When the new generation of consoles started about a year ago, I was quite happy with just my PlayStation 5. I have a fairly powerful gaming PC that can run all the latest Microsoft games, so there was no practical reason for me to buy an Xbox Series X. But there was something about the smaller, cheaper Xbox Series S that kept calling me, even if I didn't
need
one.
And when I decided to indulge myself earlier this year, it wasn't long before the most basic current-generation console became my favorite.
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Even with the most capable PS5 at my disposal, the S Series is the console I use the most, and it performs well enough that I don't feel the need to upgrade to the more powerful X Series just yet.
And while people around the world frantically want to buy a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X when in stock, the S Series is abundantly available on most store shelves and through online wholesalers like Amazon, where you can buy it. Now for
USD $ 368 /
MX $ 6,699.
For all those reasons, and a few others, the Xbox Series S is the console that I recommend to most people.
Let me break down why.
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The Xbox Series S is the most attractive modern console out there
I'll be honest: a big reason I bought the Xbox Series S is because I just love the way it looks.
While the tower-shaped Xbox Series X and the giant PS5 take up a considerable amount of space, the S Series is an adorable little white rectangle that looks like a big Bluetooth speaker.
It's about half the weight of both high-end consoles, and a fraction of the size.
This little box is nice to see, especially next to the Nintendo Switch OLED (
USD $ 350 /
MX $ 9,998) matching white in my entertainment center.
But the sleek design of the S Series is not only pretty, it's also practical.
Moving the console from my living room to my PC area every time I was streaming on Twitch was a breeze, and a lot less hassle than lugging my PS5 from room to room.
And if I ever find myself on a long trip where I'll want a console close at hand, the S Series is the only system small enough to fit in my backpack.
It has some of the best features of the Xbox Series X and it works very well
Despite being the cheapest current game console out there, the S Series (
USD $ 368 /
MX $ 6,699) still feels distinctly next-gen, largely because it has many of the same key features as the more expensive X Series. Modern games are virtually devoid of load times, thanks to the solid-state drive packed inside, but it's the "Quick Resume" feature that really impacted the way I play games during my first few weeks with the console.
Available in both Series X and S, Quick Resume allows you to have a handful of games open at a time and pick up right where you left off when switching between them.
So when I take a break from 'Halo: The Master Chief Collection' for some retro shooter action in 'Doom 64', I can jump right into my leisurely game instead of booting the title all over again.
It's one of the best innovations of this generation of consoles, and it's something the PS5 doesn't offer.
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I usually stick with one or two games at a time, but the convenience of Quick Resume, combined with the endless buffet of games on Xbox Game Pass, made me want to try more titles at once. I quickly found myself downloading and jumping between games that I wouldn't have otherwise tried as the console does a great job of eliminating much of the wait that comes with starting a video game.
And while the Xbox Series S isn't as powerful as the Series X, it's still a great way to experience current-generation games.
While the S Series outputs at a lower resolution of 1440p compared to the richer 4K output of the X Series, both consoles are capable of frame rates of up to 120 frames per second.
That means when I play titles like 'Forza Horizon 5' and 'Call of Duty Vanguard,' I get a smooth and responsive experience that feels on par with both my PS5 and my PC.
If you have a 1080p TV and don't plan on upgrading to 4K anytime soon, the gap between the S Series and the X Series or PS5 is even less significant.
Some quick warnings to keep in mind
Despite competing well against Xbox Series X and PS5, the S Series (
USD $ 368 /
MX $ 6,699) is not free of warnings.
The console's small 512GB SSD only has about 364GB of usable storage, which means it will quickly fill up with games that can demand up to 100GB of space.
You can always delete and redownload the game as needed, or purchase a Seagate expansion card (
USD $ 264 /
MX $ 5,597), but the first can be annoying and the second is very expensive.
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And while the Xbox Series S is capable of ray tracing, a sophisticated technological feature that allows for ultra-realistic reflections and shadows, some games only support it on the more powerful Xbox Series X.
In conclusion
I'm not trying to say that the Xbox Series S is superior to the PS5 or Xbox Series X - if you care about 4K games and want a more future-proof game console, one of them is worth waiting for although you should consider that it will be difficult to find it.
But I'm still delighted with the design, performance, and overall value of Microsoft's cheapest game box, and during a Christmas season when most other systems are virtually impossible to buy, the S Series (
USD $ 368 /
MX $ 6,699) is your best option right now.
If you want it to have an extra, you can buy the same Microsoft console that includes exclusive content from 'Fortnite' and 'Rocket League' that the company announced a few days ago.
In the United States it is already available through Amazon for
USD $ 438, while in Amazon Mexico you can already buy it because its official launch will be on December 2 and it will cost
MX $ 8,499.
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