Can the Xbox S Play Next-Gen Games? Here's What You Need to Know

Understanding the Xbox Series S: A Brief Overview

When the Xbox Series S was released alongside the more powerful Xbox Series X, many gamers were curious about how it would perform when it came to next-gen games. The Series S is marketed as a more affordable alternative to its bigger sibling, the Series X, but does that mean it sacrifices too much when it comes to gaming performance?

I recently had a conversation with my friend Alex, who was debating between the Series S and the Series X. He asked, "Can the Xbox S really handle next-gen games?" And honestly, I was a bit unsure myself at first. So, I decided to dive into the details to figure out just how capable the Xbox Series S is when it comes to running the latest and greatest games.

The Xbox Series S Hardware: What’s Under the Hood?

1. Performance: Is the Series S Powerful Enough?

The Xbox Series S is equipped with a custom RDNA 2 GPU from AMD, capable of delivering 4 teraflops of performance. This is significantly lower than the Xbox Series X, which provides 12 teraflops. On paper, this makes the Series S seem less powerful, but it still offers a solid gaming experience. The key difference here is that while the Series S targets 1440p resolution, the Series X goes for 4K.

In casual gaming, especially on a smaller screen or a non-4K TV, the Series S performs admirably. I’ve personally played several next-gen titles on the Series S, like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5, and while the graphics aren't as sharp as they are on the Series X, they’re still stunning and very smooth. It’s hard to tell the difference unless you’re specifically looking for it.

2. Storage and Loading Times: An Important Factor

One of the trade-offs with the Series S is its storage. With only 512GB of SSD space (compared to 1TB on the Series X), you might run out of room quicker, especially with next-gen games that are larger in file size. Luckily, the Xbox Series S supports external hard drives and additional storage expansion cards, but it’s something to consider if you’re planning to download a lot of big games.

That being said, the loading times are extremely fast, thanks to the custom NVMe SSD. Even though the storage is smaller, the speed makes a noticeable difference, and I’ve found myself spending less time waiting and more time playing.

Next-Gen Games on Xbox Series S: What’s the Experience Like?

1. Graphics: Does It Hold Up?

Now, let’s talk about the visuals. The Xbox Series S isn’t aiming for 4K gaming, but rather for 1440p, which is a sweet spot for many gamers who don’t have a 4K TV. The games look fantastic in 1440p, but they won’t match the visual fidelity of the Series X or a gaming PC. Still, the experience is immersive and smooth, especially with features like ray tracing and high frame rates (up to 120 FPS) that the Series S can handle in many next-gen games.

When I played Assassin's Creed Valhalla on the Series S, I was impressed by the graphics. The draw distances and details were stunning for the price of the console, and the performance was solid.

2. Frame Rate and Smooth Gameplay

One of the major features of next-gen consoles is a higher frame rate, and the Xbox Series S delivers on that front. It supports 120Hz refresh rates, which ensures smoother gameplay, particularly in fast-paced action games like Call of Duty or racing titles like Forza Horizon 5.

I recently played Fortnite on the Series S, and the gameplay was so smooth that I didn’t notice any lag or frame drops. Of course, if you’re comparing it to the Series X, you’ll see some differences, but the Series S still delivers a fantastic experience for gamers who want a more budget-friendly option.

The Pros and Cons of the Xbox Series S for Next-Gen Gaming

1. The Pros: Affordable and Efficient

• Price: The biggest advantage of the Xbox Series S is its price. At around $299, it’s a steal for those who want to dive into next-gen gaming without breaking the bank.

• Speed: Thanks to the SSD and the quick resume feature, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time playing.

• Game Library: The Series S has access to the full Xbox Game Pass library, which means you can play all the next-gen titles without needing to buy each one.

2. The Cons: Limited Storage and Lower Resolution

• Storage: 512GB is relatively small, and with the size of next-gen games, you may find yourself uninstalling games frequently unless you buy additional storage.

• Resolution: If you’re someone who absolutely needs 4K visuals, the Series S might feel limiting. It’s a great console for 1440p, but it doesn’t offer the ultra-high resolution of the Series X.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Xbox Series S for Next-Gen Games?

In short, yes, the Xbox Series S can play next-gen games—and it does a great job at it! It might not offer the ultra-high resolution and storage capacity of the Series X, but it’s an excellent option for gamers on a budget who still want to experience the best of what next-gen gaming has to offer.

From my personal experience, if you’re gaming on a 1080p or 1440p display, the Series S is a fantastic choice. However, if you’re someone who demands 4K resolution and the absolute best graphics, you might want to save up for the Series X.

At the end of the day, the Xbox Series S provides fantastic value for the price, and it’s definitely capable of running the next-gen games you want to play. So, if you’re looking for an entry point into next-gen gaming, this console is definitely worth considering!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.