Xbox Series S review | TechRadar

Two-minute assessment

The Xbox Sequence S is a next-gen console that takes a radically totally different method to the flagship mannequin of the Xbox Sequence X. It is designed to supply the identical generational leap as Microsoft’s extra highly effective system, similar to excessive body charges, ray tracing and super-fast load instances, however at a significantly lower cost – and inevitably, this implies it comes with just a few notable compromises.  

The Xbox Sequence S has considerably much less storage than the Xbox Sequence X, and primarily targets a decision of 1440p for gaming. It might probably upscale to 4K when related to an extremely HD show, and a handful of titles are able to native 4K similar to Ori and the Will of the Wisps, however it is a machine designed to run video games at a decrease decision firstly.

Microsoft’s extra inexpensive Xbox additionally does away with the 4K HD Blu-Ray drive of the Xbox Sequence X, which suggests it is a digital solely machine. When you’ve amassed a big library of bodily video games over time, this alone might be a deal breaker.

These cutbacks may be an excessive amount of for some customers to abdomen, however it makes the Xbox Sequence S a less expensive and smaller machine because of this. Crucially, it is nonetheless able to enjoying next-gen video games and is a superb entry level into the Xbox ecosystem.

Throughout our time with the Xbox Sequence S, we examined dozens of video games – from last-gen “Xbox Sequence X/S optimized” hits together with Halo: The Grasp Chief Assortment, Forza Horizon 4, Doom Everlasting and Gears 5, to launch titles like Yakuza: Like a Dragon. 

Every one impressed us, with smoother body charges, elevated resolutions (when in comparison with Xbox One and Xbox One S) and sooner load instances, even when they did not look fairly as fairly as they do working on the Xbox Sequence X, largely resulting from concentrating on a decrease decision.

That stated, for players who don’t have any qualms about shopping for video games digitally, or subscribe to Xbox Recreation Go, you’re getting the total suite of next-gen options on Microsoft’s cheaper console. The Xbox Sequence S is a superb entry level into next-gen gaming, then, with out the sizable monetary outlay required to personal a full-blown next-gen console.

As we have alluded to already, there are drawbacks to think about. When you favor to buy video games bodily, or have amassed a big assortment of Xbox One video games over time, the Xbox Sequence S’s lack of disc drive could put you off. 

You solely get a 512GB SSD, too, as there isn’t any higher-capacity choice. And whereas the console’s SSD is dramatically sooner than the outdated mechanical drives within the Xbox One X and Xbox One S, it will possibly replenish quick. 

The 5 video games we talked about above virtually took up the whole 512GB SSD on our assessment unit (you solely get 364GB of usable area), leaving us with simply 30GB of area to play with. Meaning if we needed to put in a sport of that dimension to the system’s inside drive, we would seemingly need to delete one thing first (or moreover buy the console’s expandable storage, which prices practically as a lot because the Xbox Sequence S itself).

The opposite issue which will deter individuals from shopping for Microsoft’s extra inexpensive Xbox is the truth that outputs at 1440p for gaming. This decrease decision is a agency favourite within the PC gaming area because of the superior picture high quality it offers over 1080p, and decrease quantity of graphical grunt it requires from builders to attain, which has allowed Microsoft to create a lower-spec machine that also boasts next-gen options. 

When you personal an Xbox One X, the drop to 1440p from native 4K might be noticeable. The Xbox One X was in a position to ship video games like Forza Motorsport 7 at 4K/60fps, and remains to be able to some luxurious visuals. It is easy, then, to suppose that the Xbox Sequence S is a step again – nonetheless, it is able to much more than Microsoft’s growing old Xbox One X, even when it would not at all times beat it by way of decision. 

Wanting on the internals of the system, the Xbox Sequence S separates itself from the One X with its vastly extra highly effective CPU and extra technically succesful GPU, courtesy of AMD’s RDNA 2 structure which allows cutting-edge options like ray tracing. Sure, the Sequence S has fewer teraflops than the Xbox One X (4 in comparison with six), however teraflops are not the defining consider how GPU energy is set. 

