Affordable Gaming with the Xbox Series S: A Cost-Effective Alternative to the Xbox Series X
3 min readThe Xbox Series S, Microsoft’s entry-level gaming console, has recently seen a significant price drop at Dell, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the world of current-gen gaming without breaking the bank. With a discount of $70, the Xbox Series S is now available for $229.99, a price that is not only more affordable than the original retail price but also close to the lowest it has ever been.
Even if you already own an Xbox, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to consider purchasing another one as a backup or for a secondary gaming setup. The Xbox Series S, despite its smaller size and fewer features compared to the Xbox Series X, offers most of the benefits of current-gen gaming. It can play the same digital games as the Series X, albeit with a lower resolution of 2560 x 1440 QHD and up to 120Hz variable refresh rates.
The Xbox Series S is a more compact alternative to the Series X, making it an excellent choice for those with limited space. It may not be the system for physical copy collectors or serial Blu-ray hoarders, but its other deficiencies are somewhat forgivable. For instance, while 4K gaming may seem like a significant difference, most modern TVs can upscale content quite well. Most people who own the Series S report that their gaming experience is not significantly lacking, making the upgrade an unnecessary expense for many.
One of the biggest challenges with the Xbox Series S is its limited storage capacity. With triple-A games regularly exceeding 100GB and some even stretching beyond 150GB, you’ll need to be selective about which games you keep installed on your console. While you can add an external hard drive to store additional games, you can only play Xbox Series X/S games from internal storage or an officially licensed storage expansion card. Seagate and Western Digital are currently the only manufacturers producing these expansion cards, making them quite expensive.
However, with this sale at Dell, you can purchase the 512GB Xbox Series S and a 500GB WD expansion card for $40 less than the price of the 1TB Xbox Series S. This combination offers a more cost-effective solution for those who require additional storage.
The Series S’s lack of a disc drive is another limitation, but it’s a trade-off many are willing to make for the console’s affordability and portability. Digital games can be purchased and downloaded directly from the Microsoft Store, making the process of acquiring new titles more convenient.
In conclusion, the Xbox Series S is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable entry into the world of current-gen gaming. Its smaller size, lower price point, and ability to play the same digital games as the Series X make it an attractive alternative to the more expensive Xbox Series X. With this latest price drop at Dell, the Xbox Series S is now more accessible than ever, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious gamers.
It’s important to note that, while the Xbox Series S offers most of the benefits of current-gen gaming, it does have its limitations. Its lower resolution, limited storage capacity, and lack of a disc drive are all factors to consider before making a purchase. However, for those who prioritize affordability and portability, the Xbox Series S is an excellent choice.
If you’re considering purchasing an Xbox Series S, be sure to take advantage of this sale at Dell to save $70 on the console and invest in a 500GB WD expansion card for additional storage. With this combination, you’ll have a cost-effective and capable gaming setup that can deliver an enjoyable experience for both casual and hardcore gamers.
In the ever-evolving world of gaming technology, the Xbox Series S represents an affordable and accessible option for those who want to join the current-gen gaming revolution without breaking the bank. Its smaller size, lower price point, and ability to play the same digital games as the Series X make it an attractive alternative to the more expensive Xbox Series X. So, if you’re in the market for a new gaming console, consider the Xbox Series S as a cost-effective and capable alternative that can deliver an enjoyable gaming experience.