5 Years Later I Still Love My Xbox Series S, Here’s Why

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As we stand in 2025, it’s been five years since the release of the Xbox X/S. What an eventful five years it has been for Microsoft and Xbox! Not only is Sony outpacing them significantly in the console race, but Microsoft has experienced a string of questionable decisions – such as their puzzling business strategy to phase out exclusive games and transform Xbox into a digital platform, all while maintaining that they are committed to hardware production…Wait a minute, what? And why?

1. Size Matters: The compact design of the Series S makes it easy to find a suitable spot in any gaming setup, without taking up too much space. This is particularly beneficial for those with limited room or who prefer a clutter-free environment.

2. Affordable Gaming: With its lower price point, the Series S offers an accessible entry into next-gen gaming for budget-conscious gamers, allowing them to experience high-quality games at a fraction of the cost compared to other consoles.

3. Digital Advantages: The all-digital nature of the Series S eliminates the need for physical media, making it more eco-friendly and reducing the chances of scratches or damage during transportation. Additionally, digital games can be downloaded instantly, saving time compared to waiting for shipments.

4. Performance: Despite its lower power output, the Series S still delivers impressive performance in many games, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for most titles.

5. Backward Compatibility: Just like the Series X, the Series S supports backward compatibility with select Xbox One and Xbox 360 games, providing a vast library of games to choose from.

In conclusion, while some may argue that the Xbox Series S doesn’t meet their expectations for next-gen gaming, it remains an ideal choice for many gamers like myself who prioritize affordability, compactness, and digital convenience without sacrificing performance or game selection.

It’s Portable and Sturdy 

I frequently take journeys, both for work and to see family a few times annually. It’s fantastic for me to possess a console that I can quickly put into my backpack whenever needed. In contrast, the X is an oversized, shoe-box sized behemoth (though incredibly powerful), but the S not only fits within my backpack, but it does so while still providing ample space for other items. I can comfortably carry the S alongside my laptop, notebook, Switch, journal, and travel kit containing all my charging cables without any issues.

Moreover, being devoid of an internal hard drive and having an external memory card that’s simple to detach and reattach, it gives a robust and durable feel, ensuring my mind is at ease about sensitive components susceptible to damage due to minor impacts or knocks.

It Still Looks Great for the Price

Indeed, dedicated gamers might grumble about teraflops and resolution, often degrading the Xbox Series S for falling short of their expectations. However, let’s cut to the chase…for the majority of us players out there, those specifications aren’t what truly matters. I personally enjoy sprawling games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard on my S, and both run beautifully. Admittedly, they might not reach their full potential on a Series X or PS5…but to be frank, I’m more interested in the gaming experience than the slightest differences in visual quality.

Most gamers, I’d wager, would find themselves nodding in agreement with me. As far as games go, if they’re visually appealing and fun to play, their lack of being “the best” in terms of graphics is not a deal-breaker for me. Additionally, I believe there are numerous gamers who aren’t keen on spending $500 on a console. Interestingly, the S has been outperforming the X throughout this entire console generation up until late 2024. For those simply seeking an enjoyable gaming experience, the S is ideal due to its balance of performance and affordability.

It’s a Great Next-Gen Console

Although the Series S may not boast the same level of power as the Series X, it remains an outstanding next-generation console with a plethora of features that I adore. One of my favorite aspects is Quick Resume, which allows me to instantly resume play on up to five or six games without losing progress, resuming exactly where I left off each time.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to say, the Xbox Series S isn’t the most cutting-edge console on the market, but for just $300 (or even less with current deals), it sure packs a punch with its next-gen capabilities. It boasts ray tracing, can run games at 120 FPS, and offers 8k video output. For me, that’s a pretty sweet deal!

Why Waste Money on an Xbox Right Now Anyways? 

Ultimately, my question is: What’s the point of spending $500 on an Xbox Series X at this moment? The sales figures for Xbox X/S are quite poor, and the announcement last year that Xbox would no longer produce exclusive games has only worsened the situation.

As we approach the 10th Generation, Xbox is expected to focus less on exclusive games. This means that for $500, your Series X could have been a PlayStation 5, and you could be enjoying both PS exclusives and Xbox games. Moreover, considering Xbox’s declining sales numbers, it’s becoming increasingly speculative whether the company will continue to manufacture consoles. Consequently, your Series X might just serve as a heavy reminder of an investment in a less popular console.

From my perspective, considering factors like size, portability, ease of use, cost, and the upcoming possible demise of Xbox consoles, it’s definitely worth choosing the Xbox S as your option.

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2025-01-11 13:29