The most successful point of Microsoft in creating the Original Xbox One is when it released Xbox One S. Although it came out in 2016, the One S is still quite amazing as a console. It is not only sleek, but also powerful and well-stocked. This Xbox One S review will help you decide whether you want to invest in this console.
Although this console is not the same level as the Xbox One X when it comes to performance, it is still very compelling as it balances power and price. The Xbox One S came out three years after original Xbox One. It is smaller, quieter, and higher-quality, which is why it is still highly-praised. It has been a couple of years since this console launched, but it is still among the favorites for those who wan to have a good Xbox experience without spending too much. However, if you are on the lookout for a powerful and next generation console, maybe you should check out the latest one that came out. Now, let’s dive into the Xbox One S review.
Xbox One S Review
Microsoft’s cheaper refresh of the original Xbox One is the Xbox One S, which has better 4K media support. The size is smaller considering the hardware side. When it comes to software, this console is Microsoft’s standard-bearer for Windows 10. This console has a heavy burden on its shoulder as Sony launched a very powerful PS5 as well as Microsoft’s own Xbox Series X. However, this is a cheaper option compared with those two. Price is not the only perk it has as there are many exciting features such as Game Pass.
This console is slimmer, sleeker and sexier than the one’s that came before. Now, let’s get into more details in the Xbox One S review.
Xbox One S Review: Design
Although the appearance of the Original Xbox One was good, this is an upgrade and is visually better than PS4. While Xbox One was big, the Xbox One S is smaller and fits in your home entertainment cabinet. In other words, Microsoft solved that problem, which is great. The power supply, in addition, is internal as well. The look is quite attractive as it is simple, uniform, minimalist and has clean, sharp lines. Half of this console is flat while the other half has exhaust vents, which look like pixels.
This console has advanced electrical engineering as it integrated a great power supply and big hard drive of 2TB in a small size, which is two-fifth of the original console. We can never know how Microsoft was able to pull this off. Or we might? It may have something to do with porous siding that permits airflow. Since it has a denser design, Microsoft was able to use a fan that is smaller. Moreover, it put the hard drive behind the disc tray rather than the back right corner. This left a lot of space that allowed Microsoft to make it this small. Not only has the outside changed but so did the inside, which has gone under a transformation of its own.
On the face of the console, you can see two physical buttons for power and eject. Moreover, the sync and USB 3.0 ports were moved to the lower half of the front from the side. On the back, on the other hand, you can find an HDMI In port that permits you to pass in a cable box. There is also an HDMI Out, two Super Speed USB ports, and S/PDIF and Ethernet ports. For turning on other devices including a TV, audio/video receiver, and cable/satellite box, you can use the IR blaster that is in front of the console. However, it does not have a standard port for Kinect.
In addition, for those who want the color of the console to be loud, anything but not white, we are sorry to announce that there is not other option. The color of the controller is the only thing that can be customized by the Xbox Design Lab at Microsoft. Therefore, the console only comes in white.
Xbox One S Review: Performance
If you have an Ultra HD TV, this is a great console for you, despite not being as good as the new consoles out there. The graphical upgrade is the biggest change – 4K resolution. This console is able to upscale every content to 3,840 x 2,160 or your TV can do it for you. On the Xbox One Store, you can access Netflix, Amazon Video, YouTube and US-exclusives Vudu and Hulu. These can take care of most of your streaming needs. Since it is a Blu-ray player, it performs well like most of the other consoles. If you need a media remote, you can buy it separately, if not, you can use the standard gamepad to control playbacks for movies.
Read more: Best Xbox Controllers in 2023
Xbox One S Review: How Xbox One S improves upon Xbox One
The Xbox One S had many revisions compared with the original design and the console is one of the strong Microsoft gaming ecosystems. Since the original Xbox was not continued, the Xbox One S is like the standard console of the Xbox One line. It has a sleek, angular aesthetic and the size is 40 percent smaller than the previous one. Among the other features are vertical standing, and internal power supply, as well as a physical power button instead of the touch-sensitive key that came before.
There is also a third-generation Xbox One controller inside the box that is quite an improvement compared with the previous revisions. The heavy hitter is the Bluetooth support, which allows you to connect to PCs and mobile devices.
Read more: PS5 Review: It Remains Unmatched
Xbox One S Review: Is Xbox One S good for gaming?
This console is compatible with all the Xbox One games as well as the upcoming games for now. The performance is similar to the original Xbox One consoles. This console has a key feature for gamers, and it has High Dynamic Range HDR support in some of the selected titles. The colors are also quite vivid.
Although Microsoft heard criticism for not having high-quality exclusives, Halo Gears of War, Forza, and other franchises can be access on this console.
Read more: Best PS4 Controllers in 2023
Xbox One S Review: Is Xbox One S good for movies and TV?
Despite the original Xbox One being pitched as a media device, the Xbox One S is an improvement when it comes to movies and TV. Since it has HDMI 2.0 support, it is able to show native 4K 60Hz video, paired with HDR. When you choose a good display, this console can offer great image across select media.
This console also has a 4K HDR Blu-ray player, which was not in the PS4. In addition to all of that, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, and other services offer 4K playback on Xbox One S.
Xbox One S Review: Should you buy an Xbox One S?
This is a very good entertainment system that can deliver access to Xbox One’s full features, games, and video content. The price starts at $299 in the U.S., which makes it an affordable console in the Xbox ecosystem, while not sacrificing many features.
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Frequently Asked Questions in Xbox One S Review
Can the Xbox One S do 4K?
Yes, kind of. For those who do not know, 4K can be your TV’s resolution. It has four times more pixels than a 1080p HDTV. In other words, you will get sharper pictures and more details. In order to watch 4K and the video technology HDR, you should have a 4K TV and this console.
Should you put the Xbox One S’s resolution to 4K UHD, Home and apps on the console will appear at 4K. Games, on the other hand, are a little different. The games on this console can get to 4K. This means that despite the picture being smoother and more detailed compared with 720p and 1080p, upscaled 4K cannot be as detailed as native 4K.
Do you need a 4K TV for Xbox One S?
No, you don’t. Any modern TV will work with the Xbox One S console. You only need an HDMI cable to get it going. However, to use the 4K option as well as the 4K game upscaling, you must have a 4K TV.
What’s the difference between an Xbox One and Xbox One S?
When it comes to appearance, the Xbox One S is thinner and slimmer than the Xbox One. In addition, it is quieter. The main difference, however, is the fact that One S has HDR and 4K Blu-ray support. To use those features, you need to have a 4K TV.
What’s better Xbox One S or PS5?
It really depends. Both of these consoles have their own strength and based on your needs and preferences, you can pick one to be the best option for you. PS5 is definitely the more expensive and better looking one, but the Xbox One S has its own perks. You can read our article on both of these consoles and make your decision.
Read more: PS5 Review; It Remains Unmatched
Is Fortnite free on Xbox One S?
That’s right. It is free and gamers can use Xbox One peripheries such as a keyboard and a mouse to play this game as well.
What is the All-Digital Xbox One S?
The new disc tray-less console that Microsoft released is the All-Digital Xbox One S. It has all the games that Xbox One, One S, and One X play. However, you can only play those games if you download them via the Xbox Live Store. Notwithstanding the specs being the same, it costs less than the Xbox One S by around $50.