Xbox Series S Review 2023: Why It's Smarter Than You Think

Xbox Series S in 2023: The Surprising Truth

If you're eyeing next-gen gaming without emptying your wallet, you've likely wondered: Does the Xbox Series S hold up today? After testing its new 1TB model across demanding titles like Starfield and Forza Motorsport, I can confidently say Microsoft's budget console defies expectations. Three years into this generation, the Series S has evolved from a compromise into a legitimate entry point. Its secret weapon? Game Pass transforms this $300 machine into a gateway for hundreds of games. But let's cut through the hype: I'll show you exactly where it shines, where it falls short, and why holiday sales could make this unbeatable for casual gamers.

Hardware Upgrades That Matter

The new Xbox Series S isn't just a cosmetic refresh. Its 1TB storage addresses the original model's biggest flaw: only 364GB of usable space. That's critical because modern AAA games like Call of Duty routinely exceed 100GB. Where the old model stored just 3-4 titles, this black variant offers over 800GB free—enough for 8+ major games. Physical media enthusiasts should note the permanent lack of a disc drive, limiting backward compatibility to digital purchases. But here's what most reviews miss: Game Pass offsets this. With 400+ games streamable or downloadable, including day-one exclusives, you're trading discs for unprecedented access.

Storage expansion remains essential for heavy gamers. While proprietary Seagate cards cost $80 (512GB) or $150 (1TB), third-party options from Western Digital now exist. Pro Tip: Buy expansion during Black Friday—prices often drop 30%.

Real-World Game Performance Tested

Does "less power" mean worse gameplay? To find out, I benchmarked the Series S against 2023's most demanding titles:

Starfield (30FPS Locked)
Bethesda's space epic runs at 1080p on Series S versus 4K on Series X. While the resolution difference is noticeable when pixel-peeping, gameplay feels identical. The 30FPS lock is mitigated by intelligent motion blur, creating smoother visuals than expected. During intense scenes like ship combat or asteroid fields, performance held steady. Crucially, you get the same core experience: massive open worlds, complex physics, and zero loading screens between planets.

Forza Motorsport (60FPS Mode)
Racing games demand fluidity. Turn 10 offers "Visuals" (30FPS) or "Performance" (60FPS) modes. Performance mode is non-negotiable—it’s buttery-smooth even with 24-car grids. Visual upgrades in fidelity mode? Minimal. The Series S holds 60FPS consistently, only dipping during heavy crashes (which looked gloriously destructive).

Overwatch 2 & Warzone 2.0
Competitive shooters thrive here. Overwatch 2 hits 120FPS in performance mode—a game-changer for ranked play. Warzone 2.0 runs at 60FPS with slightly reduced draw distance, but gameplay remains responsive. As one anonymous developer told Digital Foundry: "Series S optimizations focus on scaling, not crippling features."

Debunking 3 Major Criticisms

Is the Series S "holding back" this generation? Let's dissect common complaints:

"Baldur's Gate 3 Split-Screen Gate"
Larian Studios delayed Series S co-op due to RAM limitations. Valid concern? Yes. Dealbreaker? Unlikely. Less than 15% of players use split-screen regularly. The compromise? Solo play runs flawlessly.
"It's Just a 1080p Box"
True—most games render at 1080p-1440p versus Series X's 4K. But on a 55" TV from 8 feet away? The difference shrinks. Visuals prioritize art direction over pixels: Starfield's detailed alien flora or Forza's rain-slicked tracks impress regardless.
"No Ray Tracing = Last-Gen"
Ray tracing appears sparingly even on premium consoles. When implemented (like Cyberpunk 2077), Series S uses lighter effects. But consider: Does ray tracing enhance fun? Or just screenshots?

The Game Pass Advantage

Here's why Series S makes sense in 2023: Game Pass redefines value. New releases cost $70. For $17/month (Ultimate), you get Starfield, Forza, and 400+ titles. This eliminates buyer's remorse—download anything, delete if it's not your vibe. Microsoft's cloud gaming extends this further: Play on your phone during commutes, then continue on console.

The math is compelling:

Series S ($299) + 2 Years Game Pass ($408) = $707
PS5 Digital ($449) + 2 Games ($140) = $589
You pay $118 more but get 100x the content. For budget gamers, that's transformative.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy It

Perfect For:

Casual gamers playing <10 hours/week
Families needing a second console
1080p TV owners
Game Pass subscribers

Avoid If:

You demand 4K/120FPS
Physical game collections matter
You play competitive shooters daily

Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Entry Point

The Xbox Series S isn't a lesser console—it's a different one. After testing $5,000 PCs and premium consoles, I had identical fun here. Compromises exist: resolution dips, no discs. But core gameplay remains uncompromised. With holiday sales likely dropping it to $250, it becomes the smartest entry into next-gen gaming.

"Which factor matters most to you—price or pixels? Share your deal-breaker below!"

Essential Checklist Before Buying:

Measure your TV viewing distance (8ft from 55"? 1080p suffices)
Calculate your storage needs (1TB + expansion card for 15+ AAA games)
Start a Game Pass trial to test cloud gaming
Track holiday deals at Amazon, Target, and Microsoft Store
Consider Xbox All Access: $25/month for console + Game Pass Ultimate