8 Best Xbox Consoles 2025 in the United States

The Xbox Series S All-Digital Console offers an intriguing option for gamers looking for a compact, affordable gaming experience without the need for physical discs. One of its key strengths lies in its performance; equipped with an 8-core custom CPU and a capable GPU, it supports 1440p resolution and can achieve up to 120 frames per second, making it suitable for smooth and visually appealing gameplay. The 512GB custom NVME SSD provides quick load times, though storage can fill up fast, especially with larger games, so you might need to manage your library or invest in external storage.

Backward compatibility is another notable feature, allowing players to enjoy a vast array of previous Xbox titles. This is a great advantage for those who already own games from earlier generations. The console also boasts a solid game library and exclusive titles that cater to various gaming preferences.

In terms of design, the Xbox Series S is sleek and compact, fitting easily into most entertainment setups, which is perfect for users with limited space. However, being all-digital means it lacks a physical disc drive, which may not appeal to gamers who prefer buying or collecting physical copies of their games. Regarding online services, Xbox offers subscription options like Xbox Game Pass, which enhances the gaming experience by providing access to a broad selection of games for a monthly fee. This can be a cost-effective way to expand your gaming library. Despite its strengths, potential drawbacks include the limited storage capacity and a reliance on digital downloads, which may not suit everyone. Additionally, while its performance is impressive for the price, it does not reach the same levels as the higher-end Xbox Series X, which might be a consideration for hardcore gamers seeking the latest and greatest technology.

The Xbox Series S All-Digital Console is a great option for casual gamers and those new to console gaming, especially if you value portability and access to a wide range of games without physical media.

The Microsoft Xbox Series S is a compact and budget-friendly gaming console, ideal for casual gamers or those who prioritize an all-digital experience. It offers a custom Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, which deliver solid performance for its size, allowing for smooth gameplay at 1440p resolution and up to 120 frames per second (FPS). The console includes 10GB GDDR6 memory, ensuring efficient and speedy performance for most games.

One of its strong points is backward compatibility, letting users enjoy a wide library of older Xbox titles. This is complemented by a decent selection of current game titles and exclusives available on Xbox Game Pass, enhancing its value for money. Additionally, the Xbox Series S supports advanced features like Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, and AMD FreeSync, which contribute to a better gaming experience.

However, its primary limitation is the internal storage capacity of 512GB, which can quickly fill up with modern games. This is somewhat mitigated by the option to use external storage, but it adds to the cost. Furthermore, the all-digital nature means there's no option for disc-based games, which might be a drawback for some users. Online services and subscriptions, such as Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold, offer extensive benefits but require additional ongoing costs. The design of the console is sleek and compact, making it easy to fit into most entertainment setups, though its white color might be prone to showing dirt and wear over time.

The Xbox Series S serves as a great entry point into the Xbox ecosystem, particularly for those who don't need the highest possible graphics settings or a large amount of storage.

The Xbox Series X – Forza Horizon 5 Bundle is a strong choice for gamers looking for high-performance gaming. With a powerful 1TB SSD, it ensures quick load times and spacious storage to accommodate a growing library of games. The console supports 4K gaming and streaming, providing stunning graphics that enhance the gaming experience, especially with the included Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition, which showcases its capabilities well.

One of the standout features is its backward compatibility, allowing you to access a wide range of previous Xbox titles, which is great for fans of older games. The game library is extensive, with numerous exclusives that cater to various gaming preferences, ensuring you have plenty to play.

While this console is designed for serious gamers, its size and weight might be a concern for those with limited space or who prefer a more compact option. Additionally, to fully utilize its online capabilities, a subscription to Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Live Gold is often recommended, which can add to the cost. The Xbox Series X excels in performance and graphical output, making it suitable for dedicated gamers or those wanting to dive into the latest gaming experiences. However, potential buyers should consider their space and budget for additional online services.