The reason the Xbox Series S is so much cheaper than the Series X
Despite recent price increases across both consoles due to component shortages, the Xbox Series S remains significantly cheaper than the Series X at $500 compared to $750, making it the most affordable new console alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. The price difference reflects fundamental hardware distinctions that position the Series S as Microsoft's budget-conscious entry point for Xbox gaming.
The Series S is a digital-only device without a disc drive, uses less powerful processors, and offers reduced storage and RAM compared to the Series X. Specifically, the Series S delivers 4 teraflops of processing power and supports up to 1440p resolution, whilst the Series X offers 12 teraflops with native 4K resolution; both can achieve 120 fps. Storage begins at 512GB on the Series S versus 1TB on the Series X, and the Series X has 16GB of RAM compared to the Series S's 10GB, with the Series X's RAM operating at faster speeds.
- Series S costs $500, $250 less than Series X
- Digital-only design and lower processing power explain the price gap
- Series S is 60% smaller but limited to 1440p resolution
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Microsoft makes two versions of its current-generation Xbox console: the Series X and the Series S. The Series S costs £500 whilst the Series X is priced at £750, making the cheaper model an appealing entry point for budget-conscious gamers.
The price difference stems from fundamental hardware distinctions between the two machines. The Series S has a weaker processor, less memory, no disc drive, and smaller storage capacity than the Series X, which means it delivers games in lower visual quality—up to 1440p resolution compared to the Series X's sharper 4K output.
This pricing strategy allows Microsoft to reach different customer segments with the same console family. The Series S lets people access Xbox games affordably, whilst the Series X caters to those willing to spend more for superior performance and graphics quality.