Xbox Series S
Zen 2 · 4 TFLOPS RDNA 2 · 1440p target
8BitDo Pro 2 (Black)
Controller · 2021
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Xbox Series S lands at 82 and 8BitDo Pro 2 (Black) at 82. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Xbox Series S if…
- ✓Cheapest path into Game Pass + Quick Resume
- ✓Compact white form factor
- ✓120 FPS target at lower resolutions
Pick 8BitDo Pro 2 (Black) if…
- ✓Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- ✓Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- ✓Cross-platform compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testGames
8BitDo Pro 2 (Black)Compared on the games sub-score
8BitDo Pro 2 (Black) leads on games (86 vs 84).
Features
Xbox Series SCompared on the features sub-score
Xbox Series S leads on features (86 vs 80).
Performance
8BitDo Pro 2 (Black)Compared on the performance sub-score
8BitDo Pro 2 (Black) leads on performance (82 vs 80).
Value for money
8BitDo Pro 2 (Black)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
8BitDo Pro 2 (Black) more score per dollar ($49 vs $299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Xbox Series S | 8BitDo Pro 2 (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Custom AMD Zen 2 8C @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz with SMT) | — |
| GPU | Custom RDNA 2, 20 CUs @ 1.565 GHz, 4.006 TFLOPS | — |
| RAM | 10 GB GDDR6 (8 GB @ 224 GB/s + 2 GB @ 56 GB/s) | — |
| Storage | 512 GB internal SSD | — |
| Output | 1440p target up to 120 FPS | — |
| Dimensions | 275 × 151 × 65 mm | — |
| Weight | 1.93 kg | — |
| Type | — | Controller |
| Color | — | Black |
| Release year | — | 2021 |
Xbox Series S
- +Cheapest path into Game Pass + Quick Resume
- +Compact white form factor
- +120 FPS target at lower resolutions
- −512 GB SSD fills fast
- −10 GB total RAM splits between 8 GB fast + 2 GB slow
- −No disc drive
8BitDo Pro 2 (Black)
- +Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- +Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- +Cross-platform compatibility
- −Battery replacement paid on some
- −Software dependency
- −Stick drift still possible (non-Hall)
FAQ: Xbox Series S vs 8BitDo Pro 2 (Black)
Which is better, Xbox Series S or 8BitDo Pro 2 (Black)? +
Both score 82 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Xbox Series S worth the price? +
At $299, Xbox Series S delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in value.
Is 8BitDo Pro 2 (Black) worth the price? +
At $49, 8BitDo Pro 2 (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in games.
Does Xbox Series S or 8BitDo Pro 2 (Black) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for games, Xbox Series S or 8BitDo Pro 2 (Black)? +
8BitDo Pro 2 (Black) — leads on games (86 vs 84). Compared on the games sub-score.
Which is better for features, Xbox Series S or 8BitDo Pro 2 (Black)? +
Xbox Series S — leads on features (86 vs 80). Compared on the features sub-score.