Is The Xbox Series S Still Relevant With The Next Gen Update Rumors

The gaming world is abuzz with whispers of a new generation of consoles on the horizon. As speculation grows around potential successors to the Xbox Series X|S lineup, many players are questioning whether investing in or continuing to use the Xbox Series S remains a smart choice. With its lower price point and digital-only design, the Series S carved out a loyal user base since its 2020 launch. But does it still hold up when rumors suggest Microsoft may be preparing for another leap forward?

This article examines the continued relevance of the Xbox Series S by analyzing its hardware capabilities, game library support, upcoming software updates, backward compatibility, and how it fits into Microsoft’s broader ecosystem—especially in light of rumored next-gen developments.

Understanding the Current Position of the Xbox Series S

Released as a more affordable alternative to the flagship Xbox Series X, the Series S was designed to bring next-gen features—like fast load times, ray tracing, and high frame rates—to a wider audience at a budget-friendly $299 price tag. It achieved this by using a custom AMD APU with reduced GPU power (4 TFLOPS vs. 12 TFLOPS), less RAM (10GB vs. 16GB), and a smaller 512GB SSD.

Despite these compromises, the console delivers solid 1440p gaming at 60fps for most titles, supports Quick Resume, and integrates seamlessly with Xbox Game Pass—a service that has become central to Microsoft's strategy. The absence of a disc drive keeps manufacturing costs low and aligns with Microsoft’s long-term vision of a digital-first future.

Even now, nearly four years after release, the Series S continues to sell steadily, particularly among casual gamers, younger audiences, and those upgrading from older consoles like the Xbox One.

Tip: If you're primarily playing online multiplayer or indie games, the Series S offers excellent value without requiring top-tier specs.

How Rumored Next-Gen Updates Affect Consumer Perception

Rumors about a \"Project Lockhart\" successor or a mid-cycle refresh—potentially called the Xbox Series S Refresh or even an “Xbox Series Z”—have circulated since 2023. These reports suggest possible improvements such as increased storage capacity, better thermal management, and enhanced GPU efficiency. However, no official announcement has been made by Microsoft.

Industry analysts believe any new model would likely target specific pain points of the original Series S: limited internal storage, underpowered cooling in sustained loads, and growing file sizes due to higher-resolution assets in modern games.

Still, it’s important to distinguish between hardware refreshes and true generational shifts. Sony’s PS5 Pro, expected in late 2024, represents a refined version of existing architecture—not a full replacement. Microsoft could follow a similar path, meaning the core functionality of today’s Series S would remain supported well into the future.

“Console generations are blurring. We’re moving toward iterative upgrades rather than hard breaks. The Series S will stay viable for years.” — Sarah Nguyen, Senior Analyst at GameTech Insights

Performance Comparison: Series S vs. Alternatives

To assess the Series S’s staying power, consider how it stacks up against competing options in terms of real-world usability.

Feature	Xbox Series S	Xbox Series X	PS5 Digital	PC (Entry-Level Gaming)
Price (MSRP)	$299	$499	$449	$600+
Resolution Target	1440p (up to 1440p)	4K	4K	1080p–1440p
GPU Power	4 TFLOPS	12 TFLOPS	10.3 TFLOPS	Varies
SSD Storage	512GB (approx. 364GB usable)	1TB	825GB	500GB–1TB common
Expandable Storage	Proprietary card + USB extended	Same	M.2 NVMe slot	Yes
Backward Compatibility	Yes (Xbox One, 360, OG Xbox)	Yes	Limited (PS4 only)	Depends on OS/drivers

While the Series X and PS5 offer superior graphical fidelity and faster asset streaming, the Series S holds its own where it matters most: accessibility and integration with cloud services. For players who prioritize variety over visual spectacle, the difference in experience is often negligible.

