• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

I'm considering getting a Series S as a secondary/tertiary console. Is it worth it?

Regginator

Member
With Black Friday drawing close, I'm considering getting a Series S if or when it's on sale. At the moment, I'm primarily playing on the PS5, while the Switch is pretty much only used for Nintendo exclusives and the occasional third-party game. Would it make sense for me to get a Series S as a third console?

Things I'm wondering:
  • How is the performance on the Series S generally speaking compared to the X? Does it struggle running recent games?

  • Is it true that some or even most of the X360 generation is playable on the Series with better performance?
    More specifically, would I play be able to play games that are stuck in that generation, like for example Deus Ex Human Revolution and Fallout New Vegas, but with better performance?

  • Would I be able to use the same Game Pass Ultimate subscription on my laptop?

I used to have a run-down Xbox 360 for a few months, but I literally only used it as an XBLA machine where I just played the N64 Rare games, so everything else about Xbox is new for me.
Curious to hear your thoughts!
 

cormack12

Gold Member
Do you have enough time to have all these consoles is the better question. There's tonnes of great games on PS5, and Xbox are about to drop a load of long games as well as having access to a back catalogue.
 

damidu

Member
no way, add the extra $150 or whatever and buy X, (if you really have to)
the performance/price penalty you get with S is soo bad honestly.

think like if there was a gpu, that adds x3 performance for only $100-200 difference, what would you do?
and there are other stuff like more ram, more ssd, disc drive etc. on top.
series s is the scam of the generation.
 
Last edited:

Lokaum D+

Member
No Way Beer GIF by Busch
 

pasterpl

Member
How is the performance on the Series S generally speaking compared to the X? Does it struggle running recent games?
It is much weaker, but the latest games are playable, with lower res and sometimes half the framerate, also lower IQ.
Is it true that some or even most of the X360 generation is playable on the Series with better performance?
More specifically, would I play be able to play games that are stuck in that generation, like for example Deus Ex Human Revolution and Fallout New Vegas, but with better performance?
Yes, most of the previous gen game that are supported get the boost.
Would I be able to use the same Game Pass Ultimate subscription on my laptop?
Yes, you should be. I am using my single Xbox gamepass ultimate subscription across multiple Xboxes and PC.
 

Regginator

Member
Nah, you already have a PS5. If you want a machine to play older games get a Steam Deck instead.
I don't really like playing on handhelds. I can barely stomach playing on the Switch when in handheld (love it docked though), and I think I'd stomach it even less with PC games.

If youre gonna get one just get a Series X.
I don't really see the point of a bigger and more expensive Series when I already have a PS5.
 

Regginator

Member
It is much weaker, but the latest games are playable, with lower res and sometimes half the framerate, also lower IQ.

Yes, most of the previous gen game that are supported get the boost.

Yes, you should be. I am using my single Xbox gamepass ultimate subscription across multiple Xboxes and PC.
Thanks for actually answering my questions!

When you say previous gen, do you mean the previous gen (PS4/XBO) or the previous previous gen, lol. Because I was mostly wondering about the PS360 gen that I'm not able to play on my PS5 (which includes PS4).

Are there still games from that generation available for purchase on the Xbox storefront that I could play on the Series?
 

damidu

Member
I don't really see the point of a bigger and more expensive Series when I already have a PS5.
nah still doesnt make sense.
you'd run out of that measly 512gb ssd( 360 usable) if you dload 3 games from gamepass (or just cod lol), and with their overpriced memory cards, you'll end up in series x price teitory, with fraction of the performance.
 
Last edited:

Jaybe

Member
I don't really like playing on handhelds. I can barely stomach playing on the Switch when in handheld (love it docked though), and I think I'd stomach it even less with PC games.


I don't really see the point of a bigger and more expensive Series when I already have a PS5.
You can dock the Steamdeck (and I believe the other portables like Switch) and used a Bluetooth controller. How powerful is your existing laptop though?
 

StereoVsn

Gold Member
If you don’t have a gaming PC, just get XSX. It has double the storage (storage is expensive to add), more power and a decent BluRay player. Plus a lot of BC games aren’t available on the store anymore so you have to get them in physical format. Others like say Fallout 3 or New Vegas or Oblivion are much cheaper to get with a “full edition “ including DLCs as those are not well discounted.

It also allows good resolution and FPS boost on legacy games where XSS often doesn’t. Not to mention much better performance in modern games, although that will only matter with Xbox exclusives.

