Hello Loves!
Today I felt I would bring you part two of the console reviews from me. Here is part one where I dive into the ps5.
https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/character/13820124/blog/5050536/Starting with the obvious most will likely point out, The series S? Yus I got the weaker version for the Xbox, digital only player. I did this for a few particular reasons.
1 being price tag as it is significantly cheaper then the series X.
2 falls directly upon the factor that Xbox has game pass and can be used on the series s, pc/laptop and even the phone/tablet.
All digital is a dirty phrase to me, however for what I play, this doesn’t seem bad.
As my video games move more and more into the “retro” and “vintage” sections I find I am less interested in the newer selections and the majority of my games are already limited to digital only to keep up.
The console:
Most call the series S a glorified Xbox One. And to be fair it is considered One of the lowest consoles performance wise of the new/current generation. To note however, this console plays even the newest games with significance.
Halo infinite as a prime example plays without any issues and Microsoft seemed to even take the extra effort into making sure any games from the previous generation despite the company would be up to par. Frame rate wise at the least.
(Excluding some old Xbox/360 games, more on this later.)
Visually, the series s is powerful enough, however sometimes has a stutter in frames. This may happen usually once per gaming session. It seems to be something on the inside, perhaps even software or firmware associated, as it happens with all games at some point.
The console itself is one of the most impressive too me however due to size. Being smaller then an original ps2 and lighter. The particular part I am not a fan of is the fact that it feels like you are only suppose to set it one way, sideways with the fan up and the side vents out. Allowing it to breath very well.
Most times this does not run hot. The fan gets warm at the top, however it does not change the heat conditions of the room over time and seems to stay cool enough without additional help. This being stated, there are means to help that as well. Though I do not believe they are required and also take up a USB port.
When it is on, the only way you can truly tell is by the x being lite up and the sound that the console makes when turning on. Otherwise there is very little noise if any.
Ports are unique and somewhat plentiful. The USB ports give enough power to charge up items at what I would call a Normal pace. Nothing outstanding.
External hard drives/SSD work and are likely a requirement for this system as the internal SSD is lacking in space even compared to the PS5.
All of the series s/x specific games likely are required to be on the internal SSD. I don’t think that is a great thing, just like the PS5. Mostly because in a few years when we want to go upgrade those internal SSDs ourselves, it is likely we will only be allowed to use Sony and Xbox branded SSDs at the cost they want. However the additional memory is very easy to install, more so when compared to the PS5 which for the longest time didn’t want you inside at all.
For the most part, I will state the Xbox series S seems to be the player friendly choice. And the budget player choice as well.
Controller:
From the first, to this day I have never liked the Xbox controller. It just doesn’t feel like it’s meant for smaller hands. Joystick placement is weird. Buttons today are not color coded often (which for me helps).
The series controllers are slightly bigger then Xbox one. Still have classic vibration, however the vibrators(giggles like a school girl) are in the trigger section now Instead of the grip. Most reviewers will talk about the back of the controller having dots all over it to help with grip…. Or whatever. Honestly this has not made a difference to me and they did the same on the ps5 controller… only out there controller symbols all over it and I personally don’t like this on either controller. I can feel it in my fingers and it doesn’t feel goodly… it just feels like something is stuck to my fingers.
The best improvement is most definitely the share button. Which has made it so much easier to share clips and screenshots.
Their is something wrong with the Xbox series controllers when paired to the pc/laptop. I am not sure if this is because they need an update or what it truly is but I can state it’s embarrassing. Buttons are wonky, the right stick doesn’t work. However if you plug in with usb C connector it all works fine? What ever….
If series controllers are not your favored however. Xbox let’s you use previous ones from Xbox one to even 360. I’m not sure but ps4 might even work! Will test this out tonight….
Software and retro aspects:
The main display for the Xbox right now is really nice. But has some weaknesses.
Probably just me but I have yut to find a quicker off button for games. Often having to press the x box bottom to bring up the menu to click on the game to get the list up so you can turn the game off. Because If you don’t and just decide I’ll turn the console off…. It won’t turn the game off.
This is a neat feature but it bothers me because you may not even realize you have the game still going.
Again, cool feature, you can switch games seamlessly, walk away from the Xbox for a week and a half, Unplugged I might add. Come back, turn on the game and find out oh… you’re right where you left off…. (Yeah I did that… whoops!)
The obvious big feature for this Xbox is Gamepass. The budget gamers paradise. All be it…. When your games are available. Game pass is not the greatest service. Mostly because there are 2 different game passes. Xbox exclusive and pc exclusive. Both have picks that can only be used on each. For example Xbox 360 games are all free with Xbox game pass. They can not however be played on anything but a Xbox console. The same goes for certain pc games. Having not set themselves up for the Xbox console.
This being stated, at least it is available on the pc. EA all access has combined itself with gamepass and you can play any ea game they have on ea access which includes some favorites of mine from mass effect to dragon age.
You can of course also purchase games, you are not always bound to gamepass. Some people may not have understood that before. Gamepass is completely optional.
Many have stated the games are not usable without an internet connection. This I have found to be completely false as well. As long as you own the game and have it downloaded to the system you can play it(this also works for game pass games as I have fully tested several times)
Gamepass and streaming:
Obviously the biggest feature designed for gamepass was streaming. So how does the console do with it? Well from what I can tell, having tested it a few times, streaming a game is great in particular if you just want to try a game rather then download it. Most gamepass games are streamable but all can be directly downloaded.
Gamepass has perks you can download or activate for many games. Likely the free to play games will be seen the most. Sometimes they may even include a free game.
Games with gold 360 is going away soon. But ultimately this feature will likely stop soon anyway all together.
One feature I did want to get praise is the fact that if you have purchased an Xbox game such as halo mcc or infinite, on Steam, and have linked your Xbox account to your stream account. You will not be required to purchase another copy of this game on either platforms. (Digitally at least, can not confirm physical editions) So for me for example, I had halo mcc on steam and got the Xbox series s. Go to purchase the game for the series S and they’re like … no you already own it. Just download or hey! Try streaming it… I’m like :O….
Another thing to mention about gamepass is Bethesda and ID games are all here …. All free … except maybe dlcs which are offered at a discount price for gamepass.
Retro:
Microsoft decided to take care of the players. Allowing us to play games from previous consoles whenever we should want too. Even as far as the physical versions allowing for a download of the game digitally. This has been a feature since the Xbox one from my understanding. But there is something so satisfying with the knowledge that all the purchases I had from the 360 nearly a decade ago can come over. From video games to even digital videos.
Most older games have been updated to 60 fps. The only one I have found that has not is Fable 2 so far…. Not sure why… maybe just because it was difficult. But some games just don’t get much help yut. Probably a munny thing yus yus…
Overall worth:
If you’re someone like me whom just wants to play kingdom hearts on everything… this is the console you will want. Even if you want to push it to its limits, it will hold up at an exceptional level.
For backwards compatibility even being digital only, it just does things overall better.
Will it win prizes for best console? No. Could it? I would… but I lean towards it right now because the ps5 doesn’t seem very player friendly… which is odd
Anywho, that’s it for this one, I hope you luvs enjoyed it and found it informative… I have not figured out any hidden features just yut other then the mobile app works super well for sharing things. If I figure out any, I will share them.
