Microsoft Xbox One S Review

The Xbox One S is a slimmer revision of Microsoft’s Xbox One, wrapped in a white case. This review looks at its design and hardware, its 4K and HDR media playback, and how it fits alongside the original Xbox One.

Design & Hardware

Microsoft reshaped the console in response to criticism of the original Xbox One’s bulk. The Xbox One S is about 40 percent smaller than the original Xbox One, and its power supply is built into the case rather than sitting as a separate external brick. The white finish gives it a clean look. The controller is close to the original Xbox One pad, with a textured grip that makes it more comfortable to hold; earlier controllers could cause detection problems on the Xbox One after being paired with a Windows 10 PC, but in our testing the One S controller did not. It also adds an IR blaster, so the console can act as a remote for a TV or set-top box.

Media & Games

The Xbox One S plays 4K Blu-ray discs and HDR video, and it renders games with HDR. Its HDMI 2.0a output supports 4K video at 60 fps. Games do not run at native 4K; the console upscales them instead, since its hardware is close to the original Xbox One. The console was sold in 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB versions. Kinect needs a separate adapter, as the One S drops the dedicated Kinect port.

Who Is Xbox One S For?

The Xbox One S suits users buying their first console or moving up from an Xbox 360, and those who want 4K Blu-ray and HDR media playback in a compact console. Owners of the original Xbox One gain less from it, since the internals are close and games still upscale rather than render at native 4K; it is a stronger fit as a first console or a media-capable step up from older hardware.