For Xbox One homeowners seeking to improve with out breaking the financial institution, the Xbox Sequence S is a superb choice, in the event you can settle for what it has been designed to attain. When you’ve already received the Xbox One X and a 4K show at residence nonetheless, we propose contemplating the Xbox Sequence X as a substitute.

Contemplating the larger sibling? Take a look at our Xbox Sequence X video assessment under.

Xbox Sequence S worth evaluation and launch date

• Xbox Sequence S launch date: Out now (launched November 10, 2020)
• Xbox Sequence S worth: $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$499
• Might be bundled with Xbox Recreation Go Final for $24.99 / £20.99 / AU$33 a month

The Xbox Sequence S is offered now for $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$499, and launched on November 10, 2020. That is the identical launch date because the Xbox Sequence X, although the value is considerably cheaper than the Sequence X’s worth of $499 / £499 / AU$749. 

Consider nonetheless that, with no disc drive, you will not have the ability to purchase used video games or commerce video games with your pals: you are depending on the Xbox Retailer for any purchases, which suggests you will not at all times get the most effective deal. 

That problem is negated considerably in the event you subscribe to Xbox Recreation Go (a separate expense, however distinctive worth nonetheless), or solely purchase the occasional sport at full worth round launch time, however it’s not perfect for individuals who depend on bodily sport gross sales or trade-ins to fund their favourite pastime.

Talking of reductions, it is value stating that the Xbox Sequence S can be out there on Microsoft’s Xbox All Entry subscription service in choose areas, together with the US, UK and Australia. 

Xbox All Entry bundles the console with Xbox Recreation Go Final on a 24-month plan (supplying you with entry to the latter for the length) for $24.99 / £20.99 / AU$33 a month, with no upfront prices – that is an excellent deal, and one which works out cheaper than in the event you have been to purchase the console and pay for twenty-four months of Xbox Recreation Go Final individually.

In fact, Microsoft is not the one one with new {hardware} out in November. Sony launched the PS5 and PS5 Digital Version only a few days after the Xbox Sequence S and Sequence X, so in the event you’re nonetheless on the fence then it is value testing our evaluations of these consoles earlier than committing.

Xbox Sequence S design

• Appears nice when positioned horizontally or vertically
• Can comfortably match into any setup
• The console and controller look nice in white

Whereas the {hardware} powering the Xbox Sequence S is brand-new, the design of the Xbox Sequence S is a bit paying homage to the (now discontinued) Xbox One S All-Digital Version.

The Xbox Sequence S has a particular black fan vent, virtually like a speaker grille, on the highest that breaks up the swathe of white which encases the remainder of the console, and it is the place the vast majority of the warmth is exhausted. It is the smallest Xbox that Microsoft has ever made, with a plain entrance face that sports activities a single USB port and an influence button. It is a clear, understated and practical design.

By way of ports, in the event you spin the Xbox Sequence S round you’ll discover an HDMI 2.1 output, two USB 3.2 ports, an Ethernet port, a storage enlargement slot and an AC enter. 

Maybe unsurprisingly, the Xbox Sequence S would not have a port for Kinect, Microsoft’s now-defunct motion-sensing digital camera, or a HDMI enter for cable containers. (Word, nonetheless, that the Xbox Sequence S solely ships with a Excessive Velocity HDMI cable, not an Extremely Excessive Velocity HDMI cable.)

By way of weight and dimension, the Xbox Sequence S measures in at 6.5 x 15.1 x 27.5cm and 4.25 kilos (round 2kg). Its dimension ought to guarantee it simply matches into most leisure middle cupboards and on TV stands, and it is mild sufficient to pack up and produce to a buddy’s home, or take with you on trip.

