Xbox Series X|S buyers guide – which console should you buy for the holidays

THERE are five models of Xbox Series console, all with different features and, most importantly, prices.

If you’re unclear which console is the one for you, we’ve outlined all the differences and exactly what you will receive at each price point.

We’ve also included which console suits which type of gamer, so you’re better informed about your purchase.

Here is everything you need to know about purchasing an Xbox Series console.

Xbox Series S 512GB – £199 / $249

Kamil S via Unsplash

The Series S is the smaller and cheaper version of the latest Xbox[/caption]

The original Xbox Series S is the cheapest console in Xbox’s lineup, and is one of the cheapest video game consoles on the market.

Both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X can play the same library of titles, so the games you want to play shouldn’t influence your purchasing decision.

The cheapest model has a tiny memory capacity, with only 364GB of usable memory.

This equals two or three big-budget games, and people usually play a few games at the same time, and don’t want to delete and download them multiple times.

However, if you are looking for an affordable console to play smaller games, or a small library of bigger games, then this is the version for you.

It’s important to note that neither Series S model has a disc drive, so you won’t be able to play any physical Xbox games you may own.

Great for people who…

• are on a budget
• like smaller games
• prefer a smaller console

Not so good for people who…

• play big triple-A games
• have a physical library of games
• care about graphics and high-end performance

Xbox Series S 1TB – £299 / $349

Xbox

The 1TB version comes in either black or white and the same small size[/caption]

The 1TB version has the exact same features as the 512GB model but it has extra storage.

It has 802GB of usable storage over the original’s 364GB, meaning it has over twice the capacity of the original.

However, it still has the drawbacks of the Series S such as the lack of disc drive, and the inability to run games to the highest standard.

The Xbox Series S is a much smaller console than the Series X though, and you may want a slimmer console in your lounge.

Great for people who…

• are on a budget
• focus on a few games at a time
• prefer a smaller console

Not so good for people who…

• play multiple big triple-A games
• have a physical library of games
• care about graphics and high-end performance

Xbox Series X Digital Edition 1TB – £429 / $449

Xbox

The digital X is for people who want high performance but don’t play physical games[/caption]

This is the cheapest model in the Xbox Series X lineup, and like the Series S, it doesn’t come with a disc drive for physical games.

It also has the same storage capacity as the larger Series S, but it still has a few upgrades over that console.

The Series X has higher performance and graphical fidelity over the Series S, though they both play the same games.

However, it is a huge price increase over the Series S, which might turn some buyers off.

Great for people who…

• only buy digital games
• enjoy high-end performance and graphics

Not so good for people who…

• have a library of physical games
• play multiple triple-A games

Xbox Series X 1TB – £479 / $499

Billy Freeman via Unsplash

But for a little more you can grab the same console with a disc drive[/caption]

For £50 / $50 more than the digital-only Series X, you can pick up a similar version with a disc drive.

The disc drive is a significant upgrade over other versions of the console, as Xbox has incredible physical backwards compatibility.

The Series X can not only play Xbox Series games, but also Xbox One games and many Xbox 360 or original Xbox games.

If you have a library of physical Xbox games this is the cheapest console for your needs, with the added benefit of improved performance.

Great for people who…

• buy or play physical games
• enjoy high-end performance and graphics

Not so good for people who…

• are on a budget
• play multiple triple-A games

Xbox Series X 2TB – £549 / $599

Xbox

The most expensive version of the Xbox Series is the 2TB Galaxy edition[/caption]

This comes with all the bells and whistles of the version above, but with a much higher storage capacity.

As the most expensive model, you’ll need to seriously consider if this is the version for you before making the purchase.

Like the other consoles, the usable storage capacity will be smaller than what is advertised here, and some storage is taken up by internal functions.

However, it is expected to at least double the storage of the previous model and will likely land in the 1.7-1.8TB range.

Only those who want to play multiple large games at once should consider this model, but it is a great option for those who switch up what they play.

Great for people who…

• have a library of physical games
• play multiple large games at once
• enjoy high-end performance and graphics

Not so good for people who…

• are on a budget

If you want to read more about Xbox, check out the games leaving Xbox Game Pass in November.