The Xbox Series S is a next-generation gaming console that offers a range of features and capabilities designed to deliver an immersive gaming experience. With its sleek and compact design, the Xbox Series S is an all-digital console, meaning it does not support physical discs and focuses on digital game downloads and cloud gaming. Here are the key highlights and features of the Xbox Series S:
Performance and Graphics
The Xbox Series S is optimized for speed and performance, featuring a custom Zen 2 CPU with 8 cores and a custom RDNA 2 GPU with 4 TFLOPS. This allows for faster load times, higher resolution, more stable frame rates, and better input latency, all contributing to a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. The console supports gameplay at up to 120 frames per second (FPS), providing fluid and responsive visuals.
Xbox Velocity Architecture
The Xbox Series S utilizes the Xbox Velocity Architecture, which includes a custom NVME SSD and innovative system-on-a-chip (SOC) technology. This architecture enables significantly reduced load times, allowing players to jump into their games faster. Quick Resume is another feature supported by this architecture, allowing users to seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume gameplay instantly from where they left off.
All-Digital Experience
As an all-digital console, the Xbox Series S offers a library of digital games. Players can build their game library by purchasing and downloading games from the Microsoft Store. The console also provides cloud storage for game saves and backups, ensuring that players can access their games and progress from any compatible Xbox device.
Backward Compatibility
The Xbox Series S is backward compatible with thousands of games from the Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Original Xbox consoles. These games benefit from the improved performance of the Series S, including faster load times, higher resolutions, and more stable frame rates. Players can enjoy their favorite classics alongside new releases on a single console.
Xbox Game Pass and Smart Delivery
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a subscription service (sold separately), provides access to a vast library of high-quality games, including day one releases of major titles like Halo Infinite. With Smart Delivery, players can buy a supported game once and have access to the best available version for their console, ensuring an optimal gaming experience.
Audio and Visual Enhancements
The Xbox Series S supports advanced audio technologies, including 3D Spatial Sound, which creates immersive and lifelike audio experiences. The console also features AMD's Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, enabling DirectX ray tracing for realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections, creating visually stunning and dynamic game worlds.
Accessories and Connectivity
The Xbox Series S is compatible with Xbox One gaming accessories, allowing users to utilize their existing controllers and other peripherals. It features an HDMI 2.1 port, multiple USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, wireless connectivity options, and an Ethernet port for online multiplayer and internet connectivity.
Storage Expansion
While the Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB custom NVME SSD for internal storage, users have the option to expand their storage with a 1TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card (sold separately). This expansion card provides additional game storage with the same performance as the console's internal SSD.
Overall, the Xbox Series S offers a powerful and affordable entry point into the next generation of gaming. With its impressive performance, backward compatibility, access to a vast library of games, and advanced features, the Xbox Series S provides an immersive gaming experience for players of all kinds.
Xbox Series S Price in Pakistan
Xbox Series S price in Pakistan starts from PKR 97,999. The lowest price of Xbox Series S is PKR 97,999 at Shophive on 4th June 2023. The price comparison of Xbox Series S at various online stores in Pakistan is as under:
Store
Product Name
Price
Shophive
Xbox Series S 512GB
Rs. 97999
Xbox Series S Review
If you’re looking to enter the world of current-gen gaming without breaking the bank, the Xbox Series S is the perfect choice. With its impressive capabilities and affordable price tag, it offers a fantastic gateway to the next generation of gaming experiences.
Designed to deliver the same generational leaps as its more powerful sibling, the Xbox Series X, the Series S is capable of ray tracing, lightning-fast load times, and higher frame rates. Despite being significantly cheaper, it doesn’t compromise on performance and features, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers.
One of the standout features of the Xbox Series S is its digital-only build. While this offers convenience and accessibility, it does come with a trade-off. The console has significantly less storage than the Series X, so you’ll need to manage your game library more carefully. It targets a 1440p resolution, but can upscale to 4K when connected to an Ultra HD display. Keep in mind that the Series S is optimized to run at lower resolutions, so consider your display setup before making a purchase.
The absence of a 4K HD Blu-Ray drive means the Series S is a digital-only affair. If you rely on physical game copies or have a collection of Xbox One games, this could be a deal-breaker. You’ll be dependent on Microsoft’s store pricing for new titles, which may not always offer the best deals.
During our extensive testing of the Xbox Series S, we were impressed by its performance across a wide range of games. With smoother frame rates, improved resolutions compared to the Xbox One, and faster load times, the console delivers an immersive gaming experience. Although it may not match the visual fidelity of the Series X, the Series S still offers impressive graphics, especially considering its lower resolution target.
