Is the Xbox One X Worth the Extra Cost Over the Xbox One S?

Microsoft released the Xbox One S first and followed it up with the Xbox One X a year later. Each video game console includes a range of media features, such as a 4K Blu-ray player, 4K video streaming, and support for the entire library of Xbox One games.

There are a few key differences to understand before you buy one or the other, so we tested both consoles to help you decide between the Xbox One S and the more expensive Xbox One X.

Overall Findings

There are two significant differences between the two Xbox One models: price and performance. Otherwise, the consoles are evenly matched in almost every other department.

If you already own an Xbox One S, upgrading to the X model isn't worth the money from where we sit. However, if you're purchasing your first Xbox One system, it might be worth the extra dollars to get the higher-end model and take advantage of its added performance.

Performance: Xbox One X Wins Hands Down

Both the Xbox One S and Xbox One X support HDR for games and videos. Each console comes with a built-in 4K Blu-ray disk drive that plays CDs, DVDs, and 4K HDR Blu-rays. However, only the Xbox One X renders 4K-enabled video games.

While the Xbox One S can play those games at a lower resolution, the games look significantly better on the Xbox One X. The Xbox One S console can also load games and apps significantly faster than the Xbox One X.

Due to their 4K output capability, the Xbox One S and X are also able to stream 4K movies and TV series from services such as Microsoft Movies & TV, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. A 4K TV isn't required to use either console. A regular widescreen TV automatically resizes the video for its display resolution. Viewers will still experience visual improvements when viewing 4K footage on a non-4K TV.

Compatibility: Both Consoles Play the Same Games

The Xbox One S and Xbox One X are part of the Xbox One family of consoles. Both play all Xbox One-branded video games in addition to a growing number of backward-compatible titles for Xbox 360 and the original Xbox. There's no game disparity between the two consoles.

All Xbox One-branded controllers work with the Xbox One S and Xbox One X.

All Xbox One video games are region-free. This means that an American Xbox One console plays Xbox One games released in other countries. While the Xbox One games are region-free, the physical disk drive isn't, which makes a difference when playing DVDs and Blu-rays. An American Xbox One can only play Region 1 DVDs and Zone A Blu-rays.

Cost: Xbox One S Is Cheaper Than Xbox One X

The Xbox One X is targeted toward the hardcore gamer who values high framerates and textures. As a result, it is significantly more expensive due to the additional hardware needed to reach certain technological benchmarks. The Xbox One X is essentially a powerful gaming PC crammed into a console. Thus, the S model will likely remain the more affordable option for consumers.

In addition to the various storage capacities, there are themed versions of each console. For example, the special Xbox One S Minecraft Limited Edition console features a unique Minecraft themed design that lights up and plays sounds when turned on. It can do everything a regular Xbox One S can do.

All special versions feature the console label in the title. As long as these consoles are referred to as an Xbox One S or an Xbox One X on the box or in the store product listing, you know what you're getting.

The original Xbox One console is no longer in production. It has essentially been replaced by the Xbox One S. Stores that have stock available usually sell it for a lower price than the Xbox One S and X. It can be a good alternative for those on a tight budget.

Final Verdict

Microsoft has confirmed that both the Xbox One S and Xbox One X consoles will continue to support the same video games. Therefore, titles won't be made exclusively for one device over the other. Both consoles are solid investments when it comes to video game selection for this generation of gaming.

If media is an important factor to consider in your household, each Xbox One console is equally future-proof due to the built-in 4K UHD Blu-ray players.

The deciding factor between buying an Xbox One S or an Xbox One X? It really comes down to your budget and how important graphics and framerate are to your gaming preferences. Both are great gaming options, so open that money bag and spend on the one that makes the most sense for you.

Check out the Xbox One X:

Check out the Xbox One S: