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[DaleinCalgary]

I think we are at a point that the series s is a very bad buy.

 

[XXL]

I think we are at a point that the series s is a very bad buy.

Wtf are you talking about?

It's beastly.

 

[Imtjnotu]

Wtf are you talking about?

It's beastly.

 

[cireza]

This console is a budget console and has always been perfectly fine as such.

 

[Zuzu]

I’ve got both and if I was you I would try to save up more and get a Series X. It’s a much better console than the Series S. Even if you’re just buying it for backwards compatibility for old games the Series X is better than the Series S because it gets access to all the Xbox One X graphics modes/enhancements and some games have also received better backwards compatibility improvements on the Series X. For example, if you want to play Final Fantasy 15 at a locked 60fps then you need a Series X which has access to the One X’s higher framerate “Lite” mode. The Series S only has access to the base Xbox One version of FF15 which is 30fps. Another example is Mirror’s Edge Catalyst. The Series S didn’t get an FPS boost for that game so it runs at 60fps whereas on Series X it got FPS boosted to 120fps.

Also just so you know, Deus Ex Human Revolution didn’t get an FPS boost on either Series S or X and runs at 30fps. Deus Ex Mankind Divided did get an FPS boost to 60fps on Series S & X. Likewise Fallout New Vegas is FPS boosted to 60fps on both S & X.

 

[UltimaKilo]

Too many people that do not use a Series S chiming in. Yes, buy it on sale. You’ll be impressed with the little machine.

 

[fudgybrownie]

No. Only reason to have an xbox is for gamepass. Xbox games will be on playstation now. The series s is not a good system when you already have a ps5.

 

[nordique]

Just get a series X used

Honestly S isn’t worth it unless you have a 1080p tv

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

Its better the series x or a PC

 

[Kacho]

A cheap series s to play BC and Game Pass games isn’t a terrible idea. Just be prepared for suboptimal resolutions and framerates.

 

[ReBurn]

I have a Series S that I got from Gamestop for free that I have connected to an older 1080p TV. It's not a bad little box It has been fine as a secondary console. Everything I've played on it has been ok, but if you're looking for the best visuals you're not going to find it on this machine. I play a lot of back compat 360 games and Xbox One game pass games on it, and I use it for video streaming quite a bit. I played Starfield on it for a little while and it was ok, but the experience is much better on my Series X, especially after the performance updates.

 

[vaibhavpisal]

I have it since launch.

With newest games it is starting to show some weakness.

Get it if you get a good deal on it. Like, half the price of the X.

Keep PS5 as your main and it will be fine.

 

[Spukc]

No

 

[Parazels]

If I don't buy the next Xbox for some reason, I will sell my old Series X and buy Series S just to save the brilliant classic games like Castlevania Symphony of the Night or Virtua Fighter 2.

Where else can you play those games today?

 

[skyfinch]

I agree with some of the experts here on GAF. If you want a Series S, and your heart is truly geared towards the Series S, get a PS5 Pro.

 

[VitoNotVito]

I still wonder how Microsoft got away with the scam called series s. It’s cheap but also quite underwhelming

 

[hououinkyouma00]

For a emu system its the best

Besides you have to play on that godawful controller that your neighbors down the street can hear.

 

[Miyazaki’s Slave]

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!

For the love of god please buy one of the 4 I have.....PLEASE.
Friends don't let friends buy end of life hardware @ retail prices!

 

[SmokedMeat]

Do you have a library of 360 games? If so I can’t see how it would hurt.

 

[MarkMe2525]

Gaf is generally anti-Series S, so it's no shock you are getting many saying "no". My daughter bought one, and I frequently play with her on it. It is a perfectly fine console. Never have we played a game and I thought to myself that it wasn't good enough. No doubt, Series X is better, but the S is better than it has any right being.

 

[Esppiral]

For backwards compatibility, yes, for anything else, hell no.

 

[Danjin44]

I'm not buying any new system other than Nintendo's next console.

 

[Jesb]

The Best Buy this gen imo is just get set up with gfn.

 

[YCoCg]

It's a great emulation console that also plays Xbox stuff but a shit choice if you just want current releases.

 

[Loomy]

Would it make sense for me to get a Series S as a third console?

3rd console for what?

 

[Luc2010]

You guys are crazy. Series S is worth $150. I have an X for me and a Series S for the wife and kids. It is fine for all old and new games. I got my Series S for $150 last year at Costco around Christmas. I haven't looked up the current price. So, it is possible you could score one for around that price or even cheaper this year.

 

[SaturnSaturn]

I had a series s for a while on a secondary tv, old plasma. For 360 games it will upscale to 1440p, looks much better than it would on a 360. your gamepass sub will work no problem (lots of games will also be cross-save from pc to xbox). If it is a gamepass box (as you have a ps5 for multiplats.) you cant really go wrong for the price, its also really small and whisper quiet, i miss that lil box sometimes

 

[rickybooby87]

The Series S CPU is clocked faster than the PS5’s CPU, and, according to a certain gaffer, is poised to give the PS5 a run for its money any day now.

