Okay, let's cut through the noise. Choosing between the Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X isn't as simple as grabbing the newest box. I've owned all three at different times (my wallet still winces), and folks often ask me which one makes sense now. Prices shifted, game libraries evolved, and honestly, some differences matter way more than others depending on how you play. Forget the marketing fluff – let's break down exactly what separates these consoles and who should seriously consider each option.
The Core Differences: It's More Than Just Resolution
At first glance, it seems like a straightforward lineup: the original Xbox One (2013), the slicker Xbox One S (2016), and the powerhouse Xbox One X (2017). But digging deeper reveals nuances that impact your daily gaming life.
Visual & Power Leap: Why the X Stands Out
The biggest jump? Raw horsepower. Comparing Xbox One vs Xbox One S vs Xbox One X, the X is in a different league:
| Feature | Xbox One (Original) | Xbox One S | Xbox One X |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPU Power (Teraflops) | 1.31 TF | 1.4 TF | 6.0 TF |
| Memory Bandwidth | 68 GB/s | ~68 GB/s | 326 GB/s |
| Game Resolution Target | 900p - 1080p | 900p - 1080p | Native 4K (or enhanced 1080p) |
| HDR Support | No | Yes (HDR10) | Yes (HDR10) |
| Frame Rate Potential | Often 30fps | Often 30fps | Higher chance of 60fps modes |
Notice the Xbox One S vs Xbox One specs? The S gets a minor GPU bump and HDR, but it's not a game-changer for performance. The real conversation is Xbox One X vs the others. That 6 TFLOPS GPU made native 4K gaming possible and drastically improved textures, draw distances, and effects even on 1080p TVs. Playing Red Dead Redemption 2 on the X after owning an S felt like discovering hidden detail everywhere.
Honestly? When I first plugged in my One X (bought used in 2019), the loading time difference surprised me more than the visuals. Jumping into Fallout 4 downtown Boston felt smoother – fewer stutters when things got chaotic. It wasn't magic, but it made revisiting old games genuinely better.
Beyond Games: Media & Design
Media Champ:
- Xbox One S: The only one with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. Huge deal for movie buffs.
- Xbox One X: Also has a 4K Blu-ray drive. Both S and X do 4K streaming (Netflix, Prime, etc.).
- Original Xbox One: Standard Blu-ray, no 4K playback of any kind.
Physical Size & Noise:
- Original Xbox One: Bulky VCR design. Power brick. Loudest under load.
- Xbox One S: 40% smaller, sleek white. Internal power supply. Much quieter.
- Xbox One X: Smaller than original, bigger than S. Efficient cooling, usually whisper-quiet.
Seriously, if you collect physical movies, the lack of a 4K Blu-ray drive on the original Xbox One is a major bummer in 2024. The Xbox One S punches above its weight as an affordable entertainment hub.
Price & Value Today: Where Your Money Actually Goes
Let's be real: all three are discontinued. You're shopping used or refurbished. Prices fluctuate wildly, but here's the typical range (as of mid-2024):
| Console | Used Price Range | Refurbished Price Range | Value Proposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Xbox One (500GB) | $50 - $100 | $80 - $130 | Extreme budget entry. Fine for casual gaming & basic streaming. |
| Xbox One S (500GB/1TB) | $80 - $150 | $120 - $180 | Best bang-for-buck. 4K/HDR streaming, 4K Blu-ray, compact design. |
| Xbox One X (1TB) | $150 - $230 | $180 - $260 | Premium last-gen experience. Best visuals/framerate possible for Xbox One games. |
Watch Out: The "Xbox One S All-Digital Edition" (no disc drive) exists! It's usually cheaper than the disc S model, but double-check listings. Missing that drive limits game resale and movie playback.
Here's where the Xbox One X vs Xbox One S vs Xbox One debate gets practical:
- $100 or less? An original Xbox One gets you in the door. It plays all the same games as the others. Just expect lower resolutions and no 4K media.