As we talked about above, the Xbox Sequence S is smaller than the Xbox One S, which is a formidable feat contemplating that it’s packing a 4 TFLOP GPU and an octa-core Customized Zen 2 CPU that must be cooled.

Whereas some may not like the best way Microsoft has aped its personal design from the final era, we’re okay with it. It is good to have some continuity, particularly in merchandise that are marketed as a household of gadgets as a substitute of a complete new line, though it’s pretty easy and industrial-like in its look. 

Xbox Sequence S efficiency

• Upscaled 4K seems nice, and native 1440p is a pleasant compromise
• Affords easy and fluid 120fps gameplay
• Xbox Velocity Structure is quick… however not instantaneous

The Xbox Sequence S’s sturdy go well with is its worth proposition – it is a compact powerhouse. It might probably supply both upscaled 4K gaming, native 1440p decision or a 1080p image. 

Its GPU, whereas not as highly effective because the one within the Xbox Sequence X, can upscale video games to 4K (in an identical approach to the Xbox One S) and nonetheless run video games at 120fps at 1440p, however you may want a HDMI 2.1-compliant TV if you wish to preserve the decision at 1440p. It is also able to ray tracing, and hundreds video games sooner than ever due to Microsoft’s Xbox Velocity Structure. 

Mix Velocity Structure with the 10GB of GDDR6 reminiscence and built-in SSD, and also you’ve received all of the makings of a strong console.

However do you really need a 4K TV? And moreover, do you want one which helps HDMI 2.1 for its 120Hz refresh price? Let’s stroll by means of all of the eventualities.

When you’re utilizing a 1080p TV, the Xbox Sequence S makes use of a way referred to as supersampling to create better-looking pictures, even on less-capable shows. Supersampling is a fancy course of, however the fundamental concept is that the sport is rendered at increased decision, after which downscales the picture to match the output of your TV. 

The top result’s a noticeable increase in picture readability and anti-aliasing (the removing of jaggies and pixelated edges), and implies that players who aren’t utilizing a 4K or 1440p -capable display screen will nonetheless profit from improved picture high quality from the Xbox Sequence S. 

Most folk although, we count on, might be pairing the Xbox Sequence S with a 4K HDR TV – doubtlessly one with a 120Hz native refresh price, though the vast majority of shows offered over the previous couple of years are prone to solely help 60Hz at 4K and 1440p. 

When you do hook the Xbox Sequence S as much as a 4K panel, the console will use a way referred to as upscaling to transform a non-native 4K sign to 4K. Whereas there is a stark distinction between rendering in 4K, and rendering in 1440p after which upscaling to 4K – particularly in the event you’ve received a eager eye for element – it nonetheless makes video games on the Xbox Sequence S look higher than if the console was locked to a 1440p output. 

It is value noting that the Xbox Sequence S can render some video games in native 4K if a developer chooses to allow that choice, however it’s accomplished on a game-by-game foundation, and is not one thing you’re going to see on each sport on the system.

The upshot right here is that the console can make the most of HDR (excessive dynamic vary) that permits a wider shade palette, increased peak brightness and higher distinction ranges. Skies look bluer, grass seems greener and colours pop in each scene. If you have not had the chance to sport in HDR but, you are in for a deal with.

If you’re lucky sufficient to have a show that is compliant with HDMI 2.1, you possibly can allow 120fps at 1440p with out having to drop all the way down to 1080p decision. To allow 120fps, merely pop into the console’s audio and visible settings, the place you possibly can select from numerous body price and determination choices. 

It is fairly easy, however it’s value noting that not all video games can hit 120fps and, on the time of writing, there are solely a handful that may, together with The Falconeer and Gears 5’s multiplayer – with Name of Obligation Black Ops: Chilly Struggle, Halo Infinite multiplayer and extra resulting from get help sooner or later. 

