The Xbox One was first released in 2013, but the lineup was expanded to three main models in 2016 and 2017. The Xbox One S and Xbox One X are the two newer models. Although all three main models can play the same games, they have significant differences.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re curious about the console differences. The model you’ll get is determined by your preferences, such as 4K gaming or watching 4K Netflix and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Continue reading for more information.
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Model Guide for the Xbox One
As previously stated, the Xbox One name is currently used by three consoles. We’ll start with the first Xbox One model and go over its key features. Then you’ll find out what the other two have to offer.
The First Xbox One
The first Xbox One consoles were released in 2013 and competed directly with Sony’s PlayStation 4 console. The Xbox One originally came with the Kinect system, which allowed users to play certain games as well as control their cable boxes or TV services.
However, it cost $100 more than the PS4 and had slightly slower hardware, so the PS4 won. Microsoft has since shifted gears and adapted. The Kinect was removed from newer Xbox One consoles, and the price was reduced to match the PS4.
In fact, the Kinect system is already being phased out quietly. Microsoft no longer produces the Kinect add-on, but you can still buy it online and connect it to your Xbox One to relive the glory days.
The original Xbox One cannot play 4K video games or watch 4K UHD Blu-rays. You can, however, watch regular HD Blu-ray movies without any modifications.
This console’s best resolution is 1080p60, and we don’t recommend purchasing one in 2021. Unless you find a fantastic deal, newer models are preferable.
The Xbox One S
The Xbox One S, which sits between the Xbox One and the Xbox One X, is the middle of the pack. It was released in 2016, and it offered several improvements over the original Xbox One console. Notably, it has improved hardware and new changes to the quality of life.
The Xbox One S is roughly 40% smaller than the original, thanks to an intelligent redesign. Despite its smaller size, the console is approximately 7% faster than its predecessor. In addition, the Xbox One S is white, as opposed to the previous black console.
Some games may have slightly better quality when played on this console.
The One S, like the newer Xbox Ones, does not include the Kinect. It goes even further than that, as you can’t even plug the Kinect device into it. If you insist on using the add-on, you’ll need to purchase a Kinnect adapter.
The included Xbox One S controller is also white. It has some improvements, most notably the use of a Bluetooth connection. Nonetheless, any Xbox One controller model can be used with any of the consoles in the lineup.
The Xbox One S can play 4K UHD Blu-ray discs as well as upscale some games to 4K UHD and use HDR color. Of course, you’ll need a 4K TV or monitor for this. However, the screen must support HDR-10 rather than just Dolby Vision HDR, so make sure you choose the right one for the job.
Because the console isn’t powerful enough for 4K gaming, you shouldn’t buy it if you intend to play at that resolution.
All-Digital Xbox One S Edition
This Xbox One S model is distinct in that it lacks a disc drive. Instead, the only way to play games is to save them to a hard drive or an external storage device. For gamers who dislike physical copies, this console is an excellent alternative to the original Xbox One S.
In comparison to the original Xbox One S, this console does not come with less than 1TB of memory. This requirement makes sense given that your games will be stored digitally.
The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, the most recent addition to the Xbox One family, was released in 2019. However, because it is a variant, it is not considered a mainline console.
These consoles come pre-loaded with three free games: Minecraft, Forza Horizon 3, and Sea of Thieves.
In terms of hardware, the processor chip and other components are identical to those found in the Xbox One S. The only difference is the absence of an optical disc reader. Otherwise, you can expect the same thing as with the original.
The Xbox One X
The Xbox One X is the most powerful console in the Xbox One line-up. Because of its superior hardware, it can play 4K games. Since November 7, 2017, gamers have been able to purchase their own Xbox One X. Notably, before its global release and announcement, gamers referred to it as Project Scorpio.
Instead of the Xbox One S’s upscaling capabilities, this console can support true 4K UHD gaming. For the best visual experience, the games are rendered in true 4K resolution. Like its predecessor, it can watch 4K content on Netflix or from 4K UHD Blu-ray discs.
The Xbox One X, like the other three consoles we discussed, can play the same games. Many of the games, however, have better enhancements. In addition to using HDR, some games can achieve an FPS boost of up to 120 FPS instead of the industry standard 60 FPS.
The Kinect port and add-on are also absent, as expected. After all, the Kinect had been out of production for quite some time when the Xbox One X was released.
The Xbox One X is roughly 4.5 times more powerful than the original Xbox One, which explains its high native resolution and 60 FPS game compatibility. It is also the most powerful console in the model family.
Despite its incredible processing speed of 1,172 MHz and ample storage space of 1 TB, it is currently the smallest Xbox console. When it comes to the Xbox One X, size truly does not matter.
No other console can currently run high-fidelity VR games. In some ways, the Xbox One X is the only console that can run VR games, and Microsoft isn’t focusing heavily on VR games for consoles right now.
Which Should I Purchase?
With three main consoles and one variant in the Xbox One family, some gamers may be confused about which one best suits their needs. Here’s our quick buyers’ guide to help you choose the best one out of all of them.
Even though its graphics are still good, the original Xbox One is quite old. However, unless you come across a good deal, you should stick with the Xbox One S or X. These two are more powerful and can run games more efficiently.
If you cannot afford the Xbox One X, the Xbox One S is an excellent alternative. It may not provide a significant performance boost, but it is still superior to the original console. If you own or stream 4K media, you can watch it on it.
The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is an unexpected option for gamers who dislike stacks of discs and covers. It doesn’t completely replace the original Xbox One S, but it eliminates the need for physical media copies.
However, if you want a collectible disc, you shouldn’t buy one. There is no way to run physical games on the All-Digital Edition, and you are limited to 1 TB of storage space.
Before the next-generation consoles were introduced in 2020, the Xbox One X was easily the king of consoles. It can natively play 4K games and even boost older titles to 120 FPS if supported. Furthermore, it has nearly everything that the older consoles had.
Each of the four Xbox One consoles can play Kinect games if the appropriate add-on is used. The three most recent consoles, however, will require an adapter.
Overall, the Xbox One S and X are the best of the four options.
Microsoft’s Superb Consoles
Your games will look great on any of the Xbox One series consoles, and the Xbox One X is an excellent choice if you aren’t ready to upgrade to next-generation consoles. Despite the Xbox One X’s lower price, the original model is gradually being phased out, making the newer consoles better choices.
Do you own any of these consoles? Do you think Microsoft made a good decision by removing the Kinect port? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.