Alternatively, especially if you want to have handheld capability, get a SteamDeck or ASUS Ally.
 
Last edited:

Punished Miku

Human Rights Subscription Service
I still use mine on a 2nd TV. Great little machine. Very portable for travel too. If you have no other Xbox its worth it just for Ninja Gaiden 1 and 2. But there are dozens of games worth getting. GP isnt too shabby either.
 
Would it make sense for me to get a Series S as a third console?
It depends on if you value backwards compatibility selection.

How is the performance on the Series S generally speaking compared to the X? Does it struggle running recent games?
It plays Tekken 8, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Dead Space (2023) flawlessly. It has some hiccups playing Lords of the Fallen and uses slightly lower settings on Mafia 3, Calisto Protocol, Control, and Quantum Break (QB has really low base resolution). Ubisoft, Bethesda, Activision, and EA titles look and run well at 1080p.

Is it true that some or even most of the X360 generation is playable on the Series with better performance?
More specifically, would I play be able to play games that are stuck in that generation, like for example Deus Ex Human Revolution and Fallout New Vegas, but with better performance?
Yes in the sense that they run at solid 60fps and load in the blink of an eye if they didn't already. No in the sense that most have the same image quality (though some have better IQ on the X). In the case of Deus Ex and New Vegas the PC versions would provide a sharper image and Reshade mods could add contrast and saturation to the images that would not be available on Series S.

Would I be able to use the same Game Pass Ultimate subscription on my laptop?
Yes, it is included. The PC native game selection is more limited unless you intend to stream them.

I used to have a run-down Xbox 360 for a few months, but I literally only used it as an XBLA machine where I just played the N64 Rare games, so everything else about Xbox is new for me.
Rare Replay on Xbox has Jet Force Gemini, Golden Eye, Killer Instinct, Conker, and Banjo games amongst others. Great value at $8 during a sale.
 
Last edited:

Nemesisuuu

Member
If you are mostly interested in backwards compatible titles, here is official list of games that get fps boost, so you can decide if Series S is enough for you. I would go for X.

 

reinking

Gold Member
It has been out a long time. It is very easy to find comparison videos and reviews that provide info on its strengths and shortcomings. Only you know your budget and features you are looking for. If it fits your budget and works for your needs, Yes. If you have a bigger budget, go with the XBSX. If you have a tight budget, you mentioned having a laptop, if the specs are good enough on it you can already run the same games as XBSS.
 

Darsxx82

Member
With Black Friday drawing close, I'm considering getting a Series S if or when it's on sale. At the moment, I'm primarily playing on the PS5, while the Switch is pretty much only used for Nintendo exclusives and the occasional third-party game. Would it make sense for me to get a Series S as a third console?

Things I'm wondering:
  • How is the performance on the Series S generally speaking compared to the X? Does it struggle running recent games?

  • Is it true that some or even most of the X360 generation is playable on the Series with better performance?
    More specifically, would I play be able to play games that are stuck in that generation, like for example Deus Ex Human Revolution and Fallout New Vegas, but with better performance?

  • Would I be able to use the same Game Pass Ultimate subscription on my laptop?

I used to have a run-down Xbox 360 for a few months, but I literally only used it as an XBLA machine where I just played the N64 Rare games, so everything else about Xbox is new for me.
Curious to hear your thoughts!
If you're interested in playing retro games from old consoles and arcades...... XSS is a beast for emulator games (via DEVMODE) y nativos BC de Xbox 1, 360 y XBO.

Then the console has full support of current games and in gamepass you can enjoy many games that are not so demanding.


Differences with XSX7PS5?? It's subjective. In that each person has their needs.
 

Boss Mog

Member
Don't, it's a waste. I bought a Series X cause I was able to get it very cheap in 2021 but after a few months, I cancelled Gamepass cause I wasn't using it much. I was pretty much playing exclusively on PS5 and PC (old stuff) so the Series X was just collecting dust until I sold it along with my PS5 to get PS5 Pro. Best decision ever.
 

Hoddi

Member
Thanks for actually answering my questions!

When you say previous gen, do you mean the previous gen (PS4/XBO) or the previous previous gen, lol. Because I was mostly wondering about the PS360 gen that I'm not able to play on my PS5 (which includes PS4).

Are there still games from that generation available for purchase on the Xbox storefront that I could play on the Series?
You can find the list of available 360 games here.

