The Series X is designed for games with resolutions of up to 4K, while the Series S has less-powerful graphics hardware designed more for 1080p and sometimes 1440p visuals. But if you plan to play games on a 4K display, you should choose the Series X.

Resolution: Both the Series X and Series S can output a 4K video signal, so watching videos on a 4K TV should be the same on either machine.

The Series S, however, doesn’t have a disc drive and therefore can’t play physical games.

Game selection and disc drive: The Series X and Series S can play the same new games, and both are backward compatible, which means they’re capable of playing virtually any game that you could play on an Xbox One (which, in turn, encompasses hundreds of Xbox 360 games and a handful of original-Xbox games).

The recent games Wirecutter recommends playing The Series S might be a good option for some travelers and hosts, too: If you’re going somewhere for an extended stay, the Series S can easily fit in a carry-on piece of luggage, and if you have a guest room or vacation rental, a Series S adds a lot beyond a regular media streaming box. We also think that makes the Series S an especially budget-conscious choice for younger kids, since the less expensive console and monthly membership add up to more games than a kid can play, so you have no need to buy new ones all the time. And anyone who mostly plays games from Xbox Game Pass-the monthly subscription service that provides access to hundreds of games, including new releases-probably won’t miss the disc drive.

On the other hand, if you don’t have a 4K TV (and won’t buy one soon), if space in your entertainment center is a concern, or if you don’t have or plan to buy many physical discs, the Microsoft Xbox Series S offers a lot of value and still gives you the chance to play the new generation of games to come.

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