The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are the fourth generation of consoles in Microsoft's Xbox series, following the Xbox One. Both consoles were released on November 10, 2020. They are part of the ninth generation of video game consoles, which also includes Sony's PlayStation 5, released the same month.
Like the Xbox One, the Xbox Series X and S use an AMD 64-bit x86-64 CPU and GPU. Both models include solid-state drives to reduce loading times. They support hardware-accelerated ray-tracing, spatial audio, and the ability to convert games to high-dynamic-range rendering using machine learning (Auto HDR). They also support HDMI 2.1 variable refresh rate and low-latency modes, and have updated controllers. The Xbox Series X is designed to typically render games in 2160p (4K resolution) at 60 frames per second (FPS). The Xbox Series S, which is lower-end and digital-only, has reduced specifications and no optical drive. It is designed to typically render games in 1440p at 60 FPS, with support for 4K upscaling and ray tracing.
The Xbox Series X and S are backwards-compatible with nearly all Xbox One-compatible games and accessories, including Xbox 360 and original Xbox games that were made backwards-compatible with Xbox One. The newer hardware improves game performance and visuals. At launch, Microsoft encouraged a "soft" transition between generations, similar to PC gaming, by offering the "Smart Delivery" framework. This allows publishers to provide upgraded versions of Xbox One titles with optimizations for Xbox Series X/S.
Critics praised the hardware improvements of the Xbox Series X/S over the Xbox One and Microsoft's focus on cross-generation releases. However, they noted that games available at launch did not fully use the hardware's capabilities. As of June 2024, Xbox Series consoles are estimated to have sold over 28 million units worldwide.
History
In June 2018, industry reports suggested that Microsoft was working on new Xbox hardware. Microsoft’s Phil Spencer confirmed at that time that the company was “deep into designing the next Xbox consoles.” The hardware was expected to be a group of devices under the code name “Scarlett,” including a low-cost version similar to the Xbox One family of consoles, with a focus on game streaming and backward compatibility. By March 2019, rumors suggested the Scarlett family would include two consoles, one called “Anaconda” and the other a low-cost version called “Lockhart.”
Microsoft officially announced Project Scarlett during its E3 2019 press conference. The company stated it wanted a smooth transition from Xbox One to Scarlett, with Scarlett supporting backward compatibility for all Xbox One games and most hardware. At The Game Awards 2019, Microsoft revealed the design of Scarlett and its new branding, “Xbox Series X,” along with a planned release date in late 2020. A Microsoft spokesperson later said the Series X would be the fourth generation of Xbox hardware, branded simply as “Xbox” without a subtitle.
Microsoft planned to share details about the hardware and launch games for the Series X at the 2020 Game Developers Conference (GDC) and E3 2020. However, these events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Microsoft held online presentations in March 2020 and planned to reschedule its E3 presentation. Detailed specifications were shared by Microsoft, Digital Foundry, and Austin Evans of Overclock Media on March 16, 2020. From May until the launch, Microsoft planned digital events as part of an “Xbox 20/20” series, including an Xbox Games Showcase on July 23, 2020, featuring games from Xbox Game Studios.
On July 16, 2020, Microsoft announced it would stop producing the Xbox One X and the all-digital version of the Xbox One S to prepare for new products. The existence of the Xbox Series S was first guessed before E3 2019, based on a second, lower-cost console called “Project Lockhart.” The Series S name was later confirmed through early hardware accessories. Microsoft officially announced the Series S on September 8, 2020, stating it would launch alongside the Series X in November 2020. The Series S had been shown in the background of previous Xbox videos featuring Phil Spencer in July 2020.
During Gamescom 2023, Phil Spencer said Microsoft likely would not release a mid-generation update for the Series X or Series S, as it could cause problems for game development. Instead, he stated that future hardware would be designed for the next generation of consoles, with a clear reason for its existence that differs from previous models.
Hardware
When Microsoft's Xbox development team began working on the next version of the Xbox One around 2016, they planned to create two different console models, similar to the Xbox One X and Xbox One S, to meet the needs of different customers. By designing both models at the same time, they ensured that games developed for one system could be played on both without any issues. As with past Xbox projects, the consoles were given code names based on cities. The Xbox Series S was named Project Lockhart, after Lockhart, Texas, a city described by Aaron Greenberg as "the little city with the big heart."
