Gaming has always been close to my heart, and recently, I decided to take the plunge and purchase the Xbox Series S. But here’s the twist—I managed to grab it for just ₹18,000, which is almost half the official retail price in India! Naturally, I was excited to test it out and see if it really lives up to the hype, especially with the buzz around GTA 6 and other next-gen titles.
In this blog, I’ll share my honest review of the Xbox Series S, covering everything from design and performance to gaming experience and value for money.
📦 Unboxing the Xbox Series S
The first thing you notice is how compact and sleek the console is. Unlike the bulky Series X, the Series S is lightweight and minimal, making it a great fit for smaller setups. The packaging felt premium, and Microsoft has done a great job in presenting the console as a true next-gen device.
Inside the box, you get:
Xbox Series S console
1 wireless controller
HDMI 2.1 cable
Power cable
Setup guide
Simple and straightforward—exactly what you’d expect.
🎮 Design & Build Quality
The Series S has a clean white finish with a black vent that gives it a stylish look. It’s compact enough to fit on my desk without taking up too much space. The build feels solid and premium, even though it’s the “budget” next-gen option.
⚡ Performance & Gameplay
Now, let’s talk performance—the real deal.
Processor & Graphics: Powered by the same Zen 2 CPU as the Series X, the Series S still packs a punch. It can run most next-gen games smoothly, though capped at 1440p resolution instead of native 4K.
Frame Rates: Games like Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite ran smoothly at 60fps, and in some cases, even touched 120fps with the right display.
Storage: The downside is the 512GB SSD, which fills up quickly. After installing a few big titles like Call of Duty and GTA V, I was already running out of space. An external SSD is almost a necessity.
🎮 Gaming Experience
Here’s where things get fun.
GTA V (and looking ahead to GTA 6): The Series S handled GTA V flawlessly with quick load times. If GTA 6 is optimized the same way, it will be a treat—even at 1440p.
Backward Compatibility: I was able to play older Xbox One games with noticeable performance improvements.
Game Pass: This is where the Series S truly shines. For a monthly subscription, you get access to a massive library of games. Honestly, this is a gamer’s dream.
🔋 Controller Experience
The included controller feels familiar but refined. The textured grip and improved D-pad make long gaming sessions more comfortable. Plus, it still runs on AA batteries (or rechargeable packs if you prefer).
💰 Value for Money (₹18,000 Deal!)
At the official price of ₹35,000, the Xbox Series S is already a solid deal. But getting it for just ₹18,000? That’s a steal. For budget-conscious gamers or casual players, this console is unbeatable in terms of value.
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
Pros:
✔️ Compact and stylish design
✔️ Smooth performance with next-gen titles
✔️ Quick load times thanks to SSD
✔️ Excellent value with Game Pass
✔️ Affordable entry into next-gen gaming
Cons:
❌ Limited 512GB storage
❌ No 4K gaming (capped at 1440p)
❌ Disc-less console (digital only)
🎯 Final Verdict
The Xbox Series S is not just a “budget” console—it’s a full-fledged next-gen experience at an affordable price. If you’re someone who doesn’t care about native 4K and is okay with digital-only gaming, this is a fantastic choice.
For me, getting it for ₹18,000 made it even sweeter. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier. Now, I’m just waiting for GTA 6 to drop so I can truly test this machine’s limits.
If you’re planning to buy a gaming console in 2025, the Xbox Series S is 100% worth considering.
👉 What do you think? Would you pick the Xbox Series S for gaming in 2025, or do you still prefer the PS5/Xbox Series X? Let me know in the comments below.