- $100-$150 sweet spot? Xbox One S is the clear winner here. The jump in design, HDR for games, and 4K media features is massive over the original for not much more cash.
- Willing to spend $200+? Xbox One X makes sense only if you care deeply about visual fidelity/framerate AND have a 4K TV. Otherwise, that money edges close to a used Xbox Series S.
I helped my cousin upgrade last year. Found a clean Xbox One S with two controllers for $120. He loves it for Game Pass and Blu-rays. Spending $220 on a One X felt unnecessary for his small 1080p TV. It's all about context.
Game Performance Deep Dive: What You See & Feel
All three run the same games. Seriously, same library. But *how* they run is the critical distinction in the Xbox One X vs Xbox One S vs Xbox One comparison.
Resolution & Framerate: The Nitty Gritty
- Original Xbox One: Often targets 900p (1600x900) or dynamic 1080p. Framerate is usually locked at 30fps, but can dip in demanding scenes (Assassin's Creed Unity was notorious).
- Xbox One S: Marginally better than original, but still mostly 900p/1080p @ 30fps. The big gain is HDR support, enhancing colors/contrast on compatible TVs.
- Xbox One X: This is its domain. Xbox One X Enhanced titles:
- Often native 4K (3840x2160) resolution.
- Or significantly higher resolution than S/original (e.g., 1440p to 1800p).
- Higher resolution textures.
- Better ambient occlusion, shadows, draw distances.
- More stable framerates (hitting 30fps more consistently).
- Some titles offer performance modes (e.g., 1080p @ 60fps - Monster Hunter World, Hitman 2).
Examples of Xbox One X Enhanced Titles (Noticeable Differences):
- Forza Horizon 4: Native 4K/30fps or 1080p/60fps on X vs 1080p/30fps on S/Original. Visuals pop.
- Red Dead Redemption 2: Native 4K checkerboard on X vs ~1152p on S/Original. Cleaner image, denser foliage.
- Gears 5: 4K/30fps or 1080p/60fps on X vs dynamic 1080p/30fps on S/Original. Smoother action.
- The Witcher 3: 4K with enhanced assets/textures on X vs 900p on S/Original. Night and day difference.
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection: 4K/60fps for most campaigns on X vs 1080p/60fps on S/Original. Crisper.
Is the Xbox One S '4K'? Yes, but only for video streaming and Blu-ray playback. It does NOT render games in 4K. That's purely the Xbox One X's job.
Loading Times & General Snappiness
The Xbox One X uses a faster internal hard drive (5400 RPM SATA II vs 5400 RPM SATA II on S and Original), but the real secret weapon? CPU optimization. My load times in massive open worlds (The Division 2, Cyberpunk 2077) were consistently 15-30% faster on the X compared to my old One S. The UI also felt slightly more responsive. While not a revolution, it adds up over time.
Choosing Your Weapon: Who Should Buy Which?
Forget the box specs for a sec. Who are you in this Xbox One X vs Xbox One S vs Xbox One scenario?
Buy the Original Xbox One IF:
- Your budget is extremely tight ($100 or less).
- You only have a 1080p (or lower) TV and don't plan to upgrade soon.
- You're a super casual gamer (occasional FIFA, Minecraft, Fortnite).
- You don't care about HDR or 4K media playback.
- You want basic access to Game Pass.
- Downside: Lowest resolution/fidelity, no HDR, bulky design, loudest fan.
Buy the Xbox One S IF:
- You want the best overall balance of price and features ($100-$150 range).
- You have a 4K TV and want HDR gaming + 4K streaming/Blu-ray playback.
- You appreciate the smaller, sleeker design and quieter operation.
- Game Pass is your main gaming source.
- You occasionally buy physical discs (games or movies).
- Downside: Game performance is similar to original Xbox One (mostly 30fps, sub-4K). Not a powerhouse.
Buy the Xbox One X IF:
- You have a 4K TV and prioritize the absolute best visual quality & potential framerate for Xbox One games.
- You play a lot of graphically intensive single-player games (RPGs, open worlds).