For the more powerful console, the Xbox Series X, Microsoft aimed to at least double the graphical performance of the Xbox One X, measured in floating point operations per second (FLOPS), and increase the CPU performance four times compared to the Xbox One X while keeping the same noise level as previous Xbox models. As engineers worked on meeting these goals, they found that the components would require a lot of power (about 315 watts) and produce significant heat. To manage this, they split the parts onto two separate circuit boards: one for the CPU/GPU, memory, and power regulators, and another for slower input/output (I/O) functions. Mounting the boards on opposite sides of an aluminum chassis helped create air channels for cooling. Other parts, such as the heat sink, shielding, power supply, optical drive, and cooling fan, were arranged in a way similar to the game Tetris to fit into a compact shape, forming a tower-like structure. To control noise, the system includes sensors to adjust the fan speed, and the open top design allows for good airflow. While some parts, like the optical drive and heat sink, fixed certain dimensions, the team was satisfied with the final square shape of the console.
Xbox head Phil Spencer said Microsoft focused on achieving high frame rates and faster load times rather than higher resolutions. The Series X achieves this through a better balance between the CPU and GPU. Compared to the Xbox One X, the Series X's CPU is about four times more powerful, and the GPU is twice as powerful.
The Xbox Series X uses a custom 7 nm AMD chip that combines a Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU. The custom Zen 2 CPU has eight cores that run at 3.8 GHz, or 3.66 GHz when using simultaneous multithreading (SMT). One core is reserved for the operating system. The integrated GPU is also custom, based on AMD's RDNA 2 architecture. It has 56 compute units (CUs) with 3,584 cores, 52 of which are active, and runs at a fixed 1.825 GHz. This GPU can perform 12.155 teraflops of calculations. The console comes with 16 GB of GDDR6 SDRAM: 10 GB runs at 560 GB/s for the graphics system, and 6 GB runs at 336 GB/s for other tasks. After accounting for system software, about 13.5 GB of memory is available for games and apps. The system software uses the slower memory pool. The Xbox Series X is designed to render games at 4K resolution with 60 frames per second. Although it was advertised to support 8K resolution in the future through a firmware update, Microsoft did not deliver on this promise.
The Xbox Series X's design is simple and unobtrusive. It has a footprint of 15.1 cm × 15.1 cm (5.9 in × 5.9 in), is 30.1 cm (11.9 in) tall, and weighs 4.45 kg (9.8 lb). It is intended to stand vertically but can also be placed horizontally. The front has a power button and an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive. The top of the unit includes a powerful fan. Spencer said the console is as quiet as the Xbox One X. The Series X has an HDMI 2.1 output, a storage expansion slot, three USB 3.2 ports, and an Ethernet port. It does not include an infrared blaster or HDMI pass-through, instead supporting HDMI-CEC. An earlier design included a TOSLINK port for digital audio, but this was removed. The console has an IR receiver in the controller pairing button next to the front USB port.
The Xbox Series S has similar hardware to the Series X, like how the Xbox One S relates to the Xbox One X, but with less power. It uses the same CPU but at slightly slower speeds and a slower GPU, a custom RDNA2 with 20 CUs at 1.55 GHz for 4.006 teraflops, compared to the Series X's 12.155 teraflops. It includes 10 GB of GDDR6 SDRAM: 8 GB runs at 224 GB/s for the graphics system, and 2 GB runs at 56 GB/s for other tasks. It also has a 512 GB SSD with a raw input/output speed of 2.4 GB/s. The Series S does not have an optical drive, so all games and software must be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. It is designed to render games at 1440p with support for upscaling to 4K at 60 frames per second, and can reach 120 frames per second at 1440p. It starts at $299.99. Some games, like Ori and the Will of the Wisps, support native 4K resolution on the Series S. Otherwise, it has the same features as the Series X, including ports, expansion options, and game support.
Microsoft designed the Series S to be portable, fitting easily into a small bag or backpack. It is about 60% smaller in volume than
Software
The Xbox Series S and X have a screen layout similar to the Xbox One, but they use 40% less memory to make them faster. The team that designs the screen layout says the Home section loads in about half the time it took on the Xbox One. Other changes include rounded shapes on the screen, a clearer font for text, rearranged features, and better sharing tools. These updates were added to the Xbox One system software, the Windows Xbox app, and the Xbox mobile app around September 2020. Based on system previews, about 200 GB of space was set aside on the internal drive of the Xbox Series X for system files.
