The Xbox Series S is one of the most highly anticipated gaming consoles in recent years, and its release has been met with a mix of excitement and curiosity. One of the most pressing questions on everyone’s mind is: how much is the Xbox Series S going to cost? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the console’s pricing, its features, and what you can expect from this next-generation gaming experience.
Understanding the Xbox Series S
Before we dive into the pricing, it’s essential to understand what the Xbox Series S is all about. The Xbox Series S is a digital-only console, meaning it doesn’t have a disc drive. This design choice allows for a more compact and affordable console, making it an attractive option for those who prefer digital game purchases or subscriptions.
The Xbox Series S is powered by a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU with 36 compute units at 3.4 GHz, 10 GB of GDDR6 RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. This hardware configuration provides a significant boost in performance compared to the previous generation of Xbox consoles. The console also features a 4K UHD Blu-ray player, HDR support, and a variable refresh rate.
Key Features of the Xbox Series S
Some of the key features of the Xbox Series S include:
- Ray Tracing: The Xbox Series S supports real-time ray tracing, which provides more accurate lighting and reflections in games.
- Variable Refresh Rate: The console features a variable refresh rate, which allows for smoother gameplay and reduced screen tearing.
- Quick Resume: The Xbox Series S allows you to quickly switch between multiple games, picking up where you left off.
- Backward Compatibility: The console is backward compatible with Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games.
Pricing and Bundles
Now, let’s talk about the pricing. The Xbox Series S is priced at $299.99, making it an attractive option for those who want a next-generation gaming experience without breaking the bank.
In addition to the console itself, Microsoft is offering several bundles that include the Xbox Series S, a controller, and a few games. These bundles are priced at $349.99 and $449.99, depending on the games and accessories included.
| Bundle | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series S Console | $299.99 | Xbox Series S console, controller |
| Xbox Series S Bundle | $349.99 | Xbox Series S console, controller, 1 game |
| Xbox Series S Premium Bundle | $449.99 | Xbox Series S console, controller, 2 games, 1 accessory |
Comparison to Other Consoles
The Xbox Series S is priced competitively with other next-generation consoles on the market. The PlayStation 5, for example, starts at $399.99, while the Nintendo Switch OLED Model starts at $359.99.
However, it’s worth noting that the Xbox Series S is a digital-only console, which may be a drawback for some gamers who prefer physical game copies. On the other hand, the console’s lower price point and compact design make it an attractive option for those who want a more affordable and convenient gaming experience.
Games and Subscriptions
The Xbox Series S has a growing library of games, including popular titles like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 4, and Gears 5. The console also supports Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that provides access to a vast library of games for a flat monthly fee.
Xbox Game Pass is available in two tiers: Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The basic tier costs $9.99 per month, while the Ultimate tier costs $14.99 per month. The Ultimate tier includes additional benefits, such as access to Xbox Cloud Gaming and free games each month.
Xbox Game Pass: A Cost-Effective Option
Xbox Game Pass is a cost-effective option for gamers who want to play a variety of games without breaking the bank. With a vast library of games to choose from, you can play new games each month without having to purchase them outright.
In addition, Xbox Game Pass includes access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows you to play games on your console, PC, or mobile device. This feature is perfect for gamers who want to play games on the go or on multiple devices.
Conclusion
The Xbox Series S is a powerful and affordable gaming console that offers a next-generation gaming experience at a lower price point than its competitors. With its compact design, digital-only configuration, and competitive pricing, the Xbox Series S is an attractive option for gamers who want a convenient and affordable gaming experience.
While the console’s pricing may vary depending on the bundle and accessories, the base price of $299.99 makes it an attractive option for those who want a next-generation gaming experience without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, the Xbox Series S is a great option for gamers who want a powerful and affordable gaming console with a growing library of games and a cost-effective subscription service.
What is the price of the Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S is priced at $299, making it a more affordable option for gamers who want to experience the next generation of gaming without breaking the bank. This price point is significantly lower than the Xbox Series X, which is priced at $499.
The lower price point of the Xbox Series S is due to its less powerful hardware and digital-only design. However, despite its lower price, the Xbox Series S still offers many of the same features as the Xbox Series X, including a fast SSD, ray tracing, and a powerful processor.
What are the key features of the Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S is a digital-only console, meaning it does not have a disc drive. This design choice allows for a more compact and affordable console. The Xbox Series S also features a custom AMD processor, 10GB of GDDR6 RAM, and a 512GB SSD. These specs provide fast loading times and smooth gameplay.
In addition to its hardware specs, the Xbox Series S also features a number of software features, including ray tracing, variable refresh rate, and auto low latency mode. These features provide a more immersive and responsive gaming experience. The Xbox Series S also supports 8K resolution at 60Hz and 4K resolution at 120Hz.
How does the Xbox Series S compare to the Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X are both next-generation consoles, but they have some key differences. The Xbox Series X is more powerful, with a custom AMD processor and 16GB of GDDR6 RAM. The Xbox Series X also has a disc drive, which allows for physical game purchases.
Despite its lower specs, the Xbox Series S still offers many of the same features as the Xbox Series X, including ray tracing, variable refresh rate, and auto low latency mode. However, the Xbox Series S may not be able to handle the most demanding games at the highest settings. Ultimately, the choice between the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X will depend on your gaming needs and budget.
What kind of games can I play on the Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S is compatible with a wide range of games, including Xbox Series X games, Xbox One games, and even some Xbox 360 and original Xbox games through backwards compatibility. The Xbox Series S also supports Xbox Game Pass, which provides access to a library of games for a flat monthly fee.
In terms of exclusive games, the Xbox Series S will have access to all of the same exclusives as the Xbox Series X, including Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 4, and Gears 5. The Xbox Series S will also support third-party games, including popular titles like Fortnite and Minecraft.
Can I upgrade the storage on the Xbox Series S?
Yes, the Xbox Series S has a storage expansion slot that allows you to add more storage to the console. This is useful if you plan on downloading a lot of games or storing a large library of games on your console. The storage expansion slot supports 1TB expansion cards, which can be purchased separately.
It’s worth noting that the Xbox Series S also supports external storage, which can be used to store games and other content. However, external storage may not be as fast as the internal SSD, which can affect game loading times and performance.
Is the Xbox Series S worth buying?
Whether or not the Xbox Series S is worth buying depends on your gaming needs and budget. If you’re looking for a more affordable next-generation console with many of the same features as the Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series S may be a good choice. However, if you’re looking for the most powerful console on the market, the Xbox Series X may be a better option.
Ultimately, the Xbox Series S offers a great balance of price and performance, making it a compelling option for gamers who want to experience the next generation of gaming without breaking the bank.
When will the Xbox Series S be available?
The Xbox Series S is available now, with pre-orders starting in September 2020 and the console launching in November 2020. The Xbox Series S is available at a variety of retailers, both online and in-store.
If you’re interested in purchasing the Xbox Series S, it’s a good idea to check with your local retailers for availability and pricing. You can also purchase the Xbox Series S directly from Microsoft’s website.