Introduction: A New Iteration of Xbox Series S
In the ever-evolving world of gaming consoles, Microsoft’s Xbox Series S made a significant mark with its budget-friendly approach. Released alongside the more powerful Xbox Series X in 2020, the Xbox Series S came with a price tag that was almost half of its counterpart. Now, three years later, a new iteration of the Series S has hit the market, bringing with it a crucial upgrade and a slightly higher cost.
Upgraded Storage and Sleek Design
The Xbox Series S 1TB, launched on Sept. 1 for $350, represents a modest price bump from the original $300 Series S, which is still available and occasionally goes on sale for $250. The standout feature of this new variant is its doubled internal storage capacity, offering gamers more space for their digital libraries. Additionally, the new Series S sports a sleek matte black finish, distinguishing it from its white predecessor. Apart from these changes, the two versions remain identical.
Under the Hood: Familiar Components
Upon setting up and playing games on the new Series S console, there are no discernible differences compared to the original model. It retains the same components, featuring an eight-core custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, a custom RDNA GPU with 10GB of GDDR6 RAM, and a maximum resolution of 1440p. The primary distinguishing factor between the two models is the available storage space, or simply recognizing that the newer variant is black.
Target Audience: Who Is This Console For?
The question that arises is: who is the Xbox Series S 1TB designed for? At its initial release, the Xbox Series S was positioned as an option for budget-conscious gamers who didn’t require a high-powered console and didn’t plan to accumulate numerous storage-hungry games. This strategy appeared successful, with leaked data indicating that the Series S outsold the Series X by nearly double.
However, since its debut in 2020, the Xbox Series ecosystem has witnessed two noteworthy developments. First, the cost of storage expansion cards has significantly dropped, making it more affordable for users to expand their console’s storage capacity. Second, the growth of Xbox Cloud Gaming, although in beta, has allowed Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream games directly to their console without utilizing local storage.
Ideal Buyer: Who Should Consider the Xbox Series S 1TB?
The ideal buyer for the Xbox Series S 1TB would likely be someone who:
Is comfortable with sacrificing resolution for cost-effectiveness.
Prefers not to spend $500 on a gaming console.
Desires ample storage without the hassle of frequently managing downloaded games.
Enjoys the matte black color variant as a design preference.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, this new iteration of the Xbox Series S offers an alternative for gamers seeking a balance between performance and affordability.
Author Introduction: Pritish Kumar Halder
Pritish Kumar Halder is a tech enthusiast and gaming aficionado with a passion for exploring the intricate world of gaming consoles and technology. As a dedicated freelance writer, Pritish is committed to providing insightful and informative content that sheds light on the ever-changing gaming industry. His expertise in dissecting the nuances of gaming hardware and trends ensures that readers receive comprehensive and up-to-date information.