I feel like the Xbox Series S is a waste of time & I don't understand why Microsoft made such a console like the Series S.

It's perfect for someone like me that is and always will be PlayStation™ but is VERY curious about some xbox games I've missed out on through the decades and I'm not gonna get the super sexbox for playing once in a while. And if elder scrolls 6 goes exclusive.
 
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Omnipunctual Godot said:
PS5 Digital Version pricing made it very unnatractive.
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Yeah, I wish Xbox had just done the same. A digital-only Series X for $399. I plan to mostly use my Xbox for GamePass, and anything else, I'd probably just get digital.

For PS5, I prefer to go physical, as it's my primary console (along with Switch). So I just ended up buying both $500 versions anyway.
 
Apparently I don't exist according to people here. I had all 3 consoles at one point (donated my series x) and the Series S is currently my main console. I've thoroughly enjoyed it and think it looks great on my 4K tv.

I'm not a die hard fanboy/gamer by any means but I also play more than just madden and cod. The console does everything I need it to and then some. I've recommended to to several people that have enjoyed it. I've also steered others to the Series X or PS5.

Be more open-minded and less worried about a console that's not for you.
 
I was initially optimistic about Series S but the price, storage and performance relative to all other consoles seems like it really dropped the ball.

I understand that there are people who are fine with it but I'm not one of those that can ignore other vastly superior options especially with just $100-$200 at most in increased price.

Fuck me man, buying a Series S with a 1TB storage drive that MS is selling is more expensive than a Series X. With game sizes still being as big as it is, I can't see myself satisfied with a 500gb drive.
 
hououinkyouma00 said:
I think it's only purpose is to have a cheap entry in the "next gen" console space. I think it has some use cases; secondary console, 1080p monitor/tv crowd, game pass machine, and kids. I don't think it's a good value however when the PS5 Digital is only $100 and much more powerful, and has a semi-useable hard drive. It does get you next gen features like the SSD, not shit CPU, and high framerates (on what is likely to be very few games). I think most people would be better off buying a Series X and waiting until they can save the extra money.

On the subject of the bolded, the Series S isn't meant for 4K displays at all. It's a 1080p console "disguised" as a 1440p console.
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Said this from day one. It won't be running any serious games at 1440p, except maybe racing and fighting games.

It's not Nintendo levels of technologically limited, but Microsoft only introduced it so they would have a 'price advantage' to add to their checklist.

But it's a waste of times and is already showing its limitations. Imagine what it's going to look like I in comparison to the RTX 5000 / RX8800 series graphics cards when they'e on the market four years from now.
 
my brother's not what you'd call a tech savy person in any way and got one of these,

ATM it's a glorified one S, tbh a piece of junk hardware for what it's meant to represent; it doesn't enhance old games (16x af that's it), there's way too little space for it to actually make sense and the Game Pass library right now is just lackluster.

Doesn't even launch with a new UI, no controller improvements, it'll soon start to struggle with actual next gen titles; quite frankly I just don't get MS on this one.
 
It`s the bundled kinect of this generation, and contrary to a popular opinion here on GAF, billion dollars companies DO make mistakes.

And btw, unlike the bundled kinect that got ditched pretty soon, the series S burden will have to be supported during the whole gen.
 
SebastianM said:
my brother's not what you'd call a tech savy person in any way and got one of these,

ATM it's a glorified one S, tbh a piece of junk hardware for what it's meant to represent; it doesn't enhance old games (16x af that's it), there's way too little space for it to actually make sense and the Game Pass library right now is just lackluster.

Doesn't even launch with a new UI, no controller improvements, it'll soon start to struggle with actual next gen titles; quite frankly I just don't get MS on this one.
Click to expand...

The fact that you call the series s a glorified xbox one shows you have zero idea about the hardware inside it, the machine is at least 5 as powerfull in terms of final output.
 
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mhirano said:
In rich countries the Series S may not be a big deal but here in Brazil it's lower price means 'affordable by many'.
Click to expand...
And yet its readly avaible while the X is sold out.

In countries like Brazil the xbox gamepass is a much bigger selling point than any cheaper and slower console.
 
