Not every gamer needs the most powerful console on the market. Many people simply want to play the latest games smoothly, without spending a fortune and without filling the living room with a huge box. That is exactly who Microsoft had in mind when it created the Xbox Series S. It is small, quiet, affordable and fully part of the current console generation, with access to the same new games as its bigger brother, the Series X. But it also makes some important compromises. This guide explains what the Series S does well, where it falls short and whether it is the right console for you.
Why the Xbox Series S is so popular
The Series S has one of the lowest entry prices of any current-generation console. Combined with Xbox Game Pass, a subscription that gives access to a large and rotating library of games, it can be one of the cheapest ways to enjoy modern gaming. It is also compact enough to fit in a small TV stand, a bedroom or even a backpack, which makes it popular with students, families and anyone who wants a second console.
Because it has been around since 2020, there is a large choice of offers, from sealed consoles to used units with extra controllers. If you are buying in Kenya, it is worth comparing current listings for the Xbox Series S to see how prices vary between the 512 GB white model and the 1 TB black version, and between new and used consoles. Checking several offers before you decide makes it easy to recognise a fair price and to spot deals that look too good to be true.
Key specifications at a glance
- Target resolution: up to 1440p, with some games running at up to 120 frames per second
- Media playback: 4K streaming for apps such as Netflix and YouTube
- Storage: 512 GB SSD (white model) or 1 TB SSD (black model)
- Memory: 10 GB GDDR6
- Disc drive: none (digital games only)
- Backward compatibility: most Xbox One games and many Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles
- Features: Quick Resume, Wi-Fi, HDMI 2.1, wireless controller included
What the Xbox Series S does well
Next-gen speed at a low price
The Series S uses the same modern processor architecture and fast SSD technology as the Series X. That means short loading times, smooth menus and access to all current Xbox games. You are not buying a “last-gen” console: new releases are designed to run on it.
Quick Resume
Quick Resume is one of the best features of the current Xbox generation. It lets you keep several games suspended at once and jump back into any of them within seconds, exactly where you left off. For people who play in short sessions, it is incredibly convenient.
Game Pass value
Xbox Game Pass is the main reason many people choose the Series S. For a monthly fee, you get access to a large catalogue of games, including many Microsoft titles on the day they launch in higher tiers. Instead of paying full price for every game, you can try dozens of titles and discover new favourites. Game Pass tiers and prices have changed over time, so check the current options before subscribing and choose the plan that fits how much you play.
Small, quiet and efficient
The Series S is the smallest Xbox ever made. It runs quietly even during demanding games and uses relatively little power, which is a plus if electricity costs are high or if you use a power backup system during outages.
Where the Series S falls short
No disc drive
This is the biggest limitation. The Series S cannot play physical game discs, so every game has to be bought digitally or accessed through Game Pass. You cannot buy cheaper used games, trade discs with friends or resell games you have finished. If you enjoy the second-hand games market, the Series X or a disc-based console is a better fit.
Limited storage
Modern games are big. On the 512 GB model, only around 364 GB is actually available for games, which can fill up after just a handful of large titles. The 1 TB model helps a lot. You can also expand storage with an official Xbox Storage Expansion Card, although these are relatively expensive. A cheaper option is an external USB hard drive, which works well for storing games and for playing older Xbox One titles, while current-generation games must be moved back to the internal SSD or expansion card to play.
Internet dependence
Being digital-only means large downloads. A single game can take tens of gigabytes, and updates add more. With slow or expensive mobile data, this can become a real problem. The Series S makes the most sense if you have a stable home internet connection, ideally fibre, with generous or unlimited data.
Lower graphics than the Series X and PS5
The Series S has a less powerful graphics processor than the Series X and PS5. Games usually run at lower resolutions and with reduced visual detail. On a 1080p or smaller TV, the difference is hard to notice. On a large 4K TV, the image looks noticeably softer than on more powerful consoles.
Xbox Series S vs Series X vs PS5
- Xbox Series S: the most affordable, smallest and quietest option. Digital only, lower graphics, ideal for 1080p TVs and Game Pass players.
- Xbox Series X: more powerful, true 4K gaming, more storage and a disc drive (in the standard version). More expensive and larger.
- PlayStation 5: strong exclusives, excellent DualSense controller and disc and digital versions. Usually more expensive than the Series S.
If your budget is limited and you mostly want to play popular multiplayer games, sports titles and Game Pass games, the Series S offers the best value. If you have a large 4K TV and want the best graphics, look at the Series X or PS5.
Who should buy the Xbox Series S?
- First-time console buyers who want a modern gaming experience at a low price.
- Families looking for an affordable console for children, with parental controls built in.
- Students who need a compact console for a small room or hostel.
- Game Pass fans who prefer subscriptions to buying individual games.
- Gamers who already own a PC or another console and want a second device for the bedroom.
It is less suitable for players with slow or limited internet, those who like buying and trading physical discs, and people who want the best possible graphics on a big 4K TV.
Buying a used Series S
The Series S is also a popular second-hand buy. Many owners sell theirs after upgrading to a Series X or PS5, and you will regularly find used consoles on marketplaces like Jiji, often bundled with a second controller or a headset. Since the console has no disc drive and few moving parts, a well-kept used unit can be a very good deal. Just make sure to check it carefully.
How to check a used Xbox Series S
- Test it on a TV. Make sure the console turns on, displays a clear picture and runs a game for at least 10 to 15 minutes without freezing or overheating.
- Check the model and storage. In Settings → System → Storage devices, confirm whether it is the 512 GB or 1 TB version.
- Test the controller. Check all buttons, triggers, vibration and both sticks. Watch for stick drift, where the character moves on its own.
- Remove the previous account. The seller should remove their Microsoft account and reset the console to factory settings so you can set it up with your own account.
- Check the ports. Test the HDMI port, USB ports and the power cable.
- Look for damage. Check the vents for heavy dust and the case for cracks, which may indicate a drop.
- Ask about digital games. Games purchased on the seller’s account do not transfer to you, even if they are installed on the console. Only buy based on the console itself, not the games shown on screen.
Tips for getting the most out of your Series S
- Choose the 1 TB model if you can, or plan for extra storage early.
- Use a wired Ethernet connection for faster downloads and more stable online play.
- Enable automatic updates overnight so games are ready to play when you are.
- Use an external USB drive to store games you are not currently playing and move them back when needed.
- Protect the console with a surge protector or voltage stabiliser to guard against power fluctuations.
The verdict
The Xbox Series S is the most affordable doorway into current-generation console gaming. It is compact, quiet, fast and backed by the excellent value of Game Pass. Its lack of a disc drive, limited storage and lower graphics are real compromises, but for players with a good internet connection and a 1080p TV, they matter far less than the savings. If you want modern gaming without the premium price, the Series S is one of the smartest choices you can make.