For gamers who prefer digital purchases or subscribe to Xbox Game Pass, the Xbox Series S provides access to the full suite of next-gen features. Quick Resume, Auto HDR, and 120Hz refresh rate support are all included, making it a compelling choice for those who want to experience new-gen gaming without a hefty financial investment.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. If you prefer physical game copies or own a large collection of Xbox One games, the lack of a disc drive may be a drawback. Additionally, the 512GB SSD offers limited storage space, with only 364GB of usable space available. This means you may need to manage your game library more carefully or consider purchasing the Seagate Xbox storage expansion card, which comes at an additional cost.
In terms of pricing, the Xbox Series S is available in Pakistan for a reasonable price. As of its release in November 2020, it was priced at $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$499. Microsoft has been committed to keeping prices affordable and has not followed the trend of price hikes seen with other consoles. However, keep in mind that being a digital-only console, you may not always get the best deals compared to physical game purchases.
Overall, the Xbox Series S offers a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers in Pakistan. It provides a gateway to next-gen gaming experiences with impressive capabilities and an affordable price. Just be mindful of its digital-only nature, limited storage space, and lower resolution target when considering your purchase.
Pros
Affordable price point compared to other next-gen consoles
Compact and sleek design, making it easy to fit into small spaces
Excellent performance for its size, capable of running next-gen games at 1440p resolution
Offers backward compatibility with a large library of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games
Access to Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service with a vast library of games
Cons
Limited storage capacity
Does not support native 4K gaming, which may be a downside for gamers with 4K TVs
Less powerful than its counterpart, the Xbox Series X
No disc drive, limiting the ability to play physical copies of games and Blu-ray movies
Limited availability of Xbox Series S-optimized games
Xbox Series S Specifications
Brand
Microsoft
Model
Xbox Series S
Type
Gaming Consoles
Price in Pakistan
PKR 97,999
Release Date
November 10, 2020
Status
Available
Display
1440p up to 120 FPS
Weight
1.92 KG
Colours
Black, White
CPU
Octa-Core (8 x 3.6 GHz)
GPU
4 TFLOPS @1.565 GHz RDNA 2
Storage
512 GB
Memory
10 GB
Connectivity
HDMI (1x), USB (3x), Wireless, Ethernet
Sound
L-PCM (7.1 channels), Dolby Digital (5.1 channels), DTS
Other Features
Xbox Velocity Architecture, 3D Spatial Sound, Game Pass, Wireless radio
Western Digital Partners with Microsoft for Xbox Series S Expansion Cards
May 13, 2023
Microsoft is reportedly diversifying its expandable storage options for Xbox consoles by collaborating with additional manufacturers. Recently, an Xbox Series S -compatible 1TB expansion card developed by Western Digital was discovered on the Best Buy website, priced at $179.99. This marks a departure from the previous exclusive partnership with Seagate, which had been the sole provider of Xbox expandable storage since its introduction nearly three years ago. The inclusion of alternative manufacturers is anticipated to introduce healthy competition, potentially leading to more affordable prices for expandable storage solutions.
Xbox Series S Expansion Cards Receive Permanent Price Reductions
May 21, 2023
Microsoft has made permanent price cuts to its Xbox Series S Expansion Cards after several retailers offered temporary discounts. The 512GB model now starts at $90, while the 1TB and 2TB versions are priced at $150 and $280, respectively. These prices reflect a significant reduction of 32% and 30% from the original prices of $220 and $400 for the 1TB and 2TB models. While some may argue that Microsoft's proprietary storage solution remains costly, the permanent price cuts indicate a positive direction for the company's ninth-generation consoles. With lower prices, the Expansion Cards become more competitive with regular NVMe drives available for Sony's PlayStation 5. The market may see further price reductions as competition increases, potentially driven by the introduction of Western Digital's 1TB expansion card.
Xbox Series S FAQs
What is the price of Xbox Series S in Pakistan?
As of 4th June 2023, the price of Xbox Series S in Pakistan ranges from PKR 97,999 to PKR 97,999. Shophive offers the lowest price of Xbox Series S in Pakistan at PKR 97,999.
Where can I buy the Xbox Series S in Pakistan?
Xbox Series S is currently available for sale at various online stores in Pakistan including andhophive. You can buy the Xbox Series S in Pakistan from official retailers or authorized dealers of Microsoft Gaming Consoles, as well as from various online marketplaces and e-commerce websites.
Are there any discounts or deals available for the Xbox Series S in Pakistan?
Retailers of Microsoft Gaming Consoles as well as online stores may offer discounts or deals on the Xbox Series S in Pakistan from time to time, so it's worth checking for promotions or sales before making a purchase.
Is it worth buying the Xbox Series S in Pakistan?
The decision to buy the Xbox Series S in Pakistan depends on your personal preferences, budget, and needs. If you're a fan of Xbox Series S and have the budget for it, then the Xbox Series S is a right device for you.