Series S

The cover art for Massive Entertainment's Star Wars Outlaws confirmed players with a physical disk will still need an internet connection to play the game. Star Wars Outlaws recently unveiled a new story trailer, which featured a sneak peek into Ubisoft's upcoming open-world adventure in a galaxy far, far away. However, some fans were displeased when images of the game's PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X box art confirmed its installation isn't as simple as slotting in a disk.

Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment are promising an expansive open world experience with the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws, which is being billed as the ultimate scoundrel fantasy, and though that will involve a lot of juggling of different criminal syndicates and maintaining your reputation with each different faction, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find the time to sit down and, say, play some cards.

From the Hutts and the Pykes to the Crimson Dawn, the Empire, and more, Star Wars Outlaws protagonist Kay Vess will be dealing with a number of different factions during the course of the game’s story, each one of them powerful and formidable in their own unique way, with a Reputation system encompassing her interactions with each of them. As Kay, your actions will impact your experience in a number of ways– including even the open world and what challenges and content it will throw your way.

The recent release of the new Star Wars Outlaws trailer has sparked a heated debate among players regarding the appearance of the protagonist, Kay Vess, with some even describing her as «ugly.» While some players are expressing disappointment and criticism, others are defending the Star Wars Outlaws character's portrayal as refreshing and realistic.

Open world games are often in the habit of being larger than they need to be, particularly when they’re coming from Ubisoft, but developer Massive Entertainment continues to make assurances that it’s taking a different approach with the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws. The action-adventure title will see players exploring the Outer Rim, which, as you might imagine, will mean visiting a number of different planets and locations. Obviously, not all has been revealed on that front, but details have emerged on one particular location in a recently published Game Informer preview, and how its design prioritized density over size.

NOTE: There are spoilers ahead for Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Ubisoft recently premiered a new story trailer for Star Wars Outlaws, offering another look at Massive Entertainment’s upcoming open world action-adventure title, and confirming that it’ll be releasing this August. Alongside that, the company has also released a developer breakdown of the trailer, in which narrative director Navid Khavari sheds new light on some of the game’s key characters, the many underworld syndicates protagonist Kay Vess will be crossing paths with, and more.

I've been a Series S owner almost since the console's launch, and I've been happy with my purchase overall, as a way to dip my toes into the Xbox ecosystem. However, midway through this console generation, it's hard for me to suggest that anyone should buy one of these baby Xbox consoles today, and ironically, it's not really the Series S that's at fault.

The recently released remake of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons reportedly struggles with performance on consoles, especially on Xbox Series S.

There is once again a new rumor about the Switch 2’s possible power, that neatly ties together things that we had previously heard about the platform.

A lot has been said about the level of performance expected out of the Nintendo Switch 2 console, but it seems like the console will have a hard time matching the Xbox Series S performance, according to a notable leaker.

It's officially Sunday, which means the weekend is once again coming to a close. We've rounded up the best deals available this weekend across games, technology, and more! New titles are seeing discounts, and plenty of hardware is on sale, too. The best deals for Sunday, February 25, include Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Persona 3 Reload, PlayStation 5 Slim, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, and more.

Xbox is running a giveaway competition in collaboration with Palworld, where one lucky person can win a custom Xbox Series X and controllers featuring the titular Pals.

The series might never venture outside its home on Nintendo consoles, but has skyrocketed to enormous popularity as an alternative on Xbox and PC. Collecting cute creatures has a close-to-universal appeal, even if puts an emphasis on the possibilities of using them as workhorses or selling them on the black market.One area where has been notably lacking, however, is in the merchandise department, as a breakout hit obviously can't compete with the well-oiled merchandise machine that's built up an empire of products over the years.

Microsoft has continued its custom console collection by creating an Xbox Series S based on 'Pokémon with guns' hit Palworld.

An Xbox Series S hardware refresh was planned at some point, but the project was ultimately canned due to some concerns, according to rumors circulating online.

Alongside the free Dune expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator, Xbox is continuing its collaboration with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures to release a new themed Xbox Series S and controller.

If you weren't able to get the Microsoft Xbox Series S at a discount this past holiday season, you may want to check out Dell's website. The digital media-only console is currently on sale for $230, down $70 from its retail price of $300. While it can't play disc games, your $230 will get you 512GB in SSD storage and a wireless Xbox controller. The console supports variable refresh rates of up to 120 fps, and while it runs games at a max resolution of 1440p, you can use it to stream shows and movies in 4K. You only need to download the streaming apps you have access to, including Disney+, Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.

Microsoft has expanded its Xbox themed kitchen appliance offering with a new entry — the Xbox Series S toaster.

First, there was the Xbox Series X mini-fridge, and now the Series S gets its own appliance in the form of a toaster. Bread will never be the same again. 

