Xbox Series X vs. Series S: Is the Performance Gap Widening?
Published by: AwesomeGaming101 Editorial | Focus: Hardware Performance Analysis
When Microsoft launched the Xbox Series S alongside the Series X, the promise was simple: the same “next-gen” experience, just at a lower resolution. However, as we move deeper into the console lifecycle, the reality is shifting. The performance gap between the 12-teraflop Series X and the 4-teraflop Series S is no longer just about pixels—it’s about core gameplay features.
In this deep dive, we examine the technical hurdles facing the Series S and whether the “Little Console That Could” is starting to hit a wall.
The Core Issue: It’s the RAM, Not Just the GPU
While most people focus on the GPU power, the real bottleneck for the Series S is its 10GB of GDDR6 RAM. Compared to the 16GB in the Series X, developers have a significantly smaller “memory budget” to fit high-res textures, complex AI, and physics data. This has led to several high-profile games launching with missing features on the S.
Series X vs. Series S: Feature Disparities
| Feature | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| Target Resolution | 4K (Native/Dynamic) | 1080p – 1440p (Dynamic) |
| Ray Tracing | Widely Supported | Very Limited / Often Disabled |
| Split-Screen Co-op | Standard Support | Omitted in Some Major Titles |
| Physical Media | 4K Blu-ray Drive | Digital Only |
| Internal Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD | 512GB / 1TB NVMe SSD |
Real-World Examples of the Gap
1. Baldur’s Gate 3 and Split-Screen
The most famous example of the “S-Gap” occurred with Baldur’s Gate 3. The Series S version was delayed because developers struggled to get split-screen co-op running on the limited hardware. Eventually, the game launched on Xbox with split-screen completely removed for Series S owners.
2. Ray Tracing Omissions
In titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the “Ray Tracing Mode” that adds realistic lighting and reflections is a Series X exclusive. Series S players are locked into a 30FPS or 60FPS mode with standard rasterized lighting.
3. Dynamic Resolution Scaling (DRS)
In demanding titles like Alan Wake 2, the Series S internal resolution can drop as low as 720p or even lower, using FSR upscaling to reach a 1080p output. This results in a much blurrier image compared to the sharp 4K output of the Series X.
Is the Series S Still Worth It?
Despite the widening gap, the Series S remains a value king for specific types of gamers:
- The Game Pass Machine: If you mainly play indie games, older titles, or sports games like FC 25 or Madden, the Series S is perfect.
- Secondary Rooms: It’s the ultimate console for a bedroom or office setup where a 4K TV isn’t present.
- Budget Gaming: At nearly half the price of the Series X, it provides an entry point into the current generation that is otherwise inaccessible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It’s a controversial topic. While some developers claim optimizing for the S takes significant time, others argue that scalable engines make it easier to support multiple hardware tiers.
Yes. Microsoft mandates that every game released for the Series X must also be playable on the Series S, though features like split-screen may be omitted.
If you have moved from a 1080p TV to a 4K display, or if you find yourself frustrated by 30FPS caps in new games, the upgrade to the Series X is highly noticeable.