When discussing cutting-edge gaming consoles, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X frequently dominate the conversation. However, I contend the true star of this new generation is a different machine entirely: the budget-friendly Xbox Series S—and there’s compelling justification for this assertion.
A remark by Robert Kohlick.
Xbox Series S: A Next-Gen Console Overlooked
Both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 have experienced persistent stock shortages since their launches. Yet, one next-gen console remains readily available—because it’s largely ignored: the Xbox Series S. Despite this, I believe it’s the most captivating and promising device of the new generation. What precisely makes Microsoft’s streamlined Xbox Series X variant so alluring?
Certainly, the Xbox Series S lags behind the Series X in performance—particularly in graphical capabilities. However, Microsoft incorporates a rapid SSD, ray tracing, and 120 Hz support into this budget-friendly device. The Series S includes all key features of the Xbox Series X. Therefore, if you can forgo native 4K gaming, significant cost savings are possible with the Xbox Series S.
For casual gamers who don’t need immediate access to every new release, this console is even more appealing. The Xbox Game Pass, priced at €9.99 monthly, grants access to over 100 games, providing ample playtime. Regular updates to the Game Pass library prevent the experience from becoming stale.
A compelling case for the Xbox Series S’s aesthetics
While its specifications might not fully persuade everyone, the console’s often-overlooked design is genuinely striking. The Xbox Series X, with its angular form, blends well into most living spaces; however, the PlayStation 5’s design is, in my view, less appealing.
The Xbox Series S is not only remarkably compact but its prominent side grille gives it an almost speaker-like appearance—simple, classic, elegant!
## Xbox Series S: The Underdog Champion of Next-Gen Gaming? A Robert Kohlick Analysis
The gaming world often fixates on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, overlooking a true gem: the Xbox Series S. Robert Kohlick’s recent article challenges this prevailing narrative, arguing that the Series S is the most compelling next-gen console, and I concur. His points on price and availability are undeniably strong.
The article highlights the persistent stock shortages of the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S remains readily available, suggesting a different level of consumer demand [Source: Article]. This accessibility, combined with its significantly lower price point (around €270, roughly half the cost of its competitors) [Source: Article], makes it an incredibly attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
While the article acknowledges the Series S’s inferior performance compared to the Series X, particularly in graphics [Source: Article], it emphasizes key features that shouldn’t be overlooked. The inclusion of a rapid SSD, ray tracing, and 120Hz support [Source: Article], are features typically associated with high-end consoles. These features, coupled with its smaller footprint, could be extremely appealing to many gamers.
According to Microsoft’s official website [[1]] and Xbox.com [[3]], the Series S boasts a customized NVMe SSD, offering fast loading times, and supports 120 frames per second (fps) gaming and 3D audio. Although the website mentions a 512 GB SSD option [[3]], the article mentions the availability of a 1TB variant. The discrepancy could either be a regional difference, a variation in available models, or a factual error.
Ultimately, the Xbox Series S represents a compelling value proposition. For gamers prioritizing affordability and accessibility without sacrificing core next-gen features, the Series S deserves serious consideration. It’s not simply a “budget model” but a strategically positioned console leveraging the power of the next generation of gaming in a surprisingly impactful form factor. Kohlick’s assertion that it might be the most promising console of this generation isn’t as outlandish as it initially sounds.