Best Microsoft – Xbox One S 500GB Console – Review xbox Buying Guide
Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB: A Retrospective Review and Buying Guide
The Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB was a significant step in the evolution of console gaming. Released as a slimmer, more affordable, and slightly more powerful version of the original Xbox One, the One S quickly became a popular choice for gamers looking to enter or upgrade within the Xbox ecosystem. While newer consoles like the Xbox Series X and S have taken center stage, the One S still holds relevance, particularly as a budget-friendly option or for those who primarily play older titles. This article delves into a comprehensive review of the Xbox One S 500GB, exploring its features, performance, and suitability in today’s gaming landscape. We’ll also provide a buying guide to help you make an informed decision about whether this console is right for you.
Design and Aesthetics: A Slim and Stylish Upgrade
The design of the Xbox One S marked a significant departure from the bulky, VCR-esque design of the original Xbox One. The One S is approximately 40% smaller, making it significantly more space-efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The matte white finish provides a clean and modern look that blends seamlessly with most entertainment setups. The textured surface adds a touch of sophistication, while the redesigned controller, also included in white, completes the package. This sleek design was widely praised for its improvement over its predecessor.
Beyond aesthetics, the design improvements included functional enhancements. The internal power supply eliminated the need for a large external power brick, further streamlining the console’s setup. The relocation of the USB port to the front of the console made it easier to connect peripherals. The inclusion of an IR blaster allowed the One S to control other devices, such as televisions and sound systems, adding a level of integration to your entertainment center. While these may seem like minor details, they collectively contributed to a more user-friendly and refined experience. The console also supports vertical orientation, which can be useful depending on your space constraints. The overall build quality feels solid and durable, suggesting that the console is built to last. However, be mindful of the glossy black strip on the front; it can be prone to fingerprints and scratches. The ventilation system is cleverly designed to keep the console cool even during extended gaming sessions. While the One S isn’t silent, the fan noise is generally minimal and unobtrusive.
Compared to its successor, the Xbox Series S, the One S has a slightly larger footprint but maintains a similar design philosophy. The Series S prioritizes compactness even further, sacrificing the disc drive in the process. The choice between the two often comes down to whether you prefer physical media or primarily rely on digital downloads and game streaming. For users heavily invested in physical games, the One S remains a viable option, even with the availability of newer consoles. In summary, the Xbox One S’s design is a successful blend of form and function, offering a significant improvement over the original Xbox One while maintaining a practical and user-friendly design.
Performance and Features: More Than Just a Slimmed-Down Xbox
The Xbox One S wasn’t just about aesthetics; it also offered performance enhancements over the original Xbox One. While the core processing power remained largely the same, the One S featured a slightly faster GPU, allowing for upscaling of games to 4K resolution. While this wasn’t native 4K gaming, it still provided a noticeable visual improvement, especially when paired with a 4K television. The console also supported HDR (High Dynamic Range), which offered a wider color gamut and improved contrast, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike visuals, providing your TV supported it.
Beyond gaming, the One S served as a capable media player. It supported 4K Blu-ray playback, allowing users to enjoy their favorite movies and TV shows in stunning detail. Streaming services like Netflix, Seller Prime Video, and Hulu also offered 4K HDR content, making the One S a versatile entertainment hub. The console’s HDMI 2.0a port was crucial for supporting these features, ensuring compatibility with the latest display technologies. The audio capabilities were also impressive, with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing immersive surround sound experiences. Whether you were gaming, watching movies, or listening to music, the One S delivered a high-quality audio-visual experience.
The 500GB hard drive provided ample storage for games, apps, and media. However, given the increasing size of games, many users found themselves needing to upgrade to an external hard drive. Thankfully, the One S supported external storage via USB 3.0, allowing for seamless expansion. The Xbox operating system was constantly evolving, with regular updates adding new features and improvements. The user interface was generally intuitive, although some users found it to be cluttered at times. The integration with Microsoft services, such as Xbox Live and Game Pass, was a major selling point. Xbox Live provided online multiplayer gaming and access to a vast library of games, while Game Pass offered access to a rotating catalog of titles for a monthly subscription fee. This service allowed you to play a vast range of older and newer titles for a fraction of the cost of buying them individually.
Let’s compare these points in the table below:
| Feature | Xbox One S (500GB) |
|---|---|
| Resolution Output | Upscaled 4K |
| HDR Support | Yes |
| Blu-ray Playback | 4K Blu-ray |
| Audio Support | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| Storage | 500GB HDD (expandable) |
The Xbox Game Library: A Vast and Diverse Selection
One of the strongest arguments for choosing an Xbox console has always been the extensive and diverse game library. The Xbox One S benefited from being part of the Xbox ecosystem, granting access to a vast catalog of titles spanning various genres. From action-packed shooters to immersive RPGs and family-friendly adventures, there was something for everyone. Blockbuster franchises like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza Motorsport were exclusive to the Xbox platform, providing compelling reasons for gamers to choose Xbox over the competition. These titles offered cutting-edge graphics, engaging gameplay, and immersive storylines, setting the standard for console gaming.
