Is the Xbox One X Still Worth It in 2026? vs. Xbox Series S
In the 2026 used console market, budget gamers face a fascinating dilemma: do you buy the most powerful machine of the last generation, or the entry-level machine of the current one? The battle between the Xbox One X and the Xbox Series S is no longer just about specs—it’s about how you play.
At AwesomeGaming101.com, we’ve spent hundreds of hours testing both consoles on modern 4K displays and budget 1080p monitors. Here is the cold, hard truth about which “budget” Xbox deserves your money this year.
The Tale of the Tape: Specs vs. Reality
| Feature | Xbox One X (Project Scorpio) | Xbox Series S (White/Carbon) |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Native 4K (Ultra HD) | 1440p (Upscaled to 4K) |
| Disc Drive | 4K Blu-ray Drive | Digital Only |
| Storage Tech | Slow HDD (Mechanical) | Ultra-Fast NVMe SSD |
| Loading Times | Slow (60-90 seconds) | Instant (5-10 seconds) |
| Next-Gen Games | Via Cloud Only | Native Support |
Why the Xbox One X is Still a Beast
The Xbox One X was built for one thing: raw 4K power. If you have a massive physical collection of discs or you use your console as a 4K home theater hub, the One X still wins. In 2026, many “Enhanced for One X” games like Red Dead Redemption 2 actually look sharper on the One X than they do on the Series S because of the native 4K assets.
- Physical Media: You can buy used discs for $5 at flea markets. On the Series S, you are locked to the digital store prices.
- 4K Movies: It remains one of the cheapest 4K Blu-ray players on the market.
Why the Xbox Series S is the Smarter Choice
While the One X has the muscles, the Series S has the brain. The inclusion of the Velocity Architecture and the SSD changes the fundamental experience of gaming. “Quick Resume” allows you to switch between five different games in seconds—a feature the One X simply cannot match.
- Frame Rates: The Series S targets 60fps or even 120fps in many titles where the One X is capped at 30fps.
- Longevity: Developers are officially leaving the One X behind. Without a Series S, you’ll be forced to use Cloud Gaming for every new release.
You have a large disc collection, want native 4K for older games, and need a cheap 4K Blu-ray player.
You value speed, play competitive shooters (120fps), and want to play the newest games natively for the next 4+ years.
The 2026 Verdict
If you can find an Xbox One X for under $120, it is an incredible secondary machine for a bedroom or a physical media collector. However, for your primary gaming console, the Xbox Series S is the clear winner. The “Quality of Life” improvements provided by the SSD and Quick Resume make the One X feel like a dinosaur in comparison.
❓ FAQ: Legacy vs. Next-Gen
Q: Can I play GTA 6 on Xbox One X? A: Only through Xbox Cloud Gaming (if available on Game Pass). GTA 6 is a next-gen exclusive and will not run natively on any Xbox One hardware. Q: Is the Xbox One X more powerful than the Series S? A: In terms of GPU Teraflops (6 vs 4) and RAM, yes. But the Series S has a vastly superior CPU and much faster storage, making it the better performer in modern titles. Q: Should I upgrade my One X HDD to an SSD? A: Yes! If you’re keeping your One X, swapping the internal drive for a SATA SSD will cut your loading times by 50%, though it still won’t be as fast as a Series S.Are you sticking with your One X or making the jump? Let us know your setup in the comments! Also, don’t miss our guide on how to fix Xbox One Disc Drive issues if your One X is starting to act up.