Even in the event you do not spend money on a brand new TV, you are still going to see the advantages of the brand new SSD and Microsoft’s Xbox Velocity Structure. The latter is a multi-step answer that mixes the Sequence S’s customized NVMe SSD, hardware-accelerated decompression blocks, a brand-new DirectStorage API layer and Sampler Suggestions Streaming (SFS).

That is loads to parse, however the gist of it’s that knowledge is saved in a extra environment friendly manner, and might be loaded into reminiscence sooner due to each the bodily storage medium and the software program algorithms that Microsoft have carried out to load the info. 

The result’s considerably sooner load instances in comparison with Xbox One X, and the SSD additionally allows options like Fast Resume which we’ll get to shortly.  

In fact, the one space that is much less spectacular right here is the meager 512GB of storage capability, which most individuals will replenish just about in a single day. Whereas 500GB was enough early on over the past console era, sport file sizes have expanded exponentially within the years since, making something lower than 1TB of storage appear to be a uncooked deal.

And it will get worse when you think about that you do not even get entry to the total 512GB of storage. The system OS takes up 148GB of area, that means you have solely received 364GB of usable storage to play with from the outset. 

By the point you have put in 4 or 5 video games, you may want to start out fascinated with what to uninstall, which isn’t a enjoyable expertise. Whereas Microsoft claims that video games on Xbox Sequence S might be as much as 30% smaller resulting from not having 4K texture information, this received’t cease the system’s inside drive from quickly filling up.

The excellent news is that Microsoft has launched an add-on storage answer at launch, in partnership with Seagate, that may add 1TB of additional storage in the event you run out of room. The dangerous information? The Seagate Storage Growth Card prices $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$359 – cash that might be spent on shopping for an Xbox Sequence X as a substitute.

Xbox Sequence S controller

• Extra tactile than earlier than due to cautious refinement
• Triggers are shorter, controller is simpler to grip due to new textured end 
• Share button is a welcome addition, and the 360-degree D-pad feels nice
• Nonetheless makes use of AA batteries, sadly

Coming from the Xbox One Controller, you would be forgiven for considering that the Xbox Sequence X/S controller is not all that totally different. Nevertheless, it is now extra snug and simpler to make use of than ever earlier than resulting from refined modifications within the controller’s ergonomics. 

Its total dimensions have been tweaked ever so barely, lowering the scale of the controller as a complete, however to not the purpose the place it is noticeable to the common consumer. It means extra hand sizes can use the brand new Xbox pad comfortably. Different modifications embrace a textured and matte end on the handles, triggers and bumpers, that assist you get extra buy on the controller throughout tense gaming periods.

In all probability the most important change for the controller itself, although, is the brand new D-pad, which has been revised to be a full 360-degree pad that feels nice on the thumb. Every route clicks with a satisfying sound and tactile suggestions (although some may discover it noisier than they’d like), and its easy end makes pulling off half-circle sweeps in combating video games an actual pleasure.

One other minor change is that the triggers on the again of the controller have been shortened to make them extra accommodating for smaller palms. The triggers nonetheless have haptic suggestions within the type of rumble motors, however it’s not the identical because the adaptive triggers within the PS5 DualSense controller, which might change resistance on the fly.

The brand new Share button does precisely what you’d count on – it captures and shares moments in your sport for posting in your Xbox Feed or on social media. One click on takes a snapshot, whereas holding the button down longer captures a 15-second video (you possibly can alter the length within the Seize settings). 

It is a lot simpler than on the Xbox One, the place you needed to press the house button twice after which X or Y, however it does take some getting used to in the event you’re accustomed to doing it the outdated manner. 

Total although, it is largely what you bear in mind, with two asymmetrical analog sticks, the menu and think about buttons that fill in for begin and choose, and the 4 face buttons (A, B, X, Y). 

The Xbox Sequence S controller retains its 3.5mm audio jack and enlargement port on the backside, however it now makes use of a USB Sort-C charging port as a substitute of microUSB. You may additionally discover the pairing button on the prime, which you employ to sync the controller to the console, or for pairing when utilizing Bluetooth.