Not only is the Xbox Series S a pretty great game console, especially for those on a budget, but it turns out that it's also pretty handy at turning bread into toast. Who knew? Well, nobody, but you can now buy a toaster that looks very much like an Xbox Series S so really, who's laughing now?

Microsoft hasn’t been afraid to have fun with its consoles and feature them as various appliances, including a fridge. One of the latest Xbox redesigns comes in the form of a Series S toaster that you can pick up at Walmart.

In news that is likely to bring joy to gaming fans and breakfast enthusiasts the world over, the infamous Xbox Series S toaster of rumour and legend has been spotted for sale at Walmart, causing those of you desperate for more gaming themed accessories in your home to rejoice in the streets. Ok, not really. But look, it toasts an Xbox logo into the bread!

Both of Microsoft’s current Xbox consoles now have kitchen appliance counterparts. The Xbox Series S toaster recently debuted, following up the Xbox Series X refrigerator. It’s available for purchase from Walmart for $39.99. In place of its ability to connect to a TV and play games, it can toast bread or bagels, imprinting the Xbox logo onto its side with its internal heat coils.

By Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft, PC gaming, console, and tech. He founded WinRumors, a site dedicated to Microsoft news, before joining The Verge in 2012.

Nearly a year after alleged images first appeared, the officially licensed Xbox Series S toaster has been confirmed.

The long awaited Xbox Series S toaster is finally here, with a listing for the new appliance inconspicuously appearing on the Walmart website.

You've probably heard of and puzzled over the Xbox Series X Mini Fridge. Why would anyone need such a product? You could justify it, saying energy drinks and beers are essential for your gaming sessions, but what about breakfast items? You can now have your daily bread with a massive Xbox symbol burned into it, thanks to the Xbox Series S toaster.

Costco is currently offering one of the cheapest Xbox Series S deals to date.

Grand Theft Auto 6 has been unveiled and it looks amazing. But as is standard, it’s led to a standard reaction in some of the more reactionary parts of the internet. So let’s put it to rest right here: the Series S will play GTA6 just fine.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has backed the company's decision to Xbox price hike in Brazil, claiming that it was necessary to uphold business in the region.

There's also a great deal on the 1TB Xbox Series S at Dell.

Retailers in the UK are dropping the price of the Xbox Series S for Black Friday.

We understand any reservations you might have when it comes to the Xbox Series S. It's a digital-only console, and the storage isn't quite as big as the Series X.

There is still a glimmer of hope for the split screen feature on the Xbox Series S version of , despite the fact that the functionality is one of the factors that is impeding the popular RPG by Larian Studios from arriving on modern Xbox consoles. The game is notably missing from the platforms and the developer has already explained that problems making the split screen function work on the Xbox version of is what is keeping it from being shipped.

The Xbox console versions of Baldur’s Gate 3 are on their way. And it looks like the optimizations made for the Xbox Series S version of BG3 may have some benefits for other platforms, too.

They say a picture is worth a thousand worths. And there are plenty of positive things to say about two recent images posted by Larian Studios, showing the strides the developer has made to optimize the Xbox Series S port of Baldur's Gate 3.

The Xbox port of Baldur's Gate 3 appears to be progressing well as fans still await a firm release date.

Whether or not the Xbox Series S and its comparatively weaker hardware is holding back game developers this generation has been a major topic of discussion for as long as the console has been around, and while that’s likely to be the case for the foreseeable future (and beyond), in the here and now, we have a remarkable example of how the console has actually helped a game improve on a technical level on all platforms.

Little things can often matter a lot and when it comes to streamlining a game's memory usage, every gigabyte counts. One of the developers at Larian, makers of Baldur's Gate 3, has shown that the team's recent hard work has resulted in a 34% reduction in VRAM usage for the forthcoming Xbox Series S version.

We are a week into November and the penultimate month of the year brings another healthy lineup of game releases. This month, we're getting an eclectic lineup of games — from a throwback adaptation of an 80s cult cyberpunk film to a much-anticipated remake of a beloved Super Nintendo classic. Perhaps the biggest release of November is the next Call of Duty. On November 10, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 comes out, continuing the story of the reboot trilogy. The Activision shooter promises to bring new multiplayer modes and maps.

Remedy Entertainment has rolled out a major new Alan Wake 2 update across all platforms, including over 200 improvements and fixes.

2023 has been a year of price increases in the games industry, and we’ve got another one of those cases on our hands. Microsoft has announced a price hike for the original Xbox Series S model in Brazil, and it’s quite a significant one.

Following the game's digital launch yesterday, one of the first Alan Wake 2 PS5 vs Xbox Series X|S and PC comparison videos has been released.

