Xbox Series S Vs Series X Is The Smaller Console Good Enough For 4k Gaming

The launch of Microsoft’s Xbox Series family introduced two very different consoles under one ecosystem: the powerful Xbox Series X and the compact, budget-friendly Xbox Series S. While both promise next-gen performance, a critical question lingers in the minds of gamers—especially those prioritizing visual fidelity: Can the smaller, less expensive Xbox Series S truly deliver a satisfying 4K gaming experience? The answer isn’t as straightforward as “yes” or “no.” It depends on what you value most—raw resolution, affordability, or overall gameplay quality.

This article breaks down the technical differences between the two consoles, evaluates their real-world 4K performance, and helps you determine whether the Series S is genuinely “good enough” for your gaming lifestyle.

Understanding the Hardware Divide

At first glance, the Xbox Series X and Series S appear to belong to the same generation—and they do. Both use custom AMD Zen 2 processors and RDNA 2 graphics architecture, support ray tracing, variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), and fast load times thanks to the NVMe SSD. However, beneath the shared foundation lies a significant divergence in hardware capabilities.

The Xbox Series X is built as a flagship machine. It features a GPU capable of delivering up to 12 teraflops of graphical power, a full 60 fps target at native 4K resolution (3840x2160), and 16GB of GDDR6 RAM. In contrast, the Series S operates at 4 teraflops, has 10GB of RAM (with slightly lower bandwidth), and is designed around a target output of 1440p, upscaled to 4K.

This doesn't mean the Series S can't output a 4K signal—it absolutely can. But that 4K image is not rendered natively. Instead, it uses advanced upscaling techniques such as checkerboard rendering or AI-driven solutions like FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) when supported by the game.

Tip: If you own a 4K TV but sit more than six feet from the screen, the difference between native 4K and high-quality upscaling may be nearly imperceptible.

Real-World 4K Performance: What You Actually See

To assess whether the Series S holds up in 4K, we need to look beyond specs and into actual gameplay. Many modern titles on the Series S run in dynamic resolutions, fluctuating between 1080p and 1440p before being upscaled to fit a 4K display. Some games even offer optional performance modes that prioritize frame rate over resolution, dropping clarity further in favor of smoother gameplay.

Take Forza Horizon 5, for example. On Series X, it runs at a locked native 4K resolution at 30 fps in quality mode, or 60 fps with dynamic 4K. On Series S, the game targets 1440p with dynamic scaling, upscaled to 4K. In side-by-side comparisons, the Series X version shows richer textures, sharper shadows, and more stable draw distances. However, on a typical living room setup, especially on screens smaller than 65 inches, many viewers struggle to distinguish the difference without direct A/B testing.

Another factor is upscaling technology. Games that support FSR 2 or FSR 3 often look significantly better on Series S than older titles relying on basic bilinear upscaling. Titles like Alan Wake 2 and Starfield benefit from FSR, narrowing the visual gap considerably—even if they still fall short of true 4K clarity.

“Upscaling has come a long way. On mid-sized 4K TVs, especially at normal viewing distances, the average gamer won’t notice a massive downgrade on Series S.” — Mark Thompson, Senior Console Analyst at GameTech Review

Comparison Table: Xbox Series S vs Series X

Feature	Xbox Series X	Xbox Series S
Target Resolution	Native 4K (3840x2160)	1440p upscaled to 4K
GPU Performance	12 TFLOPS	4 TFLOPS
RAM	16 GB GDDR6	10 GB GDDR6
Internal Storage	1 TB (802 GB usable)	512 GB (364 GB usable)
Expandable Storage	Proprietary SSD card or NVMe compatible enclosure	Same as Series X
Ray Tracing	Full support	Supported, with reduced effects
Frame Rate Target	Up to 120 fps	Up to 120 fps (varies by title)
Price (Launch)	$499	$299
Physical Disc Drive	Yes	No (digital-only)

Who Is the Xbox Series S Really For?

The Series S was never intended to replace the Series X. Instead, it serves a strategic role: making next-gen gaming accessible at a lower price point. It appeals to several distinct user groups:

• Budget-conscious gamers who want faster load times, quick resume, and modern features without spending $500.
• Secondary console owners who already have a primary system (like a high-end PC or PS5) and want an affordable Xbox for Game Pass access.
• Dorm-room or apartment gamers with space constraints—the Series S is significantly smaller and quieter than its bigger sibling.
• Families or casual players who prioritize multiplayer fun and backward compatibility over cutting-edge visuals.