The brand new Xbox pad remains to be a cushty controller to play with, however its largest weak point is the truth that it nonetheless makes use of AA batteries, as a substitute of a chargeable lithium-ion cell just like the Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Sequence 2. We discovered a pair of AA batteries lasted for round 10 days or so of heavy gaming, however we’ll replace this assessment with a clearer determine in the end.

When you’re appalled by the thought of a controller utilizing AA batteries in 2020, you can even choose up Microsoft’s play-and-charge package, which contains a chargeable battery and USB-C cable, for $24.99 (£20.99 / AU$29.95 ) to save lots of you cash in the long run (you can even use rechargeable AAs). 

Whereas the package is clearly an additional expense which will irk some, there’s a component of flexibility not less than – and also you’re additionally not on the mercy of a lithium-ion cell battery, which might degrade over time, and which is extra expensive to switch ought to something go awry. 

Our recommendation? Decide up rechargeable batteries, or Microsoft’s play-and-charge package, in the event you plan on doing greater than 40 hours of gaming every week.

Xbox Sequence S options

• Person interface feels a bit overcrowded and, in some locations, sluggish
• Fast Resume feels actually cutting-edge
• Good Supply ensures you get the absolute best model of a sport
• Good choice of streaming apps, plus Dolby Imaginative and prescient and Atmos help

If it has been just a few years since you obtain an Xbox console, and also you’re nervous that the method of setting it up may be complicated, do not be. Organising the Xbox Sequence S proved to be a streamlined course of, thanks in no small half to the new-and-improved Xbox app for Android and iOS. 

You’ll must obtain the app from the App Retailer or Google Play Retailer, and log in to your Microsoft account. When you’re logged in, power-on the console and kind within the code you see within the app, which seems in your TV display screen – this pulls in all of your knowledge with out you having to sort all of it in. You may nonetheless must enter just a few extra particulars through the console, like your Wi-Fi title and password, however then you definately’re off to the races after ready for a small replace to land.

The UI that greets you whenever you’ve completed establishing the Xbox Sequence S might be immediately acquainted to anybody who’s used an Xbox One within the final three months, because the ‘new’ Xbox Dashboard rolled out in August, and is identical throughout each Xbox Sequence X and S and the older {hardware}. It isn’t essentially the most intuitive of interfaces, although. 

There’s plenty of info on show without delay, and it is honest to say there is a small studying curve in relation to determining how one can navigate the UI successfully. 

The draw back to the brand new consoles having the identical consumer interface because the One sequence is that the Xbox Sequence S would not really feel any totally different immediately, even when navigating the dashboard feels snappier than earlier than due to the additional energy beneath the hood. 

Furthermore, the brand new UI nonetheless presents among the similar issues we have observed prior to now with Xbox One’s interface: some pictures on the display screen take just a few seconds to load as content material is pulled from the web, and it is typically a bit too busy for many tastes, with way more info on display screen than you really need at one time.

Look previous the UI, nonetheless, and you may start to see some areas the place the Xbox Sequence S actually innovates, although they’re admittedly extra refined. 

Good Supply from the Xbox Retailer means you may at all times get the absolute best model of a sport whenever you obtain it, or if it is upgraded sooner or later. Your save knowledge additionally carries over seamlessly, even in the event you bounce backwards and forwards between your outdated Xbox One / One X / One S and new Xbox Sequence S. It is primarily concurrently backwards and forwards compatibility, which is reassuring.

Leaping between a number of video games at a time is now potential due to Fast Resume, a brand new characteristic that enables the Xbox Sequence S to carry a number of sport states within the reminiscence at one time, so you possibly can bounce backwards and forwards between video games with out having to reload them. 

