Xbox Series S games will reportedly be around 30% smaller than Xbox Series X games

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S (Image credit: Microsoft)

What you need to know

  • The Xbox Series S has a 512GB SSD, while the Xbox Series X has a 1TB SSD.
  • Jason Ronald, Director of Program Management at Xbox, spoke with IGN about the two systems.
  • According to Ronald, Xbox Series S games will be about 30% smaller than Xbox Series X games.

When the Xbox Series S was officially announced, one point of possible concern was the smaller SSD compared the Xbox Series X, as the lower-specced machine touts a 512GB SSD compared to the 1TB SSD in the Xbox Series X. Jason Ronald, Director of Program Management at Xbox, spoke with IGN about the two systems and explained that Xbox Series S games will be around 30% smaller than Xbox Series X games.

Per Ronald, this is because Xbox Series S games will not require developers to install the highest-resolution textures, so there's less data taking up space. He also reiterates that developers can choose to target 4K if they want, as the console supports it but it is intended to run games around 1440p 60 FPS. The Coalition is optimizing Gears 5 for Xbox Series S and is able to run the multiplayer at 120 FPS.

So if storage space is something you're weighing when choosing between an Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, this is something to keep in mind. You can also use the 1TB expansion cards on either console, though possible leaked pricing indicates these cards won't be cheap.

Both consoles are set to release on November 10, 2020. Preorders are slated to open on September 22, with the Xbox Series X available for $499 and the Xbox Series S available for $299.

Xbox Series X/S

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Samuel Tolbert
Freelance Writer

Samuel Tolbert is a freelance writer covering gaming news, previews, reviews, interviews and different aspects of the gaming industry, specifically focusing on Xbox and PC gaming on Windows Central. You can find him on Twitter @SamuelTolbert.