Microsoft’s Xbox Series S is the smaller version of the Xbox Series X that offers next-generation performance, but with pared-down tech specs limiting the console in resolution output and graphical power. The console features an 8-core AMD zen 2 processor running at 3.6GHz, AMD RDNA 2 graphics with 4 teraflops and 20 compute units clocked at 1.565GHz, 10GB of GDDR6 RAM, and custom PCIe 4.0 NVME 512GB Solid-State Drive (SSD).
The Xbox Series S is 60 percent smaller than the Series X since it does not include a disc drive, which means that all the games will need to be downloaded from the Microsoft Store using an Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass subscription. However, even in this compact design, the Series S has four times the processing power as the Xbox One console and supports gameplay up to 120fps, hardware-accelerated DirectX Ray Tracing and Variable Rate Shading. In addition, it offers three times the graphical performance of an Xbox One, but unlike the Series X, the Series S is designed for games at 1440Pp at 60fps, with support up to 120fps.
Also, the custom storage features the Xbox Velocity Architecture that provides more than 40x the I/O bandwidth of an Xbox One resulting in faster loading times, reliable frame rates, and Quick Resume for multiple titles.
Xbox Series S specs list
Here are all the hardware specs for the Xbox Series S:
| Xbox Series S specs | |
|---|---|
| Dimessions | 275mm (10.8in) tall and 151mm (5.95in) in depth and width |
| Processor | 8x Cores @ 3.6GHz (3.4 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU |
| Graphics | 4 TFLOPS (teraflops), 20 CUs (compute units) @ 1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU |
| System on a Chip (SoC) | Custom 7nm Enhanced SoC |
| RAM | 10GB GDDR6 RAM 8GB @ 224GB/s 2GB @ 56GB/s |
| Performance Target | 1440p @ 60 FPS (up to 120 FPS) |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVME SSD 2.4GB/sec uncompressed 4.8GB/sec compressed |
| Expandable Storage | 1TB Expansion Card |
| Disc Drive | No (Digital Only) |
| Display Out | HDMI 2.1 |
| Networking | Ethernet Wireless |
| Ray Tracing | Yes |
| Audio | Audio out only, through HDMI port |
| Backward Compatibility | Most Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox. Xbox One accessories are backward compatible. |
In addition to the processing and graphical performance, the Xbox Series S will also support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision HDR for gaming. The Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound will be available on day one, while the Dolby Vision HDR is expected to arrive in 2021.
One caveat about the slimmer version of the console is that it won’t play the same enhanced experience currently available for the Xbox One X. Though, the console will support backward compatibility for Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games. (This only means you won’t be able to play certain games in 4K.)
According to Microsoft, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S share the same development environment, tools, and capabilities, so all the next-generation games will be available across consoles.
The Xbox Series S will be available in robot white with a robot white version of the new wireless controller design, and it is expected to launch alongside the Series X on November 10, 2020, for $299, and preorders will begin on September 22 at the Microsoft Store.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].