The variety of video games that may be suspended varies – we had as many as eight in rotation at one level – and it will not work with each title, particularly these with ever-changing on-line worlds, like Sea of Thieves. It is a helpful, time-saving characteristic that is solely potential due to the console’s SSD, and sport states are preserved even when the console is totally powered down. 

Lastly, we have now to speak in regards to the console’s multimedia capabilities. As a streaming machine, the Xbox Sequence S carries most main companies, from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to newcomers like Apple TV Plus and Disney Plus, in addition to region-specific apps similar to Hulu within the US and Sky Go within the UK. 

Accessing these requires navigating to the Apps part of your library or, in the event you often use specific apps you possibly can pin them to the house display screen or create a particular group that may be accessed from the Xbox information. We observed that, like video games, apps stayed in a suspended state after we flicked between them.

It is vital to notice that whereas the Xbox Sequence S solely outputs at 1440p decision whenever you’re gaming, the console is able to displaying streaming apps in 4K HDR. Meaning the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus will output in 4K in the event you’re utilizing a suitable show.

As on the One X, a few of these companies can be found in Dolby Imaginative and prescient and Dolby Atmos, supplying you with entry to superior HDR and 3D encompass sound respectively, however you’ll have to pay for the next subscription tier in an effort to entry these codecs.

Xbox Sequence S sport library

• Scarce launch lineup with few exclusives
• Backwards compatibility with three generations of Xbox consoles
• Xbox Recreation Go is a good way to immediately construct up your library

We cannot mince phrases right here: the Xbox Sequence S’s sport library is off to a nasty begin. With the delay of Halo Infinite to 2021 and past, there are no first-party exclusives out there at launch on the Xbox Sequence S, aside from titles which have beforehand been out there on Xbox, or on PC, like Gears Ways. 

We’ll get extra third-party exclusives quickly, within the type of The Medium and Brilliant Reminiscence Infinite, however proper now Microsoft’s first-party output is noticeably missing.

As a substitute of releasing new experiences on day one, Microsoft has opted to enhance the library of video games it is already received through Xbox Sequence S Optimizations. Video games like Gears 5, Forza Horizon 4, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Sea of Thieves have all been optimized to both enhance their base decision or body charges, or to supply better visible constancy.

If you wish to shortly see which video games have been optimized for the Xbox Sequence S, head to ‘My Video games & App’ > ‘Video games’ > after which choose ‘Group by console sort’. You’ll be able to then see all of the video games optimised for Xbox Sequence X/S at a look.

When you’re somebody who loves accessing the whole library of Xbox video games previous and current, the Xbox Sequence S might be interesting as a result of it helps 4 generations of Xbox titles, stretching all the best way again to the unique Xbox. 

Having the ability to bounce backwards and forwards between Xbox 360 classics like Viva Piñata and Crimson Lifeless Redemption to extra modern-day blockbusters is reassuring, and it is good not having to interrupt out the outdated {hardware} or observe down an outdated CRT TV.

The caveat right here is that, as a result of the Xbox Sequence S would not have a disc drive, you may want digital variations of these older video games in an effort to play them – and for that cause alone, Xbox Recreation Go is nice. 

On it, you may discover over 100 video games out there to obtain on the Xbox Sequence S, with a mixture of new first-party titles like Halo: The Grasp Chief Assortment, Gears 5 and Forza 7, and a few indie gems from the Xbox 360 period. When you’re somebody who loves the Video games with Gold program, however want you had just a few extra choices to obtain, Recreation Go is absolutely satisfying.

Whereas Recreation Go cannot make up for the shortage of exclusives at launch, it does allow you to pad out your library, and offers you an opportunity to see among the finest previous-gen video games in a brand new mild. You additionally get entry to all of Microsoft’s first-party video games the day they launch, together with the upcoming Halo Infinite, which represents an enormous long-term saving in itself.

Do you have to purchase the Xbox Sequence S?

Purchase it if…

Do not buy it if…