- You notice and appreciate visual details (textures, lighting, resolution).
- You find used/refurb deals around $180-$220 and the Series S isn't a better fit.
- Downside: Most expensive last-gen option. Still capped by Xbox One CPU limits. No future-proofing.
Here's the curveball: If you find yourself stretching to $230+ for a used Xbox One X, stop. Seriously. Check the price of a used Xbox Series S. You can often find them for $250-$300. The Series S:
- Is current-gen (supports all new games).
- Has an SSD (drastically faster loading than ANY Xbox One).
- Targets 1080p-1440p resolution at higher framerates (60fps or 120fps in many titles).
- Supports ray tracing.
- Runs Xbox One games with Auto HDR and often better framerates via FPS Boost.
The jump from One X to Series S is meaningful. Only commit to the One X if you find a stellar deal and care only about peak One visuals on 4K.
My buddy almost bought a $220 One X last month. We found a refurb Series S for $270 instead. He's blown away by the load times alone. For $50 more, he skipped last-gen entirely. Food for thought.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Clearing the Confusion
Q: Is the Xbox One X worth it over the Xbox One S?
A: Only if: 1) You have a 4K TV, 2) You *really* care about graphics/framerate improvements, and 3) You find it significantly cheaper than a Series S. For most people focused on value, the One S is the smarter buy. The visual leap is real on the X, but the price premium needs careful consideration.
Q: Does the Xbox One S play games in 4K?
A: No. The Xbox One S upscales games to 4K output (like most Blu-ray players do for DVDs), but it does not render games at native 4K resolution. It renders them at the same resolutions as the original Xbox One (usually 900p or 1080p). Its 4K capabilities are solely for video streaming (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback.
Q: Can the original Xbox One or One S play Xbox One X Enhanced games?
A: Yes! You buy the same game disc or download. The game will run on any Xbox One. However, only the Xbox One X will download the additional high-resolution texture packs and utilize the enhanced graphical settings that make it look significantly better. On an S or original, you get the standard version.
Q: Which Xbox One has the best 4K Blu-ray player?
A: Both the Xbox One S and the Xbox One X have a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive. They are functionally identical for movie playback quality. The original Xbox One only has a standard Blu-ray drive. If movies matter, skip the original model.
Q: Do all Xbox Ones work with the same accessories?
A: Yes. Controllers, headsets, external hard drives, play & charge kits – all compatible across Xbox One, One S, and One X. Even Kinect (with the USB adapter for S/X).
Q: Is the Xbox One X future-proof?
A: Absolutely not. It was discontinued in 2020. New games are releasing solely for Xbox Series X|S. It plays the vast existing Xbox One library beautifully, but it won't get new releases moving forward. Think of it as the peak of the last generation, not a bridge to the current one.
Q: What about storage? Do I need an external drive?
A: Highly likely, regardless of model. 500GB fills up incredibly fast (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019 was over 200GB!). Budget for a USB 3.0 external hard drive (1TB or 2TB are affordable). The Xbox One X often came with 1TB internal, which helps slightly but still isn't enough for a large library.
The Final Verdict: Skip the Hype, Grab What Fits
After spending years with all three consoles and constantly comparing Xbox One X vs Xbox One S vs Xbox One, the winner depends entirely on your situation:
- Budget is king (~$100)? Original Xbox One is serviceable, but know its limits.
- Want best value & core features ($100-$150)? Xbox One S is the undisputed champ. Great media box, decent gaming.
- Demand peak visuals on a 4K screen (~$180-$220)? Xbox One X delivers, but pause if a Series S is close in price.
Ultimately, the Xbox One S often makes the most practical sense today. It captures the essential upgrades over the original at a very accessible price, especially if you enjoy movies. The Xbox One X remains a graphical beast for its generation, but its niche is smaller now. And the original? It gets you playing cheaply. Just set expectations accordingly.
Focus on your TV, your budget, and how much those visual pixels truly matter to you. Then grab the controller and play.
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