Riky said:
" It feels just like the Xbox One and plays like it too. I don't see any difference in performance and visuals"

I would seriously get your eyes checked.

Watch Dogs Legion, see the Ray Tracing , you can't see that?

Valhalla, it runs at twice the framerate, that isn't performing the same at all.

Warzone, it runs at 120fps instead of nearer 40fps on Xbox One, anyone could tell that instantly.

Dirt 5 it can run at 120fps instead of about 40fps on Xbox One.

Loading times are a fraction of Xbox One.

Quick Resume, you didn't notice that?

Gears 5 runs at twice the framerate with upgraded visuals.

I could go on but it's pointless, it would be like saying you couldn't tell the difference between a PS5 and a PS4 Pro.
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That is true but aren't those crossgen? Tell me about next gen how are they running?
 
dvdvideo said:
The fact that you call the series s a glorified xbox one shows you have zero idea about the hardware inside it, the machine is at least 5 as powerfull in terms of final output.
Click to expand...

trust me I do know the benefits of the new Zen 2 architecture inside these boxes and what results it may yield in terms of AI, but as I said ATM it's a glorified One S due to the catalogue, plus the fact that both the GPU and Ram are heavily gimped in comparison to its bigger relative; it'll likely result in a struggle to render decent IQ and framerate in future next-gen games.

The storage situation is just laughable, I get it, it's targeted towards a very casual market but ~350gb? Warzone, FIFA/Madden, Fortnite, some other random game and it'll already be full. It's senseless.
 
The Series S is an entry-level console for people who want Gamepass, XCloud and the ability to play Xbox next gen games. It's so fucking clear, but still somehow people treat it as a simple inferior version of the Series X.


God damn those guys at MS with years of hardware development and market research not knowing anything. They should listen to everyone on the internet.
 
I wonder how many of the "only a £/$/€ 100 more expensive" crowd in this thread have a family, where each 100 quid saved means a few more bills paid or things brought that maybe, just maybe be slightly more important to the family than a video game console?

There's a lot of narrow minded and frankly, naive opinions to be found in threads like this one, around Neo-Gaf.
 
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SebastianM said:
trust me I do know the benefits of the new Zen 2 architecture inside these boxes and what results it may yield in terms of AI, but as I said ATM it's a glorified One S due to the catalogue, plus the fact that both the GPU and Ram are heavily gimped in comparison to its bigger relative; it'll likely result in a struggle to render decent IQ and framerate in future next-gen games.

The storage situation is just laughable, I get it, it's targeted towards a very casual market but ~350gb? Warzone, FIFA/Madden, Fortnite, some other random game and it'll already be full. It's senseless.
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The gpu and ram are not "heavily" gifted vs its big bother, its very slightly slower and smaller, and plenty powerfull for 1080p resulting target. Its not going to have any significant issues.

You don't need room for 20 games at once, I have no issue with the space. My brother in law is a casual gamer, he's ussually playing 1 one game at a time and probably bought 10 games total since he has his ps4 then sold it for an xbox one - that's over 7 years.
 
Jezbollah said:
MS made the Xbox Series S for those who were not committed to, or couldn't afford the Xbox Series X. It's a cheap ecosystem option.
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RoyalLaFlame said:
The Series S is an entry-level console for people who want Gamepass, XCloud and the ability to play Xbox next gen games. It's so fucking clear, but still somehow people treat it as a simple inferior version of the Series X.


God damn those guys at MS with years of hardware development and market research not knowing anything. They should listen to everyone on the internet.
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They should and not make a crappy system like the Series S if that's the case since you claim Microsoft knows what there doing. Then Sony should've done the same with all digital PS5 right? After all Sony is the market leader for gaming.
 
Derktron said:
They should and not make a crappy system like the Series S if that's the case since you claim Microsoft knows what there doing. Then Sony should've done the same with all digital PS5 right? After all Sony is the market leader for gaming.
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Do you even know the goal for MS? Haven't they stated they care more about subscriptions now? Why do you think Sony is increasing game prices while MS focus even more on Gamepass? It's like one of them is dependent on the hardware sold+games while the other is completely focused on subscriptions, trying to lure as many people as possible even with cheaper hardware.

