Xbox Series X vs Series S

The video kicks off with a framing of a new kind of choice for console buyers: the Xbox Series X and Series S operate at distinctly different price points and capabilities, making the decision feel more like a PC purchase than a traditional console upgrade. The hosts set up a side-by-side test on a LG OLED CX TV to highlight how the two machines perform in real games, using Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as the test title to illustrate differences in rendering, texture work, and frame rates. They emphasize that raw specs matter less than the actual gaming experience, and that a high-end 4K display with HDMI 2.1 features can significantly influence perceived quality and responsiveness. Early on they describe the TV as an excellent partner for next-gen consoles, especially for 4K gaming with features like 4K 120 Hz support and HDR, while also noting HDR gaming group efforts to level the field across displays. This section also outlines the practical testing approach, including separate HDMI inputs on the TV to enable quick switching and near-side-by-side comparison of image quality and performance. In the middle portion, the testers dive into performance and visual fidelity. They compare boot times, instantaneous load dynamics, and how quickly each console gets into a game, finding that both deliver fast startup with the Series X edging ahead in some cases. The discussion then moves to texture quality and draw distance, where the Series S shows softer textures and some noticeable texture popping when using Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Valhalla features. They contrast this with the Series X, which generally maintains crisper textures at similar 4K-scale outputs. The segment also covers how developers’ optimization strategies affect perceived quality, noting Ubisoft’s preference for higher visual fidelity at the potential cost of frame rate, versus other studios that prioritize smoothness. The analysis includes rapid-fire comparisons of zoom times and game responsiveness, concluding that the Series S can feel nearly as responsive as the Series X in many scenarios, but the X holds a clear edge in texture detail and sustained performance in demanding scenes. Toward the end, the hosts synthesize the practical takeaways for buyers. If raw image quality and the best possible frame rates are paramount, they recommend spending the extra $200 for the Series X, especially for players who want the strongest performance and a larger storage footprint. For those who are budget-conscious or don’t demand 4K/60fps in every title, the Series S offers a compelling option with smooth gameplay, quicker on-ramps for gaming on a modest setup, and strong value via Game Pass. They also touch on the trade-offs of storage capacity, noting the Series S ships with less storage and that adding storage incurs a cost that can tilt the long-term value proposition back toward the Series X for some users. The video closes with a strong plug for LG’s OLED CX and how it complements both consoles for a premium gaming and home entertainment setup, and a reminder of other content that compares Series X to One X in a broader generational context. Overall, the video frames the Series X as the performance-first choice for enthusiasts and those chasing the best looking and smoothest running experiences, while the Series S is presented as a budget-friendly alternative that remains highly capable for the majority of games, especially with strong software optimization and the draw of Game Pass. The presenters acknowledge the complexity of real-world game optimization and highlight that the perceived differences will vary by title and developer choices, making the final decision dependent on user priorities like resolution targets, storage needs, and budget.

Topics · technology · gaming · hardware · consoles · display-technology