The new Xbox console lineup is almost here, and as expected, much of the press attention is focused on the Xbox Series X, the direct rival of the PlayStation 5. However, both manufacturers offer digital alternatives that are likely to be more interesting for those users set on prioritizing price-to-performance. On the Redmond side, that alternative is the Xbox Series S, and the Modern Vintage Gamer on YouTube has put together excellent coverage that also includes the full disassembly of the console.
Xbox Series S: A More Competitive Option?
The year 2020 has been a whirlwind in terms of hardware. We have new processors, new graphics cards, and of course, new gaming consoles. Microsoft and Sony, Xbox and PlayStation, will once again step into the ring to measure their strengths and seduce a legion of players who want better graphics and more speed. In mid-March we shared several technical details about the PlayStation 5 and compared them with the Xbox Series X offering. Overall, both systems are very evenly matched, and the quality of their games will be decisive.
But those consoles represent half of the equation. In this generation, both companies made a serious bet on the digital edition concept, with units that receive and install their games over the internet. In the case of the PlayStation 5, its digital variant has the same hardware as the standard edition, which is why its price loses a bit of competitiveness. However, the Xbox Series S has several adjustments in its specifications (for example, half the processing capacity and a slower GPU), but it compensates with a price of just 300 euros.
How to Take Apart the Xbox Series S
It must be acknowledged that the specialized press hasn't given the same level of attention to these more affordable alternatives, but one of the exceptions was the Modern Vintage Gamer on YouTube, who got an Xbox Series S and, after publishing a series of videos that include a general review and the use of ray tracing in certain games, today shared the full teardown of the console. The first detail to highlight is that his unit has no warranty strips. The two Torx T8 screws are hidden under two labels, and the initial entry into the console presents no major obstacles.
The second phase of the teardown is to remove the green Torx T10 screws, which are much longer than expected. Once the top cover is removed, we discover a design that reminds us of those old 10 or 20 megabyte hard drives from the mid-'80s. When removing the metal shield, the fan and the power supply are completely exposed. Another relevant detail here is that the Xbox Series S has only one internal cable, which belongs to the fan. The rest of its elements are modular and connect directly to the PCB. Both the format and the connector of the power supply are proprietary from start to finish, and on its plastic we can see a small seal with Master Chief's helmet.
When studying its PCB more closely, the Xbox Series S reveals a debug header, and MVG basically hinted that if someone wants to hack the console, they should start there. All ports have small pads, with the goal of reducing noise, dust ingress, and other things we prefer to keep away. The modules are held in place with the help of Torx T10 screws, and to remove the PCB, we must first release a mechanism over the USB port.
Finally, the console gives us a small surprise: the solid storage is not soldered, but uses a conventional m.2 slot. Considering the digital profile of the Xbox Series S, I imagine there will be many users interested in expanding its capacity (of the 512 GB, 360 are available), but it's likely that Microsoft won't resist its own nature, and the drives are somehow associated with the motherboard, preventing their replacement. Personally, I hope they make an exception this time.
Xbox Series S at 300 Euros: Yes or No?
Despite the adjustments in its specifications, the Xbox Series S is shaping up as a very attractive option for those who want access to the latest generation of games without making an extreme investment. Logically, we have doubts about the durability or the future value of a console that only receives games digitally, but Microsoft responded with access to GamePass and superior backward compatibility. I must also admit (grudgingly) that a 300-euro PC is not necessarily in a position to compete (for now) with an Xbox Series S when it comes to gaming. Are you thinking about an Xbox Series S for the holiday season? Leave a comment!