The series S makes sense for what MS is trying to accomplish. Gamepass and xCloud is what they want. If people really want a local powerful gaming machine, they go for the Series X and that's exactly where they compete with the PS5. The series S is clearly not a console to compete with Sony but to bring more users that are interested in the MS ecossystem.

Fuck, MS is even rumored to be bringing a ala Firestick device just with xCloud in mind.
 
Tmack said:
And yet its readly avaible while the X is sold out.

In countries like Brazil the xbox gamepass is a much bigger selling point than any cheaper and slower console.
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Wrong.
Series S is ALSO sold out. No stock on Amazon Brasil; while B2W and ViaVarejo are selling with 30-days shipping delay.
 
magaman said:
He's right, and you aren't. There's a difference between $1,000 and $10,000. But $300 and $500? It's basically the same price over the period of 7 years. If you can't walk to the store right now and pay $300 for something without breaking a sweat, you shouldn't be spending the money.
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You would be a good car salesperson.
 
RoyalLaFlame said:
Do you even know the goal for MS? Haven't they stated they care more about subscriptions now? Why do you think Sony is increasing game prices while MS focus even more on Gamepass? It's like one of them is dependent on the hardware sold+games while the other is completely focused on subscriptions, trying to lure as many people as possible even with cheaper hardware.

The series S makes sense for what MS is trying to accomplish. Gamepass and xCloud is what they want. If people really want a local powerful gaming machine, they go for the Series X and that's exactly where they compete with the PS5. The series S is clearly not a console to compete with Sony but to bring more users that are interested in the MS ecossystem.

Fuck, MS is even rumored to be bringing a ala Firestick device just with xCloud in mind.
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There was a rumour Microsoft is going to create an xbox series s bundle without the controller to shave off 50 dollars.
 
mhirano said:
Wrong.
Series S is ALSO sold out. No stock on Amazon Brasil; while B2W and ViaVarejo are selling with 30-days shipping delay.
Click to expand...

Didn`t noticed that wasnt avaible either.

But at least it`s being sold with a prospective date, while the X is completely sold out, which is a indicator that demand is higher for X than S, even in Brazil.
 
Tmack said:
Didn`t noticed that wasnt avaible either.

But at least it`s being sold with a prospective date, while the X is completely sold out, which is a indicator that demand is higher for X than S, even in Brazil.
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Could also mean Microsoft is making more xbox series s consoles than series x.
 
Well, if it could actually do what MS was promising, same games as Series X at 1440p, it would be a good bargain. But with only 500GB of storage, less RAM, and only 4Tflops, it's not very attractive when you can get a 2.5x more powerful PS5, with 325GB more storage and a bundled game, for $100 more. And real world results have already shown that 1440p dream was a lie.
 
It's def a headscratcher, the only thing the series S really does is throw a wrench into game development.

The whole branding is just confusing too lmao

1: "Mom, I want an Xbox series X"

2: "series S?"

1: "No I want the series ECKS one not the series S one"

*Mom buys an Xbox One X*

1: "Mom this is a one X, it's the wrong one"

2: "I got you the X one like you asked"

1: "No mom I wanted the Series X not the one X"

*Mom buys the series S*

1: "Mom"

2: "What I bought you the Series one like you asked"

1: "......."

Should have called it the Xbox 4K or 4000 (it is the 4th Xbox) and have a model similar to Sony with a digital sku.
 
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thismeinteil said:
Well, if it could actually do what MS was promising, same games as Series X at 1440p, it would be a good bargain. But with only 500GB of storage, less RAM, and only 4Tflops, it's not very attractive when you can get a 2.5x more powerful PS5, with 325GB more storage and a bundled game, for $100 more. And real world results have already shown that 1440p dream was a lie.
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It doesn't work like that. If people had $100 more they wouldn't be looking at the Series S.

The Series S exists for the same reason iPad minis with 16 GB exists. It exists for the same reason the Surface with 128 GB exists. Its for people who want a next Gen Xbox but only want to spend $299.

