Xbox Series S vs …
Every consoles worth comparing against the Xbox Series S — side-by-side specs, benchmarks, and the full Specdex verdict on each pairing.
Step-up options (higher score)
Close matchups (within 3 points)
Cheaper alternatives
Cross-brand rivals (Microsoft vs the field)
The closest non-Microsoft matchups by Specdex score — the ecosystem-crossing comparisons spec sites usually skip.
Other Microsoft options
Frequently asked
What's better than the Xbox Series S? +
Higher-scoring consoles include Valve Steam Deck OLED (512 GB), Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 Pro. Each scores above the Xbox Series S's 82/100 on the Specdex weighted rubric.
What's a cheaper alternative to the Xbox Series S? +
Cheaper alternatives in the same category include Nintendo Switch Lite — ranked by Specdex score among options priced below the Xbox Series S's $299 MSRP.
What's the closest competitor to the Xbox Series S? +
The closest matchups (within 3 Specdex points) are PlayStation 5 Digital, ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme. These are the head-to-head rivals where sub-score differences matter most.
What are the non-Microsoft alternatives to the Xbox Series S? +
The closest non-Microsoft rivals by Specdex score are Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo Switch, Lenovo Legion Go. Cross-brand pairings compare on the same weighted rubric, so ecosystem differences show up in the sub-scores rather than hiding behind marketing tiers.