Xbox One S remains a functional and powerful games machine that has also included a 4K Blu-ray player. Xbox One S can play Blu-Ray disks and it will play 4K via Amazon and Netflix, for instance, and it can also upscale games to 4K as well. With 4K TVs getting more affordable, it makes sense to invest in the One X and enjoy your games in glorious 4K.
The Xbox One S comes in three sizes – the same casing, just three different internal storage sizes. Different versions include 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB of space. Xbox One S is a 40% smaller than the Xbox One.
What is the Xbox One S?
The Xbox One is an eighth-generation home video game console developed by Microsoft. The Xbox One S’s biggest difference to the original Xbox One is that the it supports 4K Ultra HD video steaming and HDR Gaming.
The Xbox One S has a completely different look compared to the original Xbox One. The console itself is very aesthetically pleasing. It was designed by Andrew Kim. The design of the S is extremely appealing, being much more streamlined.
The accompanying controller has a textured underside for grip and is much more ergonomic during long hours of use than others. The connectivity has no problems from much further distances to the console.
The reactivity is great and highly responsive, and the HDR capabilities mean that games and viewing are MUCH more visually impressive. The lag times are noticeably fewer on the One S, and it has the capacity for 4K.
Microsoft will also give gamers the ability to stream games installed on their console to their smartphone.
The capacitive power and eject keys were replaced by physical buttons, the side USB port, and controller sync button were moved to the front of the console, and its power supply is integrated into the console’s casing rather than sitting externally.
Good Performance for Gaming and TV
The Xbox One S packs some really good performance making it an excellent choice for entry-level gaming and TV.
Xbox One S from different retailers:
Price comparision
What lead to Xbox One S’s success?
When we truly design for all, we help make the world equal for all.
Executive Vice President, Gaming Phil Spencer
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Xbox One S requires a USB adapter to attach a Kinect sensor, as it no longer includes the proprietary port used on the original model.
Specifications
CPU: 1.75GHz AMD “Jaguar” 8 cores
GPU: 1.4 teraflops, AMD Radeon 12 compute units
Memory: 8GB DDR3 RAM
Storage size: 500GB, 1TB or 2TB
Connectivity: HDMI-in, HDMI-out, one front-facing USB 3.0, two rear-facing USB 3.0, IR receiver/blaster, SPDIF digital audio, ethernet
How to set up the Xbox One S
First, make sure your TV has an HDMI port. Unpack the Roku Streaming Stick+ and follow the steps. You can also watch the video below from Roku explaining the procedure.
- Plug the Xbox One S HDMI Out into your TV’s HDMI port on the back or side of your TV with the included cable.
- Note the HDMI port’s number., because if your TV has more then one HDMI ports you will have to select it. If you plan to stream movies and TV shows in 4K UHD or HDR, remember to select an HDMI 2.0 port that supports HDCP 2.2.
- Connect your console to your cable or satellite box
- Unplug the existing HDMI cable connecting your cable or satellite box to the TV and plug it into the Xbox’s HDMI In port
- Plugin the Xbox One S‘s power cord to a power source.
- Put batteries in the controller
- Now use your TV remote and turn on your TV, then press the Source (depends on your TV it could be Input, or Video instead) button on the remote and select the HDMI port into which the Xbox One S is plugged in.
- Follow the screen to set your Xbox installation.
- During the setup process, your Xbox will ask you to select your wireless network
- Enter the password for your network using the keyboard display on your screen, then select Enter
These are the best video games available for Xbox One, according to the average professional review scores on Metacritic:
| Game | Metacritic score | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 97 | 2018 |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 97 | 2014 |
| Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain | 95 | 2015 |
| Celeste | 94 | 2018 |
| INSIDE | 93 | 2016 |
| Forza Horizon 4 | 92 | 2018 |
| Divinity: Original Sin II – Definitive Edition | 92 | 2018 |
| What Remains of Edith Finch | 92 | 2017 |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 91 | 2015 |
| Overwatch | 91 | 2016 |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | 91 | 2019 |
| Forza Horizon 3 | 91 | 2016 |
| Dead Cells | 91 | 2018 |
| NieR: Automata – Become as Gods Edition | 90 | 2018 |
| Monster Hunter: World | 90 | 2018 |
| Destiny: The Taken King | 90 | 2015 |
| Ori and the Will of the Wisps | 90 | 2020 |
| NBA 2K17 | 90 | 2016 |
| Yakuza 0 | 90 | 2020 |
| Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin | 89 | 2015 |
| F1 2019 | 89 | 2016 |
| Stardew Valley | 89 | 2015 |
| Destiny: The Taken King | 89 | 2015 |
| Injustice 2 | 89 | 2017 |
| Fallout 4 | 88 | 2015 |
| N++ | 88 | 2017 |
| Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus | 88 | 2017 |
| Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition | 88 | 2015 |
| Forza Motorsport 6 | 88 | 2015 |
| FIFA 14 | 88 | 2013 |
| Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition | 88 | 2016 |
| Dishonored 2 | 88 | 2016 |
| The Banner Saga 3 | 88 | 2018 |
| DOOM Eternal | 88 | 2020 |
| Minecraft: Xbox One Edition | 88 | 2014 |
| Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition | 88 | 2014 |
| Apex Legends | 88 | 2019 |
| Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice | 88 | 2018 |
If you plan to stream movies and TV shows in 4K UHD or HDR, remember to select an HDMI 2.0 port that supports HDCP 2.2.
A great overview of Seth. If you like the video don’t forget to subscribe to his channel.
Of course if your TV doesn’t support 4K you may not see all the benefits of using it. 4K TVs are really affordable and the price is down to $500 average for a good 4K TV.
Gaming consoles devices comparison
| Microsoft Xbox One S | Sony PlayStation 4 Pro | Nintendo Switch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $452 | $299.99 |
| Max picture quality | 4K Ultra HD, 1080p HD and HDR | 4K Ultra HD, 1080p HD and HDR |  |
| Voice remote |  | | |
| Wi-Fi standards | 802.11 b/g/n/ac single-band | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n single-band |
| Ethernet port | | | |
| Headphone jack | | | |
At the Glance…
Xbox One S can output 4K, but only on Netflix and similar streaming services, there’s no 4K gaming.
If your TV support 4K and want to watch 4K content, this Roku Streaming Stick+ is the most affordable low end Roku so far as you may concern.
Photo: Amazon