Why the cheaper Series S remains a better option for some gamers even as prices rise across consoles.
The Xbox Series S remains the cheaper option at $500, while the Series X starts at $750. The S is a digital-only machine with lower specs, trading performance for a lower price. If you want 4K and the strongest performance, the Series X is the better pick; if you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind 1440p, the Series S fits nicely.
What this means for you: you’ll save money upfront, but your games and media experiences will be tuned toward digital, potentially lower resolutions. As prices shift in 2026, the Series S keeps its price edge, especially for casual gamers or families on a budget.
The Xbox Series S continues to sit below the Series X on price, even as both consoles have seen price increases in recent months. The Series S starts at $500, while the Series X is listed at $750 in its cheapest form. The crucial difference isn’t just the price tag; it’s what you get for that money.
Microsoft positions the Series S as a digital-only, entry-level option. It lacks a disc drive and generally trims hardware to keep costs low. That digital-only stance helps explain the lower price, but it also means you won’t be playing disc-based games or any physical media. There is a Series X model without a disc drive, which reduces the price by about $50, but the Series X hardware otherwise remains the same and that cost gap is the real driver behind the difference.
The cost gap comes from hardware choices. The Series S uses less RAM and fewer compute units than the Series X. It tops out at 4 teraflops of processing power and up to 1440p in most games, with 120 fps available in some titles. The Series X, by contrast, targets 4K resolution and packs more compute units and RAM, delivering higher performance and a smoother experience for demanding games. Both consoles share a common core: an AMD Zen 2 CPU and AMD RDNA 2 GPU, but the Series X’s hardware is clocked higher and more capable overall.
If you mostly play games through digital subscriptions like Game Pass and don’t mind lower resolution, the Series S can still be a great fit. It’s smaller, lighter, and about 60 percent more compact than the Series X. If you want the best visuals, longer-term performance headroom, and the option to play in native 4K, the Series X is the stronger pick.
With all three major consoles seeing price moves in 2026, the Series S’s affordability stands out for budget-conscious buyers. The question for shoppers is whether the savings are worth the trade-offs in media format, resolution, and raw power. For families or occasional gamers, the Series S remains a solid entry point into modern gaming without breaking the bank.
Microsoft hasn’t indicated a price drop for the Series S, but ongoing component cost pressures and potential hardware refreshes could influence future pricing. If you’re in the market now, consider what matters most to you: 4K or not, physical media or not, and how important Game Pass is to your playtime.
Which Xbox is cheaper, Series S or Series X?
The Series S is cheaper, starting at $500, while the Series X starts at $750 in its cheapest form.
What are the main sacrifices with the Series S?
It’s digital-only, has less RAM and fewer compute units, and mainly targets up to 1440p rather than native 4K.
Is there a future price drop planned?
No official price drop has been announced; analysts expect ongoing price adjustments as supply and components evolve.
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