These are normally the gamers that would have bought a One S due to the cheap price. All MS did was discontinue their last ten consoles and slotted the Series S in that price slot.
 
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Derktron said:
Let me be clear, I'm in no way hating on Microsoft or the console I'm just stating my own opinion on what I experienced from using the console for a couple of months.

For me, the console feels like any other Xbox system that has been out when it comes to the Xbox One. It feels just like the Xbox One and plays like it too. I don't see any difference in performance and visuals, maybe that's because I still don't have a 4KTV yet maybe that's the main issue I'm having but let me be clear. If that's the case then I don't find it fair to those who still haven't upgrade yet to 4K. I thought the Series S was meant for both 1080p and 4K tv and monitors. I played games that are meant for "next-gen" and I don't see anything brand new, not even 60fps. I can understand the lack of 120Fps because you are supposed to have a tv or monitor that supports 120hz. Even my gaming PC does that, in order for me to see beyond 120fps, I have to activate 144hz which is what my monitor has running.

I don't know maybe I'm doing it wrong and really need to upgrade but I feel like having the Series S is a waste of time and I don't understand why Microsoft made it. Hardly anyone talks about it and that to me is a big turn off because it feels like I made a mistake in buying it.
Click to expand...

"For me"

that is your answer right there

you may not understand it but it makes a lot of sense from a market perspective as well as trying something new. There is a business sense to it. It's not meant for you, the series X is meant for you.

Microsoft wants gamepass subscriptions, and casuals are the key to getting that user base to grow. The series S is a much better and easier sell to those people.
 
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AmuroChan said:
I am very curious how Series S will sell long term compared to the Series X. I know it's meant to be a budget GP machine aimed towards casual gamers, but is GP really going to be that attractive to casual gamers? The casual gamers in my circle are those that play no more than a few games a year. They play their Fortnite's and COD's and Madden's. And that's it. They don't play anything else. So what exactly is the lure of GP for these people? GP is awesome for core gamers like us because we play a million games a year. So GP gives us lots of bang for the buck, but for the casual folks that play Fortnite and nothing but Fortnite all year long, which they can play on their phones and iPads, I don't know what's enticing them to pick up a Series S. I totally get that different scenarios exist for different gamers, and my observations could be unique to the social circle I'm in. Nevertheless, I will be very interested to see the long term sales trajectory of these two consoles.
Click to expand...

this is a very fair point and question
We won't know for a few years
 
NullZ3r0 said:
It makes all the sense in the world. Its a cheaper version that allows casual gamers to play next Gen games.
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The casual games will be cross gen for a long time to come.

This gen had a small ram jump %age and multiplat dev is streamlined, the series S makes zero sense IMHO.
 
I'm thinking of getting it eventually just cause I like how it looks and because it can play most of my old xbox 360 library. (the day they just say fuck it and let me play all the og xbox games I'll buy two) Cause it is like 300 bucks, oh wait shit is digital only lol no.
 
S73v3 said:
It's def a headscratcher, the only thing the series S really does is throw a wrench into game development.

The whole branding is just confusing too lmao

1: "Mom, I want an Xbox series X"

2: "series S?"

1: "No I want the series ECKS one not the series S one"

*Mom buys an Xbox One X*

1: "Mom this is a one X, it's the wrong one"

2: "I got you the X one like you asked"

1: "No mom I wanted the Series X not the one X"

*Mom buys the series S*

1: "Mom"

2: "What I bought you the Series one like you asked"

1: "......."

Should have called it the Xbox 4K or 4000 (it is the 4th Xbox) and have a model similar to Sony with a digital sku.
Click to expand...
Except the Xbox One X is no longer available and cannot be bought unless going through Ebay.
 
Hawk269 said:
Except the Xbox One X is no longer available and cannot be bought unless going through Ebay.
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Yes, and series X/S will be sold on eBay, amazon ect just like one X/S, it probly won't be a problem @ store retail forever (I see one units at my local stores)

But online? It's gonna be a problem for awhile, it's just shit branding.
 
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killatopak said:
I was initially optimistic about Series S but the price, storage and performance relative to all other consoles seems like it really dropped the ball.

