Xbox Series S Review (2025): Compact Console, Big Performance

Introduction

The Xbox Series S is Microsoft's compact and budget-friendly next-gen console, offering solid 1440p gaming performance, fast load times, and access to Game Pass—all in a sleek, all-digital form factor. In 2025, it's still a strong contender for gamers who want next-gen performance without the next-gen price tag. But how does it stack up today?

Design: Small Console, Big Power

The Series S is incredibly compact and minimalist, fitting seamlessly into any entertainment setup. Its white chassis and signature black vent give it a futuristic yet friendly aesthetic. Despite its size, it packs a punch with fast SSD storage and high frame rate support.

Key Features

1440p Gaming at Up to 120fps 🎮
512GB NVMe SSD for Super-Fast Load Times ⚡
Support for Ray Tracing & Variable Rate Shading ✨
Xbox Velocity Architecture 🚀
Quick Resume for Instantly Switching Between Games 🔄
Access to Xbox Game Pass & Cloud Gaming ☁️
All-Digital (No Disc Drive) 💿❌
Compact, Space-Saving Design 📏
Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth + HDMI 2.1 📶

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

Affordable Price Point for Next-Gen Gaming ✅
Smooth Performance at 1080p and 1440p ✅
Fast Load Times and Quick Resume ✅
Game Pass = Incredible Value ✅
Ultra-Compact & Stylish Design ✅

❌ Cons:

Limited Internal Storage (512GB) ❌
No Physical Disc Drive ❌
Not Native 4K Gaming (Upscaled Only) ❌
Less Future-Proof Than the Series X ❌

Should You Buy It?

✅ Buy it if:

You're looking for a next-gen console on a budget.
You play mostly digital games or subscribe to Game Pass.
You value portability or space-saving design.

❌ Skip it if:

You want 4K gaming or more storage.
You prefer physical game discs.
You already own a Series X or powerful gaming PC.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is the Xbox Series S good in 2025?

Yes! It still offers excellent performance for casual and budget-conscious gamers, especially with Xbox Game Pass support.

Can the Series S run games at 120fps?

Yes, it supports up to 120fps at 1080p/1440p in optimized titles.

Does the Series S play physical discs?

No. The Series S is all-digital only and does not include a disc drive.

Can I expand storage on the Xbox Series S?

Yes. You can add external storage via USB 3.1 or use a Seagate Storage Expansion Card for full-speed performance.

Is Xbox Game Pass worth it?

Absolutely. Game Pass offers hundreds of games, including day-one releases, for a monthly fee—perfect for Series S owners.

User Reviews: What Are People Saying?

⭐ 4.8/5 – GameStop Review: “Great console for casual gamers or kids. Game Pass makes it even better.”

⭐ 4.7/5 – Reddit Gaming Review: “Bought this as a second console. Works flawlessly and takes up zero space.”

⭐ 4.6/5 – Tech YouTube Channel: “Don’t let its size fool you—this thing is capable of some impressive gaming.”

⭐ 4.9/5 – Parent Review: “My son loves it, and it’s small enough to bring to grandma’s house!”

⭐ 4.5/5 – Amazon Review: “Wish it had more storage, but for the price, it’s unbeatable.”

Full Specs

Feature	Details
CPU	8-core AMD Zen 2 (3.6 GHz)
GPU	4 TFLOPS, RDNA 2
RAM	10GB GDDR6
Storage	512GB SSD
Resolution	1440p (Upscales to 4K)
Frame Rate	Up to 120fps
Disc Drive	None (Digital Only)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI 2.1
Dimensions	6.5 x 15.1 x 27.5 cm
Weight	1.93kg

Similar Products: Alternatives to Consider

Console	Key Features	Price
Xbox Series X	4K Native Gaming, 1TB SSD	💸💸💸💸💸
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition	Digital-Only, 4K Gaming	💸💸💸💸
Steam Deck OLED	Handheld PC Gaming	💸💸💸💸
Nintendo Switch OLED	Portable + TV Mode	💸💸💸💸

Verdict: Next-Gen Performance in a Budget-Friendly Package

The Xbox Series S delivers incredible value for next-gen gaming, especially when paired with Xbox Game Pass. It may not offer native 4K or massive storage, but its speed, performance, and compact design make it one of the best budget consoles available in 2025. Ideal for casual gamers, kids, or second-console households. 💚🎮

👉 Final Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

THE DAILY PULSE