly more impressive GPU, more RAM, and better storage than the Xbox Series S. A surprise for me considering the Xbox Series S is the digital version of the console and, in theory, would need more storage.

The consoles differ in design too. Whereas the PS5 consoles only vary depending on if you have a disc player or not, the two Xbox consoles are vastly different in size and price.

The Xbox Series X is roughly 40% larger than the Xbox Series S, with the standard X being all black in its design and the S white.

 

How Much Will the Xbox Series X/S Cost?

 

XBOX SERIES X

 

The Xbox Series X will cost $499.99/£449.99 at release.

Here is where you can pre-order the Xbox Series X:

 

XBOX SERIES S

 

The Xbox Series S will cost $299.99/£249.99 at launch.

Here is where you can pre-order the Xbox Series S:

 

When Can I Pre-order the Xbox Series X/S?

Xbox Series X Series S Preorder

The Xbox Series X/S launch is just around the corner, and pre-orders have been quick to sell out since it opened last September 22nd.

Rumors are that the next-generation Xbox consoles could end up in online stores again over the next coming days, and those interested in purchasing should keep an eye on stores in their region.

 

Xbox Series X/S Backward Compatibility

One of the most exciting features of the Xbox Series X/S is that they both come with backward compatibility for older Xbox games.

Microsoft has already confirmed that both versions of the console will play hundreds of games, including Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox console games.

Games such as Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, Unreal Tournament 3, and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic will all be playable on the new consoles, with many more expected over time.

Microsoft has a comprehensive list of backward compatible games on xbox.com, and you can find the full updated list here.

 

Check out our list of the Top 15 of the Best Xbox One Games Playable on the Xbox Series X/S

 

Xbox Series X/S Backward Compatible Games
 

Should I Buy an Xbox One or Wait for the Xbox Series X/S?

You may be wondering whether to buy an Xbox One or wait for the Xbox Series X/S. Below, we go through a few points worth noting.

The Xbox One is, to some degree, coming to the end of its life, whereas the Xbox Series X is soon to launch with an absolute bang!

It may come as a relief to know that you can play your favorite games on the new console, as the Xbox Series X will play Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even some original Xbox games due to its backward compatibility. That is a lot of amazing games.

When it comes to exclusive games, both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X will have them, at least for the time being, meaning owners of both consoles can still play them and, more importantly, play them together.

Depending on where you look, the price of the Xbox One has dropped to below $250. However, the Xbox Series X will only cost $499, and the all-digital S version will be $299.

For many, console choice may come down to a coin toss or the differences between them both.

 

Xbox One vs. Xbox Series X

To compare both of Microsoft’s consoles we first need to again look at the specs of them.

Xbox One Specs:

  • CPU: 8x Cores @ 2.13GHz
  • GPU: 6 TFLOPS, 40 CUs @ 1.172 GHz Custom GCN + Polaris Features
  • Die Size: 366.94 mm2
  • Process: 16nmFF+
  • Memory: 12GB GDDR5
  • Memory Bandwidth: 326GB/s
  • Internal Storage: 1TB HDD

Xbox Series X Specs:

  • CPU: 8x Cores @ 3.8GHz (3.66GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
  • GPU: 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU
  • Die Size: 360.45 mm2
  • Process: 7nm Enhanced
  • Memory: 16GB GDDR6 w/ 320mb bus
  • Memory Bandwidth: 10GB @ 560 GB/s, 6GB @ 336 GB/s
  • Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD

Graphics-wise, the Xbox Series X has the most powerful processing chip in a console, even ahead of the upcoming PS5.

It means that the Xbox Series X should run every game natively at 4K 60fps. Xbox has also stated that we could see 8K and 120fps games on the Xbox Store in the future.

Oh, and let’s not forget that the Xbox Series X can take advantage of real-time ray tracing technology.

Due to the new console’s impressive hardware, load times are virtually non-existent with the Xbox Series X, too, meaning more time playing the games and less time spent waiting.

Of course, everything weighs up in favor of the new console, but the decision to buy the new Xbox Series X or the Xbox One will ultimately come down to whether you are willing to spend more money on a console whose potential we may not see for a few more years.

   

When Will the Next Xbox be Released?

The original Xbox launched in 2001, and the Xbox 360 in 2005, Xbox One in 2013, and the Xbox Series X will launch in November 2020.

There were four years between the first two, a gap of eight years, and a gap of seven. That’s not including the various versions released in between, such as the Xbox One S in 2016.

When thinking about the next Xbox console, it would be worth noting that a lot of its capability, such as 8K gaming, will not be widely available or utilized for another few years.

Essentially, we could have to wait for at least another ten years before we see another Xbox console released.

 

Xbox Series X/S Accessories

 

XBOX WIRELESS CONTROLLER

 

Xbox Series X and S Wireless Controller

Buy from: Microsoft Store | Amazon | MediaMarkt | GameStop | Elkjøp/Elgiganten

 
 

Xbox Series X and S Wireless Controller

 

Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable

Buy from: Microsoft Store | Amazon | Elkjøp/Elgiganten

 
 

Xbox Storage Expansion Card

 

Xbox Storage Expansion Card

Buy from: Microsoft Store | Amazon | GameStop

 
 

Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller

 

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Buy from: Microsoft Store | Amazon | MediaMarkt | GameStop | Newegg

 

Xbox Series X/S Games
 

The Xbox Series X is the most powerful Xbox console ever, and along with the Xbox Series S, could be the one that once again puts them ahead of Sony and the PlayStation 5.

Allkeyshop is the best place to keep up to date with all Xbox Series X/S news, games, and deals.