/s

 

[BlackTron]

It's the only game console that fits in my TV stand without requiring an external fan, so I use it as a streaming box. But I got it for dirt cheap, actually for $130 with two nice controllers, while I was ready to buy two new ones for $120 + tax, without a console...I effectively didn't pay for it. When I imagine having bought this for $300, I want to hurt myself.

 

[AngelMuffin]

Yes, if you can find one for $150 less. Plenty in my area for that price.

 

[Beechos]

It's my goto travel gaming system. About as bulky as a switch with the dock but can play modern games just fine.

 

[bitbydeath]

If it’s for BC and you already own a number of games that don’t need to be re-bought, then yes. If you’re just looking to buy and play old games then a Steam Deck or cheap PC will probably be better as there would be an even wider selection to buy.

 

[lh032]

the PS5 is already an xbox.

 

[Paasei]

No

Yes

 

[ap_puff]

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!

used OLED steamdeck if you're looking to save money, new if not

 

[Sooner]

Nope

 

[jm89]

I was considering one for playing all the backwards compat titles. Could be good for that.

For playing new games I would rather get a series x. I was legit gonna get one soon but ms decided to self imolate by starting to put their stuff on playstation.

 

[Kokoloko85]

Better off with a series x or steamdeck rather than series s. It has no future

 

[Aion002]

As someone that bought a Series S at launch and still enjoys the console, I must say: The Series X is a way better option.

Answering your questions:

X performance is a lot better than S.

It does struggle with newer games. Usually lower resolution, performance and even toned down effects and stuff, compared to X.

The S plays 360 and Xbox One games perfectly and with way better performance and resolutio in some cases compred to the original consoles... Still, the X plays them even better.

Yes.

So... unless you will play with a 1080p screen, doesn't care about graphics/performance and the price difference is important to you... Get a Series X.

 

[phant0m]

Nah, you already have a PS5. If you want a machine to play older games get a Steam Deck instead.

Came in here to say this. If you want a tertiary device get a Deck.

 

[Banjo64]

Absolutely not.

Switch Oled can be used for exclusives but also indies like Hades, Hollow Knight, Terraria & Balatro are great. You’ve also got some true ‘wonder ports’ which don’t run like ass, like Divinity 2: Original Sin.

Switch also has dirt cheap online (from £12 per annum in the UK) which grants access to retro games.

I’d say reconsider how you use the system as it can be a major player if you want it to be.

Reasons an Xbox is pointless for you in particular: modern Xbox games are releasing on PS5 and Nintendo platforms, Xbox has a hefty subscription fee for online games like PlayStation.

To be honest, I bought a Steam Deck Oled when I sold my PS5 and Xbox and I’d say that’s the best supplementary system you could buy in your position. Xbox games (including the back compat games you listed), PS games, no online fees, fantastic build quality and haptics.

 

[Team Andromeda]

Besides you have to play on that godawful controller that your neighbors down the street can hear.

Huh? The Series controllers are some the best around and I think the d-pad noise reminds of the lovely sound when it gets with microswitches controllers

 

[Bert Big Balls]

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.

I had this realisation also recently. I got out my PSP and 3DS, played for a bit and realised I just don't have the time anymore to play all these old games on top of trying to keep up with the new games coming out. Sticking to my PS5 and PC.

 

[hououinkyouma00]

Huh? The Series controllers are some the best around and I think the d-pad noise reminds of the lovely sound when it gets with microswitches controllers

Literal shit tier dpad, loud annoying buttons, batteries, and no gyro to name a few.

It’s the blue switch of controllers.

 

[Team Andromeda]

Literal shit tier dpad, loud annoying buttons, batteries, and no gyro to name a few.

It’s the blue switch of controllers.

OK troll

 

[diffusionx]

I don't see any reason to get an Xbox if you have a PS5 and Switch and are happy with both of them.

 

[HogIsland]

I'll buy a Series S when it can be hacked to run SteamOS.

 

[dragonyeuw]

You have a PS5, which has and will be getting Xbox games, so you already have one.

 

[Sintoid]

Mine is a great dust collector

 

[Shake Your Rump]

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?

My circumstances are almost identical: PS5 primary, Switch for Nintendo games. I recently got an Xbox Series X thanks to a massive price error making it almost the same cost as the Series S.

Your question is answered by the following question: do you want to play Xbox 360 games? Because there are essentially no Xbox One games that make it worth buying an Xbox. Every Xbox One (or later) game is better played as the PS4/PS5 version. There are no must have exclusives. It is essentially an Xbox 360 device, but it is amazing in that regard.