The Xbox Series S and X support a feature called "Quick Resume," which lets users pause and restart up to three games at the same time. Games can also be restarted after the console is turned off and on again. The March 2022 update added the ability to "pin" up to two games to Quick Resume, keeping them paused unless the user closes them manually or updates the game.
Like earlier Xbox consoles, the Xbox Series S and X use the Xbox network for online services. They support the Xbox Game Pass service, which lets subscribers download games from a library of available titles. In October 2021, Xbox Cloud Gaming—a part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate that allows users to stream games from Microsoft servers to Xbox consoles, PCs, and mobile apps—was upgraded from Xbox One S-based hardware to Xbox Series X-based servers, which improved how quickly games load on the servers.
Apps for streaming media services are available through the Microsoft Store. The Apple TV app was first released on Xbox platforms with the Xbox Series S and X.
Microsoft allows all retail Xbox Series X and S consoles to use an environment called "Dev mode," which gives developers a testing space to try out games and apps.
Games
At the launch of the Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft announced that new games would be available for both the Xbox One and the new consoles. Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, explained that Microsoft wanted to make sure people who had recently purchased Xbox One consoles would still feel their purchase was a good choice and that the company would continue to support them with new games. Microsoft's leadership noted that many of its game studios had experience making games for personal computers, where developers must create games that work on a wide variety of hardware. This approach allows games to run well on Xbox One consoles while also taking advantage of the improved features of the new consoles, such as better graphics, faster frame rates, and support for the new storage systems.
For some games, improvements can be made when moving from the Xbox One version to the Xbox Series X/S version. These games are marked with an "Optimized for Series X" logo. Microsoft introduced a system called "Smart Delivery," which automatically downloads the Xbox Series X/S version of backward-compatible games when available. This feature is aimed at game publishers planning to release versions of their games specifically for the new consoles after launching on Xbox One and for users upgrading from Xbox One to the new consoles.
Microsoft does not prevent developers from creating games that can only be played on the Xbox Series X/S. However, the company prefers a "soft" transition, similar to how PC games are developed. This means developers can create games that perform best on the newer hardware but still allow the game to be played on older hardware, like the Xbox One, with slightly reduced quality.
Initially, Microsoft's leadership suggested that first-party studios would support both Xbox One and Xbox Series X for the next few years. However, some first-party games introduced in the Xbox Game Showcase in July 2020 did not mention Xbox One support, and their websites later removed references to the Xbox One. These games were not expected to launch at the same time as the new consoles but were planned for release within the time frame previously mentioned. Aaron Greenberg, general manager of Xbox Games Marketing, clarified that these games were being developed for the Xbox Series X first, leaving the decision to add Xbox One support to the studios. In June 2023, Matt Booty stated that in-house studios had moved on to developing games for the next generation of consoles and no longer created new games for the Xbox One.
Microsoft has not required third-party developers or publishers to follow the same "soft" transition rules. This means they can offer games exclusive to the Xbox Series X/S or choose other ways to upgrade from the Xbox One version of a game. However, Microsoft encouraged publishers to keep upgrade paths free if they chose this option. CD Projekt RED and Ubisoft have committed to using Smart Delivery for their upcoming games. Electronic Arts confirmed that Madden NFL 21 would include a free update patch to move from the Xbox One version to the Xbox Series X version before the next Madden NFL game was released.
The Xbox Game Preview program, which allows games to be released early for testing, continued with the Xbox Series X/S line. For example, Spacebase Startopia was released through this program in January 2021.
Microsoft stated that the Xbox Series X and Series S would support all games playable on the Xbox One, including Xbox 360 and original Xbox games that are currently compatible with the Xbox One. This means the new consoles can support four generations of games. To achieve this, Microsoft stopped adding new Xbox 360 or original Xbox games to the Xbox One backward compatibility program in June 2019. Instead, the company focused on ensuring these older games would work on the new consoles. Backward compatibility was a feature available at launch, with over 500,000 hours of work spent testing thousands of games from the Xbox One library. Microsoft also reopened a system for players to suggest additional games for backward compatibility, stating that while bringing older games back can be technically and legally challenging, the team aimed to preserve gaming history.
