Our Verdict
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.
Why trust 247Verdict? We don't run a physical test lab — every recommendation is built from verified Amazon owner data (rating, review volume, and recurring themes across owner reviews) checked against manufacturer specifications, and every review says plainly who it's not right for. Every product needs 4.0+ stars from 200+ verified reviews before we'll recommend it. Full detail on our methodology page.
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
4.7★ from 28,400 verified Amazon owners
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) |
How It Compares to the Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Edition
The closest alternative in this category is the Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Edition (9.4/10). Here's how the two stack up on the specs they share:
| Microsoft Xbox... | Sony PlayStation 5... | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1440p/60fps (no 4K) | 4K/60fps (up to 8K) |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD | 825GB custom SSD |
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. Owners often find compatible accessories a worthwhile addition to this setup.
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Owner Essentials
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. For those looking to complement it, extended warranty options is commonly paired with this product. 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 Look elsewhere if you're among
Final Verdict
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.
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.
Who should NOT buy the Microsoft Xbox Series S Console?
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).
What's the biggest drawback of the Microsoft Xbox Series S Console?
1440p maximum — no 4K output (Series X required for 4K)
What do owners say about the Microsoft Xbox Series S Console?
4.7★ from 28,400 verified Amazon owners. £249 — the most affordable current-generation console
How does the Microsoft Xbox Series S Console compare to similar consoles?
At 9.0/10, it ranks among the strongest options we've reviewed in this category. See our Microsoft Xbox Series S comparisons for direct head-to-head detail against specific alternatives.
Alternatives to Consider
Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Edition
9.4/10Custom SSD, DualSense haptics, 4K/60fps, PS5 exclusives. The best exclusive game library in gaming.
Read Full Review →
Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
9.2/10PS5 without disc drive, same performance, PS5 exclusives, PlayStation Store only. £100 cheaper than Disc.
Read Full Review →
Microsoft Xbox Series X Console
9.2/1012 TFLOPS, Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Play Anywhere, 4K/120fps. Best value in gaming with Game Pass.
Read Full Review →