Xbox Series S Review: Small Console, Big Performance

I still remember the day I unboxed my Xbox Series S. I had just cleared out some space next to my TV, expecting something bulky and heavy. Instead, I pulled out a sleek, minimalist white console that felt more like a smart speaker than a gaming powerhouse. Holding it in one hand, I couldn’t believe this small device was supposed to deliver next-gen gaming. But oh, it does. And then some.

The Xbox Series S often gets overshadowed by its bigger sibling, the Series X, but in my experience, this little console punches far above its weight class. Whether I’m diving into huge open-worlds like Starfield, grinding competitive matches in Fortnite, or revisiting older titles via backward compatibility, the Series S holds its own—and often blows my expectations out of the water.

Speed That You Can Feel

Let’s talk load times. This was the first thing I noticed. Coming from the Xbox One, I was used to grabbing a drink while a game loaded. Now? Blink and I’m in. The SSD inside the Series S is seriously fast. Quick Resume is another game-changer—being able to switch between Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps without losing progress or reloading menus makes the whole experience feel smooth, polished, and futuristic.

Even friends of mine who own high-end gaming PCs have commented on how slick and responsive the UI is. And honestly, it feels like Xbox has finally nailed the feeling of a truly next-gen console, even if it’s “just” the smaller version.

Performance That Surprises

I’ve played a ton of games on the Series S, and if I didn’t know better, I’d swear I was playing on a top-tier system. Sure, the console targets 1440p instead of native 4K like the Series X, but with upscaling and smart optimization, the difference on my 55-inch TV isn’t even noticeable unless I’m actively comparing side-by-side screenshots. And let’s be real—when I’m dodging bullets in Remnant 2 or boosting through neon streets in Cyberpunk 2077, I’m way too immersed to nitpick pixels.

Most modern games run at 60 frames per second on the Series S, and many even support ray tracing and graphical enhancements. Developers have clearly taken the time to optimize titles for this platform, and the results speak for themselves. The Series S might not be built for 4K purists, but for most gamers—especially those who value smooth gameplay and affordability—it absolutely delivers.

Game Pass + Series S = Dream Combo

Here’s the thing that makes the Xbox Series S such a killer deal: Game Pass. I can’t stress this enough. This subscription service transforms the Series S from a capable console into an unstoppable entertainment machine. I’ve lost count of how many games I’ve tried—some I’d never even heard of—just because they were included with Game Pass.

From AAA blockbusters like Redfall and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor to hidden gems like Unpacking or Slay the Spire, there’s always something new to play. And when I’m short on time or just want to experiment, cloud gaming lets me boot up titles instantly without downloading them. That’s still kind of mind-blowing to me.

Oh, and speaking of games—yes, many titles come with redeemable codes for rewards, cosmetic items, or DLC, especially if you pick up special editions or digital bundles. Just last month I got a code with Fallout 76 that gave me a set of cool armor skins. These little bonuses add value and make owning a console feel even more rewarding.

Storage and Expansion: The Catch

Okay, no device is perfect, and the Xbox Series S does come with one drawback that might trip you up: storage. The internal SSD offers 512 GB of space, but after system files and reserved storage, you're left with about 360 GB for games. For someone like me, who juggles multiple titles at once, it fills up fast.

But I’ve found workarounds. First, I use an external hard drive for older Xbox One games—they play fine from USB storage. Second, when I want to install something new, I’ll offload games I’m not actively playing and reload them later thanks to the fast download speeds and the compact file sizes of many Series S-optimized games. And if you’re serious about storage, the Seagate Expansion Card offers a plug-and-play solution (albeit a pricey one).

Design That Fits Anywhere

One of the biggest reasons I love the Series S is how easily it fits into my space. I live in a small apartment, and real estate on my TV stand is precious. This console slides right in without demanding attention or airflow adjustments. It’s whisper-quiet, runs cool even during long sessions, and has a clean, understated design that just works.

Friends are always surprised when they visit and see this little box powering big-time visuals. “Wait, that’s it?” they ask. Yup, that’s it—and it’s amazing.

Multiplayer and Social Features That Just Work

I’m a social gamer. Whether it’s teaming up in Sea of Thieves, co-oping through Gears 5, or trash-talking in Rocket League, the Xbox Series S keeps my online experience buttery smooth. The Xbox party system is intuitive, notifications are clear without being intrusive, and the built-in sharing tools let me grab screenshots and short videos with ease.

I’ve even started using the Xbox mobile app more, just to check who’s online, download games remotely, or message friends. It all syncs beautifully and makes me feel like part of a larger gaming ecosystem—not just a person with a box under the TV.

Why I’d Recommend It Without Hesitation

Let’s face it: gaming is expensive. Between hardware, subscriptions, accessories, and actual games, the costs can add up quickly. That’s why the Xbox Series S hits such a sweet spot. It’s affordable, compact, surprisingly powerful, and perfectly integrated with Xbox Game Pass. For families, casual players, or even hardcore gamers who already have a PC or just want a second console, it’s a no-brainer.

Yes, it’s digital-only—there’s no disc drive. And yes, it’s not aiming to be the most powerful console ever made. But in terms of sheer value for what you get, I honestly think the Series S is one of the smartest purchases you can make in gaming right now.

Final Thoughts: Small Console, Huge Potential

Every time I power up my Xbox Series S, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with gaming in the first place. It’s not about the fanciest specs or the most expensive hardware—it’s about fun, immersion, and discovery. And this little console delivers all of that in spades.

From fast load times and smooth performance to deep Game Pass integration and social features that keep me connected, the Series S brings next-gen gaming into reach for a lot more people. And the fact that it does all this in a shell smaller than a shoebox? That’s just icing on the cake.

If you’re still on the fence about the Xbox Series S, take it from someone who’s used it daily for months—it might just be the most underrated piece of tech you’ll buy this generation.