Personally, I bought an S for my old plasma and I really like it for what it is. It's a good low-end system for older TVs but might be worth spending extra if you have a 4k set. But if you don't mind playing low-res Switch games then it might not even matter to you.
 
When you say previous gen, do you mean the previous gen (PS4/XBO) or the previous previous gen, lol. Because I was mostly wondering about the PS360 gen that I'm not able to play on my PS5 (which includes PS4).

Are there still games from that generation available for purchase on the Xbox storefront that I could play on the Series?
Yes. Fable II, Tekken 6, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Dead or Alive 4, Ninja Gaiden 2, The Darkness, Alice: Madness Returns, Bully: Scholarship Edition, Grand Theft Auto IV, Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed are some of the ones I have. I also have a number of games from the original Xbox.
 
Last edited:

kingwingin

Member
I bought a series s just before all the rumours of Xbox games coming to ps5 and it wasn’t worth it then. I regretted not buying a series x then and now I regret buying an Xbox at all.
 

bender

What time is it?
I wouldn't invest in a Series S at this point, but I still have the $150 price point stuck in my head that Costco offered a few years ago. I'd wait until you can get a really good deal.

Backwards compatibility is nice and having a dedicated Game Pass player is as well, but as someone who games on all platforms, finding time to utilize Game Pass is a struggle.
 

Imtjnotu

Member
With Black Friday drawing close, I'm considering getting a Series S if or when it's on sale. At the moment, I'm primarily playing on the PS5, while the Switch is pretty much only used for Nintendo exclusives and the occasional third-party game. Would it make sense for me to get a Series S as a third console?

Things I'm wondering:
  • How is the performance on the Series S generally speaking compared to the X? Does it struggle running recent games?

  • Is it true that some or even most of the X360 generation is playable on the Series with better performance?
    More specifically, would I play be able to play games that are stuck in that generation, like for example Deus Ex Human Revolution and Fallout New Vegas, but with better performance?

  • Would I be able to use the same Game Pass Ultimate subscription on my laptop?

I used to have a run-down Xbox 360 for a few months, but I literally only used it as an XBLA machine where I just played the N64 Rare games, so everything else about Xbox is new for me.
Curious to hear your thoughts!
You just typed this out on an xbox. Why get another one?
 

SonGoku

Member
With Black Friday drawing close, I'm considering getting a Series S if or when it's on sale. At the moment, I'm primarily playing on the PS5, while the Switch is pretty much only used for Nintendo exclusives and the occasional third-party game. Would it make sense for me to get a Series S as a third console?

Things I'm wondering:
  • How is the performance on the Series S generally speaking compared to the X? Does it struggle running recent games?

  • Is it true that some or even most of the X360 generation is playable on the Series with better performance?
    More specifically, would I play be able to play games that are stuck in that generation, like for example Deus Ex Human Revolution and Fallout New Vegas, but with better performance?

  • Would I be able to use the same Game Pass Ultimate subscription on my laptop?

I used to have a run-down Xbox 360 for a few months, but I literally only used it as an XBLA machine where I just played the N64 Rare games, so everything else about Xbox is new for me.
Curious to hear your thoughts!
if you already have a Gaming laptop there's no point in getting a Series S that will play worse version of same games
Also the 360 games you brought up have superior PC versions.

Personally I would fish for PC deals and build something that rivals the Pro for a similar price (700 to 1000)
 

djjinx2

Member
With Black Friday drawing close, I'm considering getting a Series S if or when it's on sale. At the moment, I'm primarily playing on the PS5, while the Switch is pretty much only used for Nintendo exclusives and the occasional third-party game. Would it make sense for me to get a Series S as a third console?

Things I'm wondering:
  • How is the performance on the Series S generally speaking compared to the X? Does it struggle running recent games?

  • Is it true that some or even most of the X360 generation is playable on the Series with better performance?
    More specifically, would I play be able to play games that are stuck in that generation, like for example Deus Ex Human Revolution and Fallout New Vegas, but with better performance?

  • Would I be able to use the same Game Pass Ultimate subscription on my laptop?

I used to have a run-down Xbox 360 for a few months, but I literally only used it as an XBLA machine where I just played the N64 Rare games, so everything else about Xbox is new for me.
Curious to hear your thoughts!
My son has one and it's a great console, plays everything, if your getting Ultimate then cloud gaming as well as PC games is a great value add.

Most naysayers have never used one, they are a great value console!
 
Top Bottom