Microsoft Xbox Series S Console Review (2026): 9.0/10

Name: Microsoft Xbox Series S Console
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.7 (28400 reviews)

Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

£249 — the most affordable current-generation console
Same Game Pass Ultimate access as Series X — all 300+ games for $14.99/month
All-digital design (no disc drive) matches how most people buy games today
Compact white design fits anywhere — significantly smaller than PS5 or Series X
Quick Resume and backward compatibility identical to Series X

✗ Cons

1440p maximum — no 4K output (Series X required for 4K)
512GB SSD fills quickly with modern games — external storage often necessary
No disc drive — physical game library incompatible

Key Specifications

Resolution	1440p/60fps (no 4K)
Storage	512GB NVMe SSD
Price	£249
Disc	None (digital only)
Game Pass	Full access
Size	Compact (smallest current-gen)

Performance

Xbox Series S is the current-generation console for those who won't spend £450+ on hardware. £249, full Game Pass access and 1440p gaming make it the most sensible console entry point for newcomers. The 4K limitation only matters on 4K TVs — on 1080p, Series S is indistinguishable from Series X in daily use. On paper the headline numbers are resolution of 1440p/60fps (no 4K), storage of 512GB NVMe SSD, price of £249, disc of None (digital only), game pass of Full access, size of Compact (smallest current-gen). Its standout is that £249 — the most affordable current-generation console

Build Quality & Design

Beyond that, owners and the spec sheet point to a few more genuine strengths. Same Game Pass Ultimate access as Series X — all 300+ games for $14.99/month. All-digital design (no disc drive) matches how most people buy games today. We can't bench-test durability, but the depth of positive long-term owner feedback is the best available proxy for how it holds up.

Value for Money

It isn't flawless. 1440p maximum — no 4K output (Series X required for 4K). 512GB SSD fills quickly with modern games — external storage often necessary. No disc drive — physical game library incompatible. Whether those matter depends entirely on how you'll use it. At the premium price point, the trade-offs are easy to live with for the right buyer. It's the right call for Xbox Series S is the current-generation console for those who won't spend £450+ on hardware. £249, full Game Pass access and 1440p gaming make it the most sensible console entry point for... Look elsewhere if you're among 4K TV owners who want maximum visual performance — Series X at £449 delivers 4K that Series S can't.

Final Verdict

9.0/10 Excellent

★★★★★ 4.7★ (28,400 Amazon reviews)

Xbox Series S is the current-generation console for those who won't spend £450+ on hardware. £249, full Game Pass access and 1440p gaming make it the most sensible console entry point for newcomers. The 4K limitation only matters on 4K TVs — on 1080p, Series S is indistinguishable from Series X in daily use.

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FAQ

Is the Microsoft Xbox Series S Console worth the money?

Xbox Series S is the current-generation console for those who won't spend £450+ on hardware. £249, full Game Pass access and 1440p gaming make it the most sensible console entry point for newcomers. The 4K limitation only matters on 4K TVs — on 1080p, Series S is indistinguishable from Series X in daily use. Xbox Series S is the current-generation console for those who won't spend £450+ on hardware. £249, full Game Pass access and 1440p gaming make it the most sensible console entry poin

Who should NOT buy the Microsoft Xbox Series S Console?

4K TV owners who want maximum visual performance — Series X at £449 delivers 4K that Series S can't.

Is the Microsoft Xbox Series S Console available in the UK and US?

Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).