Some older games can have advanced graphical features added when played on the new consoles, such as automated support for high-dynamic-range (HDR) visuals using machine learning, improved frame rates, and better texture quality. The Xbox Advanced Technology Group worked on these improvements, including applying them to original Xbox games, such as adding HDR support or improving frame rates for games that were originally limited to specific frame rates. Backward-compatible games also work with the Quick Resume feature. Cloud saves can be used to transfer progress from the Xbox One, and Microsoft added free cloud saves for Xbox 360 games to help move them to the new consoles.
The Xbox Series S can play Xbox One games with improved performance, texture filtering, and automatic HDR support. However, it does not support enhancements specific to the Xbox One X. Microsoft provides tools for developers to test how well their Xbox One games run on the new consoles. These tools can suggest optimizations, such as changing a few lines of code, to improve backward compatibility. In February 2021, Microsoft introduced FPS Boost, a feature that can increase the frame rate of select backward-compatible games by two to four times on the Xbox Series X and Series S. This feature requires Microsoft engineers to prepare it for each game, and five games were supported initially, with more planned. FPS Boost was developed after engineers noticed that the newer consoles often had unused processing power even after other improvements were applied. As of May 2021, about 97 games had been updated to support FPS Boost.
In March 2021, Microsoft began testing the Auto HDR feature with Windows-compatible games and computers that meet minimum requirements supported through DirectX.
Release and promotion
In March 2020, Microsoft said that even though the COVID-19 pandemic was happening, they still planned to send the Xbox Series X to customers by the end of 2020. However, they were checking how supplies were moving and making sure their workers stayed safe. Spencer, a Microsoft leader, said the hardware would still be sent on time, but some games planned for the Xbox Series X’s release might be delayed because of the pandemic. By August 2020, Microsoft confirmed the Xbox Series X would be released in November 2020, showing the console’s launch was still on schedule.
Both the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles were released on November 10, 2020. The Series X cost US$499, £449, and €499, while the Series S cost US$299, £249, and €299. In China, the consoles were released on June 10, 2021. Microsoft said 31 games would be available when the consoles launched, including titles from Xbox Game Studios, other companies, and games compatible with older Xbox One consoles. Halo Infinite was originally planned to be a launch game, but Microsoft and 343 Industries decided to delay it until after the console launched because of production problems linked to the pandemic.
Microsoft will continue its Xbox All-Access program, which combines the console, Xbox Live Gold, and Xbox Game Pass into a monthly payment plan. People with current All-Access plans for the Xbox One can upgrade to the Xbox Series X, and Spencer said future upgrades from the Xbox Series X will also be available. The All-Access plan for the Xbox Series X will cost US$35 per month for 24 months, while the Series S plan will cost US$25 per month for 24 months.
When the Xbox Series X was first shown, its tall shape reminded many people of a small refrigerator. Before the console launched, Microsoft made a limited number of mini-refrigerators shaped like the Xbox Series X, with features like a disk drive handle, green lights, and the Xbox startup sound. Some were given to celebrities, and others were part of contests. In March 2021, Dwayne Johnson, with help from Microsoft, promoted his Zoa Energy drinks by offering mini-fridges shaped like the Xbox Series X. Microsoft’s Greenberg said this was a test to see if selling these fridges could work beyond the promotion. After the official Xbox Twitter account won a marketing vote in April 2021, Greenberg said Microsoft would sell the mini-fridges. During E3 2021, Microsoft announced these fridges would be available for purchase by the end of 2021. Pre-orders started in October 2021, with plans to send them out in December 2021 in North America and Europe.
In September 2023, Microsoft released a 1 TB Xbox Series S model in carbon black. It cost US$349.
