The Xbox Series S 1TB has long been celebrated as Microsoft’s entry-level, consumer-friendly console. Compact, capable, and easy to integrate into any living room setup, it delivers the next-gen gaming experience at a fraction of the price of its flagship counterpart, the Xbox Series X.
In 2026, the Series S sees some updates, most notably the 1TB variant, which enhances storage without changing the console’s core performance. But with the rising price, is it still the budget-friendly powerhouse it once was?
Price and Availability of Xbox Series S 1TB
As of May 2026, the Xbox Series S 1TB version is priced at over £419.99, which is now £329.99 on Amazon UK. This represents a noticeable increase from the launch price of £299.99, which brings the Series S uncomfortably close to the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. If you are torn between the two, our detailed PS5 vs Xbox Series S comparison breaks down every key difference to help you decide.
Despite the higher cost, the console remains widely available online and in brick-and-mortar stores, including Microsoft, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. The 1TB variant, which launched in September 2023, addressed one of the main criticisms of the original Series S: limited storage.
The 1TB model, now available in matte black, provides ample space for games without requiring frequent deletion or reliance on expansion cards. For many gamers, this makes the Series S 1TB a more practical option for today’s growing library of games.
Design and Hardware
The Xbox Series S is striking in its minimalism. Small, cuboid, and lightweight, it’s about the size of a PlayStation 5’s smaller components. The console is fully digital and lacks a disc drive, which reduces physical footprint and simplifies the setup.
Internally, both the 512 GB and 1 TB versions share the same high-performance specifications:
- CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.6GHz
- GPU: AMD RDNA 2 with 20 CUs @ 1.565GHz (4 TFLOPS)
- RAM: 10GB GDDR6
- Storage: 512GB or 1TB custom NVMe SSD
- Resolution: Up to 1440p (upscaled to 4K)
- Frame Rate: Up to 120 FPS
While the console’s specs are lower than the Series X, the Series S delivers impressive next-gen performance for its size. Its silent cooling system, quick resume feature, and fast load times ensure smooth gameplay across most titles.
Operating System and Features
The Xbox Series S runs the same operating system as the Series X, making it instantly familiar to existing Xbox users. The user interface is consistent, with home screens, profiles, and pinned games easily portable via the cloud. Features like Quick Resume, auto HDR, and frame boost elevate the gameplay experience, even for older titles.
The digital-only approach emphasizes Microsoft’s commitment to Xbox Game Pass, offering access to hundreds of games without requiring physical media. Xbox Cloud Gaming, still in beta, further reduces storage pressure by allowing users to stream games directly. This is particularly beneficial for the 512GB model, though even 1TB users may appreciate cloud gaming for larger titles.
Performance in Action
Despite its compact form, the Series S packs a punch. Games like Sea of Thieves run smoothly at up to 120 FPS, though some titles may experience minor visual compromises, such as reduced texture detail or closer draw distances compared to the Series X.
Boot times are impressively fast, and the console handles multiple game resumes seamlessly.
While the console can output games up to 4K, it primarily renders at 1440p, which is then upscaled. For most players using 1080p or 1440p displays, this is more than sufficient, offering excellent visuals without the need for flagship-level hardware.
Compatibility
Being digital-only, the Series S cannot play discs from previous Xbox generations. However, it supports backwards compatibility for digital games and peripherals.
Xbox One and Series controllers, as well as most headsets, are fully compatible, though optical audio connections are no longer available.
Storage remains a consideration, as the internal SSD can fill quickly. Fortunately, expansion cards are now more affordable, and cloud gaming provides an alternative way to access large libraries without local storage constraints.
Who Should Buy the Xbox Series S 1TB?
The Xbox Series S 1TB is ideal for:
- Gamers who want next-gen performance without the $500+ investment in a Series X or PS5.
- Those who prefer digital purchases and subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass.
- Players seeking a compact console for secondary gaming setups, such as a bedroom or streaming station.
- Gamers who want a larger internal storage solution while keeping costs relatively low.
The matte black 1TB variant also appeals to users looking for a slightly more premium aesthetic without changing the console’s core performance.
Final Verdict
The Xbox Series S 1TB remains a solid, compact, and capable console in 2026. While rising prices have challenged its “budget king” status, the combination of next-gen performance, access to Xbox Game Pass, and increased storage makes it an attractive choice for casual gamers and those entering the Xbox ecosystem.
For those seeking the ultimate resolution or peak graphics, the Series X or PlayStation 5 may be better options.
However, for gamers prioritizing speed, portability, and cost-efficiency, the Series S 1TB continues to deliver high-quality, accessible gaming in a small, elegant package.