I understand that there are people who are fine with it but I'm not one of those that can ignore other vastly superior options especially with just $100-$200 at most in increased price.

Fuck me man, buying a Series S with a 1TB storage drive that MS is selling is more expensive than a Series X. With game sizes still being as big as it is, I can't see myself satisfied with a 500gb drive.
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But if you buy a Series S with 1TB of storage extra then you now have 1.5TB of storage (or ~1.4TB in reality) vs about 800GB on the Series X......so then you have to buy the 1TB storage drive for the Series X and surprise! It's back to $200 difference!

fighterman101 said:
There was a rumour Microsoft is going to create an xbox series s bundle without the controller to shave off 50 dollars.
Click to expand...
I would have gladly bought my Series X without a controller to get the price down a bit. The new controller hasn't been used outside of the first 10 minutes of setup and having a quick play with it to see if it feels any different. It likely will never get used either, since I have an Elite. If the elite dies, I'll be getting an Elite 2 (or 3 when it comes out).

MS have already announced that 40% of "new to xbox consoles" customers since the S/X release bought the Series S. If that doesn't tell you that they made the right decision then I don't know what does. SonyGAF as usual just showing that they have literally zero idea how the real world works.

"PS Vita will destroy the 3DS! RIP Nintendo!"

"PS Vita TV will sell 100 million!"

"Switch will be bomba! It'll sell less than the Wii U!"

Next up on the hit list:

"Why would anyone want a true next gen console at a cheaper price than the 7 year old underpowered consoles?!"
 
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I have one and love it. My son plays it mostly but I play it when I can't play on the series x in the office when the wife is working.
Games that are optimised for it are great on the smaller 40 inch telly, graphics are a big upgrade over the 2013 xbox one it replaced. Games which arnt optimised for it look and play better MW 2019 for example looks better than it did on the old xbox and plays very smoothly, dispite using the xbox one s graphics.
The size of it is means it will fit even in the smallest tv stand no problem too. I've even seen people mont it behind the TV using velcro straps.
I love the X as well looks fantastic on the 55 inch TV.
The S does have a place imo if they could drop the price or add a bigger ssd, it would be better of course I feel or was good value for me though.
 
The fact I got 33% off due to Microsoft Rewards points feels like I've stolen it from Microsoft! The Series S is a little thing of beauty and it fits my needs absolutely perfectly, i.e. it lets me play games that I can't get on PC or PS5.
 
S73v3 said:
It's def a headscratcher, the only thing the series S really does is throw a wrench into game development.

The whole branding is just confusing too lmao

1: "Mom, I want an Xbox series X"

2: "series S?"

1: "No I want the series ECKS one not the series S one"

*Mom buys an Xbox One X*

1: "Mom this is a one X, it's the wrong one"

2: "I got you the X one like you asked"

1: "No mom I wanted the Series X not the one X"

*Mom buys the series S*

1: "Mom"

2: "What I bought you the Series one like you asked"

1: "......."

Should have called it the Xbox 4K or 4000 (it is the 4th Xbox) and have a model similar to Sony with a digital sku.
Click to expand...

Oh here we go again. Good thing the One X is discontinued!
 
mhirano said:
In rich countries the Series S may not be a big deal but here in Brazil it's lower price means 'affordable by many'.
Click to expand...

Yeah...no. It's 3x the minimum wage, it's expensive as fuck. People will flock to the Series X as they are doing everywhere. Series S will be dead in 3 years time.
 
BasedPrime said:
Oh here we go again. Good thing the One X is discontinued!
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Well as I said earlier, still see it sold online (and in store where I am)

People will be selling used for sometime too

Also, some people might not even upgrade cause they thing the one S and series S are the same thing like the one (2013) and the one S.

I'll reiterate my point, it's trashbag branding.

Bonus, It's bad enough saying/hearing "X" or "S" over a phone when a person is in a busy store too that's another problem too but I digress.
 
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Gamepass is a value but if you have a Series S with Gamepass and are relying on its value doesn't that mean you aren't playing the new Watch Dogs, Assassin's Creed, CoD, Cyberpunk or like... any big game this season?
 
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