Leading up to the November 3 release for EA Sports WRC, a community manager has taken to Reddit to reveal how the game will perform on consoles. According to the post, the game is targeting a frame rate of 60FPS on all consoles.

Microsoft has announced a brand new Xbox Series S bundle arriving later this month. Dubbed the Starter Bundle, this deal packs everything that you need to jump into popular games like Starfield and Forza Motorsport right out of the box.

By Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft, PC gaming, console, and tech. He founded WinRumors, a site dedicated to Microsoft news, before joining The Verge in 2012.

Despite having markedly weaker hardware when compared to contemporaries, the Xbox Series S continues to be a great choice for gamers on a budget. Microsoft continues to put its efforts towards catering to that niche audience and has announced a new Xbox Series S starter bundle which will be launching on October 31 this year.

Microsoft has announced a new Xbox Series S bundle.

Microsoft has unveiled a new Xbox Series S Starter Bundle, which'll include three months of Game Pass Ultimate when it launches worldwide on 31st October.

If you haven’t got into any of the latest-generation platforms, you might be considering purchasing this holiday season. This is when we see new bundles and deals to incentivize you to purchase a new unit or possibly gift it to a loved one. Whatever the case might be for you, these new deals are starting to come out. Today, we’re finding out about a new Xbox Series S bundle that might get you a new console to enjoy and set you up with several video game titles.

Earlier this month, developer Remedy confirmed the Xbox Series S version of the hotly anticipated Alan Wake 2 lacks the 60 frames per second performance mode the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions launch with later in October.

The latest-generation console platforms are bringing some exciting new video game releases. With the latest hardware comes more opportunities for developers. We’re getting bigger and better video games, but one system stands out a bit. That’s the Xbox Series S, as it’s not as powerful as the Xbox Series X or the PlayStation 5. According to Remedy Entertainment, the Xbox Series S GPU is the real problem developers face. As a result, they are working around the GPU to ensure the game is able to deliver an experience that appeals to the development team. 

October is here and the month brings a non-stop train of game releases. It is perhaps the busiest month in gaming this year, with major titles fighting for space in the tight window of four weeks. Kicking off things on October 5 is Assassin's Creed Mirage, Ubisoft's next chapter in the long-running assassin's saga. This time, the game opts to shrink its scope and return to its roots with a more stealth and assassinations-based approach. The last three AC titles had adhered to a Witcher 3-style expansive RPG style, drawing criticism for open-world bloat.

Deck 13 and Focus Entertainment have rolled out a new Atlas Fallen Update across all platforms, adding AMD FSR 2 support on Xbox Series X and PS5.

Remedy Entertainment recently confirmed that its upcoming survival horror title, Alan Wake 2, will feature a Performance Mode on PS5 and Xbox Series X at launch, giving players the option to prioritize a higher frame rate than the default 30 FPS. Given the lack of any mention of the Xbox Series S, however, questions have been asked whether a developer also has similar plans for the game’s Xbox Series S version.

Xbox Series S owners now have the option of a "Designed for Xbox" portable screen, which attaches directly to the console.

The recent leaks of Microsoft’s court documents for its recent trial against the FTC have dominated the news cycle for several days now, and more new nuggets of information are still continuing to filter through. For instance, it’s now also emerged that out of Microsoft’s two current-gen Xbox consoles, the less powerful (and cheaper one) had a significantly larger share of the market than its counterpart, at least as of early last year.

The recently leaked court documents from Microsoft reveal the Xbox Series S is the most popular console between the two Xbox Series systems. 

The Nintendo Switch 2 performance may be too far from that of the Xbox Series S, according to rumors circulating online.

Microsoft is planning a mid-gen refresh for its Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, eyeing a release in 2024. A series of leaked court documents from the Microsoft vs. US FTC trial revealed a roadmap and concept images for its upcoming set of gaming systems, which also includes a new controller with gyro and haptic feedback. Codenamed ‘Brooklin,' the all-digital Xbox Series X boasts the same horsepower as the existing version, albeit lacking a disc drive. The console is cylindrically shaped and comes with a generous 2TB storage — up from 1TB — which I'm guessing is an SSD. It'll bear the same price tag of $499/ Rs. 54,990 and is slated to drop in late October, next year.

New leaks suggest that the final nail in the Xbox Series S' coffin could be coming sooner than expected. Microsoft released two versions of its Xbox console in 2020: the Series S and the Series X. This is a common strategy in the current home console generation, with the PS5 also releasing in two differently priced models. However, the Series S lags far behind all the other consoles on the market today. While it has a lower price point, its limitations make it a tough sell, and many have long believed it's time to ditch the Xbox Series S for an upgraded console.

By Sheena Vasani, a writer covering commerce, e-readers, and tech news. She previously wrote about everything from web development to AI at Inside.

