Is Upgrading from Xbox One to Xbox One S Worth It?

Introduction:

If you happen to be a casual gamer like me and you ask yourself, “Should I upgrade my Xbox One to Xbox One S?”, here's a thorough analysis to help you make an informed decision.

Initially, I owned an Xbox One original and have temporarily had an Xbox One S as a custodian unit expectant of a belated Christmas present. While the Xbox One S offers an aesthetically nicer and lighter design, the differences in performance were marginal. This article aims to shed light on why upgrading to Xbox One S may not be worth it if you don’t have a 4K TV and cannot afford it.

Performance Similarities and Differences Between Xbox One and Xbox One S

Both the Xbox One and Xbox One S boast the same CPU, GPU, and RAM. This means most games render in resolutions less than 1080p, often at 160900 or dynamically scaling. The Xbox One S introduces a dedicated upscaler, which enhances the already rendered image to 4K. However, this upscaling does not improve the quality of the game but rather makes it look better on a 4K TV. The render resolution remains

Since you do not own a 4K TV, upgrading to Xbox One S is pointless in terms of gaming performance. If you do possess a 4K TV, the only logical advantage is the upscaling feature, but the game's resolution and frame rate remain unchanged. Therefore, upgrading for the sake of gaming is financially inefficient if you are not reaping the benefits of 4K visuals.

Additional Considerations

If you are hesitant about the Xbox One X, an upgrade to the Xbox One S is still a good option as it is cost-effective on the second-hand market. However, it is crucial to ensure that the version you purchase has a disc drive. An upgrade without a disc drive would deprive you of the ability to play Blu-ray/DVD games, and you would be forced into the download-only market, which has a higher cost for games.

Further, the original Xbox One still offers a vast library of games, including popular titles like Halo 5, Gears of War 4, and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. The Xbox 360 backward compatibility feature ensures access to a wide range of older titles, enhancing the value of the original Xbox One even more.

Comparison with the Next Generation: Xbox Scarlett

Assuming you can't afford an immediate upgrade, it might be wise to hold off on upgrading and save for Xbox Scarlett, the next generation of the Xbox series. This console is just around the corner and will be available within 1-2 years. Xbox Scarlett promises to bring significant advancements, making it a more sensible investment in the long run.

Conclusion

Based on the current market performance and without the necessity of a 4K TV, upgrading from an Xbox One to an Xbox One S may not be the most sensible move. The older console already provides a rich gaming experience, and you might save up for a more significant upgrade in the future, such as an Xbox Scarlett, which offers higher performance and better value for money.

Keywords: Xbox One, Xbox One S, 4K TV