For these users, the trade-offs—lower resolution, limited storage, no disc drive—are acceptable. The Series S delivers a genuine next-gen experience: near-instant boot times, smooth 60 fps gameplay in many titles, and seamless integration with Xbox Game Pass. For someone playing indie hits like Ori and the Will of the Wisps or competitive shooters like Halo Infinite, the visual downgrade is minimal and often irrelevant.

A Real-World Example: The College Gamer Setup

Consider Alex, a university student living in a dorm with a 55-inch 4K TV mounted above a small entertainment unit. Space is tight, and budget is tighter. Alex bought a Series S for $299 and subscribes to Xbox Game Pass for $15/month. With access to hundreds of games—including optimized titles like Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded—Alex enjoys a diverse gaming library without breaking the bank.

When friends visit, they play split-screen co-op games that run at a steady 60 fps. Even graphically intense titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III perform well in performance mode, sacrificing some texture detail for responsiveness. Alex rarely notices the lack of native 4K, especially during fast-paced action. For this use case, the Series S isn’t just “good enough”—it’s ideal.

Maximizing Your Series S Experience: A Practical Checklist

If you’ve chosen—or are considering—the Xbox Series S, here’s how to get the most out of it:

1. Use a high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable to ensure full 4K@60Hz output from your console to your TV.
2. Enable HDR and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) in your TV settings for better color and smoother response.
3. Install games selectively—with only 364 GB of usable storage, prioritize games you’re actively playing.
4. Add external storage via USB or NVMe expansion to keep backups of larger titles.
5. Choose performance modes when available, especially on competitive or fast-paced games.
6. Leverage Smart Delivery—buy once, play the best version on either console if you upgrade later.
7. Stream or download digital deals regularly—physical media isn’t an option, so staying connected is key.

Tip: Reinstalling a game you deleted will automatically download the Series S-optimized version—no extra cost or effort required.

When the Series X Is Worth the Upgrade

Despite the Series S’s strengths, there are clear scenarios where investing in the Series X makes sense:

• You own a large 4K or 8K TV and sit close enough to appreciate pixel-level detail.
• You care about future-proofing—as games become more demanding, the Series X will handle them better for longer.
• You collect physical games or trade discs with friends—Series S lacks a drive.
• You want higher-fidelity ray tracing and consistent 4K textures in AAA titles.
• You plan to use your console for media—the Series X supports 4K Blu-ray playback; the S does not.

Additionally, the Series X’s larger internal storage means fewer deletions and re-downloads—a major convenience for heavy users. While both consoles support expandable storage, paying for additional SSDs adds to the total cost of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Xbox Series S really output 4K?

Yes, the Series S can output a 4K signal, but it does not render games at native 4K resolution. Most titles run at 1440p or lower and are upscaled using algorithms like checkerboarding or FSR. The result is a 4K-compatible image that looks sharp on most TVs, though not as detailed as native 4K from the Series X.

Is Xbox Game Pass affected by choosing Series S over Series X?

No. Xbox Game Pass works identically on both consoles. All cloud-enabled titles are streamable, and Smart Delivery ensures you always get the correct optimized version of a game. In fact, the Series S is an excellent companion for Game Pass due to its lower upfront cost.

Will I need to buy games twice if I switch consoles later?

No. Thanks to Smart Delivery, many Xbox titles automatically provide the best version for your current console. If you buy a game on Series S and later upgrade to Series X, simply reinstall it—you’ll get the enhanced Series X build at no extra charge.

Final Verdict: Is the Series S Good Enough for 4K Gaming?

The Xbox Series S is not a true 4K console in the traditional sense—but that doesn’t disqualify it from being a great choice for 4K households. Its ability to upscale content intelligently, combined with strong performance in optimized titles, makes it a surprisingly capable machine for most real-world scenarios.

If your priority is absolute graphical fidelity, owning physical media, or maximizing longevity with upcoming AAA titles, the Xbox Series X remains the superior option. But if you value affordability, compact design, fast loading, and broad access to high-quality games—especially through Game Pass—the Series S delivers exceptional value.

Ultimately, “good enough” depends on your expectations. For hardcore enthusiasts with premium home theaters, the Series X is the definitive pick. For the majority of gamers—especially those new to Xbox or upgrading from an older console—the Series S offers a remarkably smooth entry into the next generation, complete with 4K output, modern features, and a vibrant game library.

🚀 Ready to decide which Xbox fits your lifestyle? Evaluate your priorities—budget, space, screen size, and game preferences—and choose the console that aligns with how you actually play. Whether it’s the powerhouse Series X or the nimble Series S, both open doors to a faster, smarter, and more connected gaming future.