If youâre considering stepping into the next generation of gaming without breaking the bank, youâve probably come across the Xbox Series Sâthe compact, all-digital sibling of the Xbox Series X.
But the big question is:
Is the Xbox Series S worth it in 2025?
Letâs break it downâperformance, price, game compatibility, and whether it still makes sense in todayâs rapidly evolving gaming world.
đ§ What Is the Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S is Microsoftâs affordable next-gen console launched alongside the more powerful Series X. While it lacks a disc drive and some graphical horsepower, it delivers a solid next-gen experience at a fraction of the price.
Feature | Xbox Series S |
---|---|
Price | ~$299 USD |
Storage | 512GB SSD |
Resolution | Up to 1440p (4K upscaling) |
Disc Drive | â None (digital-only) |
Target FPS | 60â120 FPS |
Size | Small and lightweight |
đ° 1. Price vs Performance
Letâs be realâ$299 (or less during sales) for a console that runs modern games like Fortnite, Halo Infinite, Call of Duty, Starfield, and FIFA 24 at 60 FPS is a deal thatâs hard to beat.
It might not offer native 4K like the Series X or PS5, but most casual and even many hardcore gamers wonât notice a big difference on a standard 1080p or 1440p screen.
â Verdict: Excellent value for gamers on a budget or those new to console gaming.
đź 2. Game Compatibility
The Series S plays all the same games as the Series Xâincluding every Xbox Game Studios title and all third-party releases.
â Compatible with:
-
Xbox Game Pass
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Cloud gaming (no need to download games)
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Xbox Series X|S titles
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Digital Xbox One games
â Game Pass Bonus: With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can access hundreds of titles (including EA Play games and Day-One exclusives) for a monthly feeâno need to buy every game separately.
đŠ 3. Digital-Only: Is That a Problem?
The Series S doesnât have a disc drive, which means:
-
You canât play physical Xbox games or Blu-rays
-
Youâll rely on digital purchases and Game Pass
This is fine for modern gamers used to digital contentâbut collectors and those with big disc libraries may want to choose the Series X instead.
â
Good for: Minimalist setups, younger gamers, and streaming-friendly households
â Not for: Disc collectors or users with poor internet speeds
đ 4. Performance in Real Games
In 2025, most developers optimize games for Series S, ensuring smooth performance. Expect:
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60 FPS in most games
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Occasional drops in texture quality compared to Series X
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Smaller game file sizes due to 1440p assets
You wonât get full ray tracing or true 4K in most titles, but the overall gameplay experience is still fantastic for the price.
đź 5. Who Should Buy the Xbox Series S?
You're a... | Is Series S Worth It? |
---|---|
Casual gamer | â Absolutely |
Teen or student | â Budget-friendly + great library |
First-time gamer | â Easy entry point |
Hardcore graphics enthusiast | â Go for Series X or PS5 |
Disc collector | â Stick with disc-enabled consoles |
Game Pass user | â Perfect combo with Series S |
đ Where to Get It?
Looking for budget-friendly alternatives or retro consoles? Check out Gameloopx.comâa brand passionate about affordable gaming and nostalgic fun. From retro handhelds to modern accessories, Gameloopx has global shipping and a growing community of gamers who just want to play.
đ Bonus: Keep an eye out for special discounts and collabs if youâre part of the Gameloopx community!
đ§ Final Verdict: Is the Xbox Series S Still Worth It in 2025?
â Yesâif you want an affordable, digital-only, Game Pass-powered machine that plays modern games beautifully at 1080p or 1440p.
The Xbox Series S may not have the sheer power of the Series X, but it delivers incredible bang for your buck and remains one of the smartest buys for new-gen gaming on a budget.
Want to pair it with a retro handheld for offline fun?
Explore nostalgic consoles and gear at Gameloopx.com â Retro joy meets modern gaming.