Future-Proofing Your Investment: What You Need to Know

One major concern for current and prospective buyers is whether the Series S will receive ongoing support as newer hardware emerges. Several factors indicate strong longevity:

• Xbox Game Pass Integration: Over 30 million subscribers rely on access to hundreds of games via subscription. Most titles are optimized to run across both Series X and S.
• Smart Delivery: Automatically provides the best version of a game based on your console, ensuring you always get the optimal build.
• Cloud Gaming Expansion: With xCloud, users can stream high-end games directly to the Series S, bypassing local hardware limitations.
• Firmware Updates: Microsoft continues to roll out interface enhancements, storage management tools, and performance tweaks.

In addition, Microsoft has committed to supporting the entire Xbox Series family through at least 2028, according to statements from Phil Spencer in early 2023. This means no planned obsolescence in the near term.

Real-World Example: Alex’s Experience as a Series S Owner

Alex, a college student in Austin, bought a Series S in 2021 primarily for multiplayer gaming and indie exploration. He plays titles like Hi-Fi Rush, Forza Horizon 5 (on Performance mode), and Grounded regularly. While he noticed some longer load times compared to friends with Series X units, the difference didn’t impact enjoyment.

When storage became tight after six months, he added a 1TB Seagate Expansion Card—costing $220—and hasn’t looked back. “I don’t need 4K,” he says. “I play on a 1080p monitor. Everything runs smoothly, and Game Pass gives me so much to choose from.”

Even with rumors swirling, Alex feels confident his system will serve him well through graduation. His plan? Hold onto the Series S until at least 2026 unless a compelling upgrade emerges.

Action Plan: Maximizing Your Series S Experience

If you already own a Series S—or are considering buying one—it pays to optimize your setup for long-term use. Follow this checklist to ensure peak performance and extend relevance:

1. Add External Storage: Invest in either a proprietary expansion card or a fast USB 3.0 external SSD to manage growing game sizes.
2. Use Cloud Saves: Enable automatic syncing so your progress carries over if you switch devices later.
3. Enable Auto HDR & FPS Boost: Many backward-compatible games benefit from these free enhancements.
4. Leverage Smart Delivery: Always download the correct optimized version when purchasing cross-platform titles.
5. Explore xCloud: Try demanding games like Starfield or Microsoft Flight Simulator via streaming if they struggle locally.
6. Keep System Updated: Install firmware updates promptly to maintain security and performance.

Tip: Use the \"Manage Games & Add-ons\" menu to uninstall unused portions of large games (e.g., single-player when you only play multiplayer).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Xbox Series S be discontinued soon?

There is no official indication that Microsoft plans to discontinue the Series S in the near future. In fact, supply has remained stable throughout 2023–2024, suggesting continued production. Any future discontinuation would likely coincide with a direct successor, which isn't expected before late 2025 at the earliest.

Can the Series S run next-gen exclusive games?

Yes. All first-party titles developed by Xbox Game Studios—including upcoming releases—are confirmed to support both Series X and Series S. While the S may run them at lower resolutions or with reduced textures, gameplay and features remain intact. Titles like Starfield and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are fully playable on the platform.

Is it worth buying a Series S in 2024?

Absolutely—if your expectations align with its strengths. At $299, it remains the most affordable way to enter the current Xbox ecosystem. Pair it with Xbox Game Pass and you gain access to one of the deepest libraries in gaming history. Just be mindful of storage constraints and adjust settings accordingly for smoother performance.

Conclusion: The Series S Still Has Legs

Rumors of new hardware shouldn’t overshadow the tangible benefits the Xbox Series S delivers today. It’s not the most powerful console on the market, but it was never meant to be. Instead, it fulfills a crucial role: making cutting-edge gaming accessible to more people.

With robust software support, seamless integration into Microsoft’s cloud and subscription ecosystem, and no signs of imminent phase-out, the Series S remains not just relevant—but strategically important. Whether you're a newcomer, a budget-conscious gamer, or someone who values convenience over raw power, the console continues to offer compelling value.

Technology evolves, but utility endures. Rather than waiting for the next big thing, millions are finding joy right now with what they have. And for many, that device is the unassuming white box sitting beneath their TV: the Xbox Series S.

💬 What do you think about the future of the Series S? Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions below—we’d love to hear how you’re getting the most out of your console.