When Microsoft launched the Xbox One S in 2016, it wasn't just a routine hardware refresh; it was a complete course correction for a console generation that had stumbled out of the gate. The original 2013 Xbox One was bulky, expensive, and weighed down by an ambitious bundle featuring the Kinect sensor. The Xbox One S stripped away the bloat, shrank the footprint by 40 percent, and introduced vital media features like 4K video playback and High Dynamic Range (HDR) support. If you're weighing these two systems today, the differences go far beyond a fresh coat of paint.
The core divergence between these two consoles lies in form factor, media capabilities, and minor internal optimizations. While both systems share the same foundational architecture—an 8-core AMD Jaguar CPU—the Xbox One S features a slightly faster graphics processing unit and integrated power supply. Understanding how these engineering changes affect everyday gaming and media consumption helps clarify why the "S" model became the definitive version of the base eighth-generation hardware.
Design, Footprint, and Power Supply Redesign
The original Xbox One was an industrial monolith. Measuring roughly 13.1 x 10.8 x 3.1 inches and weighing 7.8 pounds, it demanded significant real estate in an entertainment center. Compounding this issue was its external power supply brick—a heavy, cumbersome component that required its own dedicated floor space behind your media console.
Microsoft addressed these physical complaints directly with the Xbox One S:
- Dimensions: The console shrank down to 11.6 x 9.0 x 2.5 inches, representing a roughly 40 percent reduction in overall volume.
- Weight: It dropped to 6.4 pounds, making it noticeably lighter and easier to transport.
- Power Supply: Engineers managed to squeeze the power supply directly inside the chassis, eliminating the external brick entirely while keeping the unit cool.
- Orientation: Unlike the original model—which was strictly designed to lay flat—the Xbox One S introduced official vertical placement via a specialized stand.
Physical interface choices also shifted. Microsoft removed the finicky capacitive touch power button from the original model, replacing it with a tactile physical button that stopped accidental shutdowns caused by pets or dusting. They also removed the dedicated Kinect port entirely, meaning owners of the motion camera needed a separate USB adapter to use it on the newer hardware.
Graphics, Performance, and HDR Capabilities
Under the hood, the generational gap between the two machines is narrower than their physical appearance suggests, but the performance tweaks matter. Both consoles utilize an 8-core AMD custom CPU paired with 8GB of RAM. However, the original Xbox One features a GPU clocked at 853MHz yielding 1.31 teraflops of performance, while the Xbox One S bumps the GPU clock up to 914MHz, delivering roughly 1.4 teraflops.
In practical gaming terms, this minor boost rarely translates to a noticeable leap in native game resolution or frame rates. Most titles run at similar parameters on both machines. Where the Xbox One S pulls ahead decisively is in its video output hardware:
- HDR Support: The Xbox One S supports HDR10 for compatible games and media, offering richer contrast and a wider color gamut. The original Xbox One lacks HDR functionality entirely.
- 4K Media Playback: Equipped with an HDMI 2.0 port and a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, the Xbox One S handles native 4K video streaming (from apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime) and physical 4K discs. The original model maxes out at 1080p.
- Upscaling: The S model can upscale standard 1080p games to 4K if you're playing on a compatible modern television set.
Neither console renders modern video games natively in 4K—that milestone belongs to later hardware revisions like the Xbox One X. For standard 1080p displays, the visual difference in games is minimal, but home theater enthusiasts immediately benefit from the S model's media upgrades.
Controller Evolution and Connectivity
Peripherals and input options also evolved during this hardware transition. The controller bundled with the original Xbox One relied on proprietary wireless protocols, requiring a separate adapter to connect to a Windows PC.
The revised controller packaged with the Xbox One S introduced two major upgrades:
- Bluetooth Support: You can pair the controller directly to Windows laptops, phones, and tablets without needing a dongle.
- Textured Grip: The back of the handles features a micro-texture pattern that improves grip during long gaming sessions.
On the console itself, connectivity saw adjustments. The Xbox One S integrated an IR blaster, allowing you to program the console to power on your television or audio receiver directly. It also upgraded the onboard Wi-Fi from standard 802.11n to dual-band 802.11ac for more stable wireless downloads. Both systems retain three USB 3.0 ports for external storage expansion and accessories.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Between Them
When picking up older hardware for a secondary room, a retro setup, or a budget-friendly media player, buyers often stumble into a few common traps:
- Assuming the S model runs games at 4K: Many shoppers see "4K Ultra HD" on the Xbox One S box and assume games render at that resolution. In reality, the 4K label applies strictly to video streaming and Blu-ray movie playback; games still render at standard console resolutions.
- Overlooking Kinect compatibility: If you or your family still use original Kinect games or fitness apps, buying an Xbox One S requires hunting down a discontinued USB adapter cable, as the native port is completely absent.
- Ignoring storage limits: Base models for both versions launched with 500GB hard drives. Given that modern game patches easily exceed 50GB per title, a 500GB drive fills up rapidly. Always check if you're buying a 500GB or 1TB variant, or plan to hook up an external USB 3.0 hard drive.
For more details on Microsoft's hardware lineup, you can review the official Xbox Support Hub. To explore the broader history of interactive entertainment, check out the Strong National Museum of Play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can original Xbox One games run on the Xbox One S?
Yes. Both consoles share the exact same software ecosystem. Every physical and digital game built for the original Xbox One works identically on the Xbox One S, alongside the catalog of backwards-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles.
Do I need a 4K TV to use an Xbox One S?
No. The console works perfectly fine with standard 1080p or even 720p televisions. It automatically scales its video output to match the maximum resolution your display supports.
Is the Xbox One S quieter than the original Xbox One?
Generally, yes. Because Microsoft refined the internal thermal architecture and integrated a more efficient power supply, the Xbox One S tends to run slightly quieter and cooler under heavy loads than the bulky 2013 launch model.
Can the Xbox One S play standard DVDs and CDs?
Yes. Alongside 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays and standard Blu-ray discs, the optical drive on the Xbox One S reads standard DVDs and audio CDs just like the original model.