Reception
When the consoles first came out, critics liked the new hardware and said the graphics were better, loading times were shorter, and older games could be played easily. However, because there were no exclusive games that showed the console's full power, some people were unsure if the consoles truly represented the next generation of home consoles. Some people were disappointed because there were no big new games that highlighted the console's new features, and the controller and user interface looked similar to older models. The Xbox Series X was generally seen as better than the Series S because the Series S had less computing power and storage, which made it harder to use. Richard Leadbetter from Eurogamer said, "I like the hardware and its features, but a console is defined by its games, and I still don’t feel I know the machine well." Keza MacDonald from The Guardian said the consoles did everything they promised and did it well, even though there wasn’t an urgent reason to buy them at launch. Kris Graft and Chris Kerr from Gamasutra said Microsoft created two appealing options that could turn players into long-term customers and reduced the idea of "generations" by letting people play games from the past, present, and future.
In November 2021, Jordan Ramée from GameSpot noted that Xbox Series X and S had more exclusive games released after launch, such as Forza Horizon 5, and that Smart Delivery was an important feature. He said the system worked automatically, unlike the PlayStation 5, where the user interface sometimes made it unclear which version of a game was being downloaded. He also said moving from an older Xbox One was easier than moving from a PS4 to PS5 because of Smart Delivery, automatic save data syncing, and the same user interface.
Microsoft said the Xbox Series X/S was the biggest Xbox launch, selling more units in more countries in its first 24 hours than any previous Xbox. The previous record was held by the Xbox One, which sold over one million units at launch. The Xbox Series S attracted more new players than any other Microsoft console. Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, said in July 2021 that the Series X and S were the fastest-selling Xbox consoles ever. Microsoft hasn’t shared exact sales numbers for the Series X/S since 2014, but estimates and regional sales data are available.
Daniel Ahmed from Niko Partners estimated that worldwide sales of the Xbox Series X/S reached 3.5 million by December 31, 2020. Sales increased to 6.5 million by June 30, 2021, outpacing the Xbox One and Xbox 360 in the same timeframe. Sales reached 8 million by September 30, 2021, and 12 million by the end of 2021. By the end of 2022, sales were estimated at 18.5 million. In June 2023, Microsoft said the Series X/S had sold over 21 million units, but this was behind the PlayStation 5, which sold 40 million units by July 2023. Microsoft admitted in June 2023 that Xbox consoles ranked third behind PlayStation and Nintendo in sales, with a 16% market share in 2021 and 21% of consoles currently in use by gamers.
Certified sales data are available in some regions, like the UK, where 155,000 units were sold on launch day, two-thirds of which were Series X consoles. Sales in the UK reached 310,000 by the end of 2020, over one million by the end of 2021, and 1.8 million by the end of 2022. The Series X made up 43% of all Xbox Series consoles sold in the UK in 2021. In Japan, 20,534 units were sold during the launch week, and sales reached 116,000 by November 2021, surpassing the Xbox One’s lifetime sales in under a year. By the end of 2022, sales in Japan reached 400,000 units. In Spain, 14,100 units were sold during the launch week, and sales reached 30,850 by the end of 2020 and 96,000 by the end of 2022.
As of June 2024, the Xbox Series X and S have sold a combined 28.3 million units worldwide.
A global chip shortage from 2020 to 2023 made it hard for Microsoft to produce enough consoles. Both models sold out quickly, leading to scalping on online marketplaces, with some consoles selling for up to $5,000. Microsoft started manufacturing the consoles later in 2020 while waiting for key AMD chip technology. They reached full production capacity by launch but still struggled to meet demand. Microsoft’s CFO, Tim Stuart, said shortages would likely end in the second quarter of 2021. In May 2021, Microsoft allowed Xbox Insiders to join a priority list for early purchases, though only a limited number of units were available. Despite not meeting demand in 2021, console revenue increased due to higher prices.
Microsoft encouraged game developers to create games with similar features for both the Series X and S, even though the Series S had fewer capabilities. In March 2023, Remedy, the developer of Control, said games must be optimized for the Series S because it has the lowest specifications. Microsoft’s head, Phil Spencer, said some games, like Forza, could not use split-screen co-op on the Series S, limiting first-party releases. In January 2025, Spencer said supporting the Series S would likely continue, as games made for the Series S could also be ported to other systems like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally.
Larian Studios, the developers of Baldur’s Gate 3, did not officially announce an Xbox Series X/S version due to technical issues with split-screen co-op on the Series S. This led to rumors that the game was a PlayStation exclusive. Larian denied the exclusivity and said the game might be re-evaluated.