Microsoft's Series X|S generation consoles have a lot to offer, but the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S differ from each other in vital ways, and it can be confusing figuring out which one you should get. Should you buy an Xbox Series X or an Xbox Series S?

Let's break down both of these consoles and decide which Xbox is right for you.

But First, Some Key Points on the Xbox Series X|S

Before we dive into the specifics of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, we need to clear up some sources of confusion for many first-time buyers.

The Xbox One X/S Are Not From the Same Generation as the Series X|S

Microsoft has another range of consoles called the Xbox One X and Xbox One S from the generation before the Series X and Series S. Due to their similar names, when the Xbox Series X opened for pre-orders, sales of the Xbox One X also increased, as reported by IGN.

Because of this, when you choose between the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S, make sure you're not buying the old Xbox 'one' consoles instead.

The Xbox Series X and Series S Can Run the Same Xbox Games

While the Xbox Series S and Series X do have major differences, each console is still able to play all Series X generation Xbox games.

Similarly, each console also supports Xbox Game Pass, meaning the consoles can load and play every game listed on Xbox's Game Pass service.

Key differences in performance, however, do affect how well the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X play and run each Xbox game, and other key differences may sway which console is right for you.

What's the Difference Between the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S?

A photograph of an Xbox Series X console and controller in front of a green background

Now that you know which console range you should buy, the question remains: should you buy an Xbox Series X or an Xbox Series S?

Which Console Is Most Powerful?

The Xbox Series X is the most powerful console of the two. In terms of processing speed, both consoles use a Custom Zen 2 CPU with eight cores, but the Xbox Series X runs it at 3.8Ghz and the Xbox Series S at 3.6Ghz.

The gap gets even wider when comparing graphics. The Xbox Series X can manage twelve TFLOPs while the Xbox Series S can only manage four. This means the Xbox Series X can achieve native 4K resolution, while the Xbox Series S can only go for 1440p but can upscale games to match 4K displays.

Finally, the Xbox Series X has 16GB of RAM, while the Series S only has 10GB. As such, if you want raw power, there's only one choice for you.

The Winner: Xbox Series X

Which Console Has More Storage Space?

The Xbox Series X also has more storage space than the Series S. The Xbox Series X can hold 1TB of data, while the Series S can only manage 512GB.

It's also worth noting that both consoles have an SSD and expandable storage, making the Series S and Series X adjustable and lightning fast.

The Winner: Xbox Series X

Which Console Is Best for Backwards Compatibility?

Xbox fans have enjoyed playing old Xbox games on their newer consoles, and the Xbox Series X and S are no different. The Xbox Series X and S feature amazing backward compatibility, so you need not worry about either console's ability to replay the classics.

However, there's one caveat that's important for those who love replaying their old library. The Xbox Series S is download-only and doesn't have a disc drive.

While this means you can't make use of older disc games, if you utilize Xbox Game Pass on the Series S you can play hundreds of current and past generation titles, making the Series S a great reason why you may want to invest in Xbox Game Pass.

The Xbox Series X, however, has a Blu-Ray optical drive and can run both disc games and Game Pass, making it the clear winner.

A photograph of the power button for an Xbox Series X with a green background

The Winner: Xbox Series X

Which Console Is Cheapest?

The Xbox Series S, while having lower specs than the Series X, does come at a lower price point than the Series X.

As listed on the Microsoft Store, you can pick up an Xbox Series S for a cool $239.99. While the Microsoft Store lists the Xbox Series X at $499.99, making the Series S the cheaper choice for you.

The Winner: Xbox Series S

Which Console Is Smallest?

Having a super-powerful console is all well and good, but it's all for naught if you can't find the right place to put it. If you don't have a lot of room for a console, you might want to consider an Xbox Series S.

The Xbox Series X comes in at 5.9 x 5.9 x 11.8 inches. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S loses a lot in the width department and comes in at 2.6 x 5.9 x 10.8 inches. This makes the Xbox Series X the smallest Xbox console yet.

A pgotoograph of an Xbox Series S console on top of a marble counter

The Winner: Xbox Series S

Which Console Is Right for You?

As you can see from the above points, the Xbox Series S doesn't have a lot over the Series X. However, that doesn't mean that you should count out the Xbox Series S entirely.

The main draw of the Xbox Series S is its price point and SSD drive. It's half the price of a Series X but uses the same kind of storage drive as the PlayStation 5. So if you don't want to spend a lot to experience modern gaming, the Series S may be right for you.

A photo of the Xbox Series S with its controller placed at its front

As such, if you want to keep up with the latest next-gen releases, but you're not fond of shelling out a lot, the Xbox Series S is your best choice. It may not run games perfectly but if you don't have a 4K screen, you may not even care.

However, the moment graphic fidelity and backward compatibility are factored in, the Xbox Series X always comes out on top. The Series X does a lot more than the Series S in pretty much every way, as long as you can afford the price tag.

Clearing Up the Differences Between the Xbox Series X and Series S

The Xbox Series X and Series S may be in the same generation, but they're two very different beasts. The Xbox Series S is an affordable and digital-only Game Pass machine, and the Xbox Series X is an all-around powerhouse.

Regardless of which console you decide is right for you, you may have some lingering questions, especially with the costs of a console like the Xbox Series X, and may want to investigate every question before buying the right Xbox for you.