Xbox Series S Guide: Price, Specs, Storage & Series X vs S

What Is the Xbox Series S?

The Xbox Series S is Microsoft’s smaller, cheaper current generation console. It plays the same new games as the Xbox Series X, but at a lower resolution, and it has no disc drive, so every game is downloaded. It is the smallest Xbox ever made and is a popular choice for Game Pass players, kids’ rooms and second TVs.

Xbox Series S Price in the UK

Microsoft raised Xbox prices in the UK and Europe on 1 August 2026. These are the official UK prices now:

• Xbox Series S 512GB (Robot White): £429.99, up from £299.99.
• Xbox Series S 1TB (Carbon Black or Robot White): £519.99, up from £349.99.
• Xbox Series X Digital 1TB: £619.99.
• Xbox Series X 1TB with disc drive: £669.99.

In the US the Series S now costs $499.99 (512GB) and $599.99 (1TB). Shops such as Argos, Currys and Smyths sometimes sell for less during sales like Black Friday, so it is worth comparing prices before you buy.

Xbox Series S Specs

The Series S uses the same type of processor as the Series X but a smaller graphics chip:

• CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 2 at up to 3.6 GHz.
• GPU: AMD RDNA 2 with 4 teraflops of power.
• Memory: 10GB GDDR6.
• Resolution: made for 1440p, with up to 120 frames per second in supported games. It can upscale games and play 4K video on a 4K TV.
• Storage: fast NVMe SSD, 512GB or 1TB.
• Size: 27.5 × 15.1 × 6.5 cm and 1.93 kg, small enough to fit in a backpack.

Xbox Series S 512GB vs 1TB: Which One?

The original white Series S has a 512GB SSD, but only about 364GB is free for games after the system files. Big games can be over 100GB each, so it fills up fast. The 1TB model (in Carbon Black or white) gives you roughly twice the space. If you play many large games or do not want to delete games often, the 1TB model is the better choice. If you mostly play a few games or stream through Game Pass, the 512GB model is enough.

Xbox Series S Storage Expansion: How to Get More Space

• Storage Expansion Card: official cards from Seagate and WD_Black plug into the back of the console. Games run from them just like from the internal SSD, so this is the best option for Series X|S games.
• External USB hard drive or SSD: cheaper and bigger. You can store any game on it and play Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games straight from it, but Series X|S optimised games must be moved back to the internal SSD or an expansion card to play.
• Free tip: go to Settings, then System, then Storage devices to see what is using space and uninstall games you no longer play.

Xbox Series X vs Series S: What Is the Difference?

• Power: Series X has 12 teraflops and 16GB of memory. Series S has 4 teraflops and 10GB.
• Resolution: Series X targets 4K. Series S targets 1440p.
• Discs: the standard Series X has a 4K Blu-ray disc drive. The Series S has none.
• Storage: Series X has 1TB. Series S has 512GB or 1TB.
• Size and price: the Series S is about 60% smaller and costs £100 to £240 less in the UK.

Both consoles play the same games, use the same controller and support Game Pass. Choose the Series X for a big 4K TV and the best graphics. Choose the Series S if you want to save money, play on a 1080p or 1440p screen, or need a small console.

Will GTA 6 Run on Xbox Series S?

Yes. Rockstar has confirmed that GTA 6 launches on Xbox Series X|S, which includes the Series S, on November 19, 2026. Rockstar has not yet shared the resolution or frame rate for each console. Because the Series S is less powerful, experts expect a lower resolution than on the Series X, but the full game and story will be the same. See our GTA 6 release date and price guide for the latest news.

Is the Xbox Series S Worth It in 2026?

The Series S is still a good console for Game Pass, family gaming and smaller screens, and it will play new games like GTA 6. But after the 2026 price rise the gap to the Series X is smaller than before, so if you have a 4K TV, the Series X now gives you more for your money. If you want physical game discs, the Series S is not for you.

How to Factory Reset an Xbox Series S

Do this before you sell or give away your console, or if it keeps having problems:

• Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
• Go to Profile & system, then Settings, then System, then Console info.
• Select Reset console.
• Choose Reset and remove everything to wipe it fully (best before selling), or Reset and keep my games & apps to fix problems without deleting games.

How to Clean Your Xbox Series S

Turn the console off and unplug it. Wipe the outside with a dry microfibre cloth and use short bursts of compressed air on the vents to remove dust. Do not spray liquid on the console. Keep a few centimetres of space around it so it stays cool.

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