Despite it being written on the box, the next-generation Xbox Series S console does not support gaming in 4K resolution.
The Series S is Xbox' digital-only entry-level console (priced from R6 999) and provides gamers with an affordable alternative if they don't have enough bank for the Series X (which is full 4K compatible, by the way).
The X/S consoles are different in appearance, storage capacity and internal mechanics. As an example, the Series S comes with a 500GB internal hardrive (of which only 356GB is actually usable), while the X has a 1TB drive (though only 800GB is usable). The latter also features 12 Teraflops processing power (compared to 4 on the S), which translates to faster loading times for games.
Having purchased an S console and 4K TV in 2021 to get a taste of next-generation 4K gaming (because it had a 4K badge on the box), I was informed by a very good friend who happens to sell gaming consoles, that the S only supports 4K viewing (Netflix etc) and not gaming as the console only has a max resolution of 1440p.
Basically, you'll need to spend upwards of R10 000 to be able to experience games in 4K resolution. Compared to its counterparts, both versions of the PlayStation 5 — the Standard and Digital — can play games and stream movies in 4K. In that sense, the offering from Sony already has a jump on the Xbox - even with the Game Pass subscription.
The Series S is Xbox' digital-only entry-level console (priced from R6 999) and provides gamers with an affordable alternative if they don't have enough bank for the Series X (which is full 4K compatible, by the way).
The X/S consoles are different in appearance, storage capacity and internal mechanics. As an example, the Series S comes with a 500GB internal hardrive (of which only 356GB is actually usable), while the X has a 1TB drive (though only 800GB is usable). The latter also features 12 Teraflops processing power (compared to 4 on the S), which translates to faster loading times for games.
Having purchased an S console and 4K TV in 2021 to get a taste of next-generation 4K gaming (because it had a 4K badge on the box), I was informed by a very good friend who happens to sell gaming consoles, that the S only supports 4K viewing (Netflix etc) and not gaming as the console only has a max resolution of 1440p.
Basically, you'll need to spend upwards of R10 000 to be able to experience games in 4K resolution. Compared to its counterparts, both versions of the PlayStation 5 — the Standard and Digital — can play games and stream movies in 4K. In that sense, the offering from Sony already has a jump on the Xbox - even with the Game Pass subscription.
The Series S makes absolute sense if you're looking for a cheap console and just want to enjoy the various types of games on offer. In addition, there was also more stock of the Xbox than there was of the PS5 in South Africa so many people opted for what was available - me included. The stark realisation about not being able to play games in 4K was a downer but simply being able to play so many titles from the Game Pass subscription is a silver lining.
It's a fact that more people prefer Playstation as opposed to Xbox because the former has been around longer (since 1996) so people are more accustomed to it. If you're in the market for a gaming console and you're after 4K gaming, your options are:
- Playstation Digital Edition (priced from R11 000)
- Playstation Disc Edition (priced from R15 000)
- Xbox Series X (priced from R11 000)
Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android) and don’t forget to use your location settings to find local automotive vehicle information close to home.