The Xbox Series S is a great 1440p gaming machine, plus this special is essentially free money.

The Starfield (pre)launch has significantly boosted Xbox Series X|S sales in the UK, based on Gfk data.

The launch of Starfield and a new version of the Xbox Series S significantly boosted sales of Microsoft consoles.

Forza Motorsport seems to meet the greatest expectations fans have when it comes to Xbox Series consoles’ performance.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is said to support NVIDIA DLSS technology and sport better ray tracing hardware than Sony's and Microsoft's consoles, making the console a huge step up from its predecessor. These, however, may not be enough to match the performance and visuals the other current-generation gaming systems are capable of.

This week, the two biggest role-playing games of the year are released in a head-to-head on rival console platforms. But only one of them is a console exclusive. Starfield was acquired by Microsoft along with its developer and publisher, Bethesda, in 2021, and will be released on Xbox and PC only. Baldur’s Gate 3 — which has already become an overnight sensation on PC, if you can say that about a game that spent three years in early access — is out now on PlayStation 5, but an Xbox version is still weeks or months away. And it could have been much longer.

September promises to be a blockbuster month for gaming, with a stellar lineup of heavy hitters set to release this month. Kicking off the show is Starfield, Bethesda's epic sci-fi space fantasy RPG, which has been in development for eight years, apparently. The studio's first original IP in 25 years, Starfield, as director Todd Howard puts it, is essentially Skyrim in space. Hundreds of hours of spacefaring adventure await, with a side helping of nostalgic Bethesda style. The game is out now on PC and Xbox Series S/X. It's also a big month for RPGs, as CD Projekt Red's much-awaited Cyberpunk 2077 expansion hits the shelves on September 26. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty promises a ton of upgrades from the base game, including an overhauled skill tree, a new wanted system, and gameplay tweaks. There's a brand new story, too, with Idris Elba joining the cast, and Keanu Reeves returning.

Ascendant Studios has released its second update for Immortals of Aveum, bringing some much-needed fixes. Future updates are coming to add more options and features requested by players. For now, PC players can look forward to increased range for mouse sensitivity to set it lower. Console players who found the brightness too dark or bright should also see this fixed.

By Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft, PC gaming, console, and tech. He founded WinRumors, a site dedicated to Microsoft news, before joining The Verge in 2012.

The Xbox Series S has posed an interesting dilemma to many in this current console generation. From a consumer’s perspective, it’s got undeniable value, serving as a cheaper, entry-level option for those looking to jump into the new generation of gaming hardware. At the same time, however, due to its weaker hardware compared to the Xbox Series X and PS5, there’s no shortage of developers who’ve spoken about the limitations it poses, and whether or not it might restrict and hold back game development going forward.

There’s a new Xbox console available. Microsoft just launched a new version of the digital-only Xbox Series S in a bold “Carbon Black” color with twice the available storage, 1TB compared to the standard 512GB that ships with other SKUs. It costs $350, features the same matte finish as the more expensive Series X and ships with an official Xbox Wireless Controller. The new console is available at just about every brick-and-mortar and digital retailer after originally being teased at the Summer Games Fest back in June.

Starfield's reviews are here, and the internet is full of takes, impressions, and everything in between. If you are curious how Bethesda's latest single-player RPG fares on the Xbox Series S, you should be happy to know the console can run the game just fine.

The Xbox Series S version of hit role-playing game Baldur's Gate 3 won't have split-screen when it launches later this year, but that's not to say it won't receive the feature after launch.

Baldur’s Gate 3’s Xbox Series X/S version has been a problematic one for Larian, with the studio having been unable to bring the RPG to Microsoft’s console at the same time as its PS5 release. Primarily, that’s been down to Larian struggling to get splitscreen co-op optimized for the weaker hardware of the Xbox Series S, though recently, it was announced by the developer and Microsoft that Baldur’s Gate 3 would indeed launch for Xbox this year, with splitscreen being removed from the Xbox Series S version.

Last week, Xbox gamers found out they would get Baldur's Gate 3 this year after all. Previous news had pointed to the game being delayed to next year as developer Larian Studios tried to find a way to make the split-screen local co-op functionality work correctly on the Xbox Series S. That's the reason the game isn't launching on Xbox consoles alongside the PlayStation 5 launch (scheduled for September 6th).

Despite recent hiccups, Xbox is sticking with its less powerful next-gen model, the Xbox Series S. This is despite the console reportedly getting in the way of Baldur's Gate 3's Xbox launch, with the port now coming much later than the PC and PS5 versions of the game.

The Xbox Series S is in the headlines again after Larian announced it would be shipping Baldur’s Gate 3 without split-screen co-op on the Xbox Series S.