Beyond the exclusive titles, the Xbox One S also supported a wide range of third-party games, ensuring that players had access to all the latest and greatest releases. Games like Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, and Assassin’s Creed were all available on the Xbox platform, offering hours of entertainment. The console’s backward compatibility feature allowed players to enjoy select Xbox 360 games, further expanding the game library and providing access to classic titles. This was a significant advantage over competitors who lacked robust backward compatibility features. The ability to replay old favorites or discover hidden gems from the past added significant value to the Xbox One S.
The Xbox Game Pass service further enhanced the value proposition of the Xbox One S. With Game Pass, players gained access to a rotating library of hundreds of games for a monthly subscription fee. This included both first-party and third-party titles, offering a diverse selection to choose from. New games were added regularly, ensuring that there was always something new to play. Game Pass was a particularly attractive option for gamers who wanted to try out a variety of different games without having to purchase them individually. It also provided access to new releases on day one, allowing players to experience the latest titles without breaking the bank. The service truly revolutionized how people consume video games, making gaming more accessible and affordable for a wider audience.
Is the Xbox One S 500GB Still Worth Buying in [Current Year]?
In the current gaming landscape, with the Xbox Series X and S offering significantly more powerful hardware, the question arises: Is the Xbox One S 500GB still a worthwhile purchase? The answer depends largely on individual needs and circumstances. The One S remains a viable option for budget-conscious gamers who are not overly concerned with having the latest and greatest technology. It can be found at significantly lower prices than the newer consoles, making it an accessible entry point into the Xbox ecosystem. For casual gamers who primarily play older titles or subscribe to Xbox Game Pass, the One S can provide a satisfactory gaming experience.
However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations of the One S. Its processing power is significantly less than that of the Series X and S, meaning that it may struggle to run newer games at optimal settings. Load times will be longer, and graphical fidelity will be lower. If you’re a serious gamer who demands the best possible performance, the newer consoles are undoubtedly the better choice. However, for those on a tighter budget or who prioritize affordability over performance, the One S can still offer a decent gaming experience. Consider your budget, gaming habits, and desired level of graphical fidelity when making your decision.
Another factor to consider is the availability of games. While the Xbox One S is still compatible with many of the latest games, some newer titles may be optimized for the Series X and S, offering improved performance and features. The 500GB hard drive can also be a limiting factor, especially given the increasing size of games. Upgrading to an external hard drive is a viable option, but it adds to the overall cost. Finally, consider the long-term support for the console. While Microsoft continues to support the Xbox One family of consoles, it’s likely that support will eventually wane as the focus shifts to the newer consoles. The Xbox One S is still a capable console and can provide hours of entertainment. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a purchase, considering your budget, gaming habits, and expectations. The Xbox One S 500GB can be a viable and cost-effective entry point to the world of xbox, especially with the prevalence of cloud gaming options available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Xbox One S 500GB compatible with all Xbox One games?
Yes, the Xbox One S 500GB is compatible with all games designed for the Xbox One platform. This compatibility extends to both physical disc-based games and digital games purchased through the Xbox Store. You can seamlessly play any Xbox One title on your One S console without any compatibility issues. This ensures that you have access to a vast library of games spanning various genres and styles. It’s a great advantage for gamers who already own a collection of Xbox One games or who are looking to explore the extensive catalog available on the Xbox platform.
What are the main differences between the Xbox One S and the Xbox One X?
The Xbox One S and Xbox One X were both mid-generation refreshes of the original Xbox One, but they targeted different audiences. The One S focused on affordability and a slimmer design, offering upscaled 4K resolution and HDR support. In contrast, the One X was designed for performance, boasting significantly more powerful hardware that allowed for native 4K gaming and enhanced visuals. The One X also featured a larger hard drive and more memory, resulting in faster load times and smoother gameplay. While the One S was a good option for casual gamers on a budget, the One X catered to serious gamers who demanded the best possible performance and graphical fidelity. The price difference reflected these differing capabilities, with the One X being significantly more expensive than the One S.
Can I use an external hard drive with the Xbox One S 500GB?
Yes, you can definitely use an external hard drive with the Xbox One S 500GB. The console has multiple USB 3.0 ports specifically designed for connecting external storage devices. This is a crucial feature, especially given the relatively small size of the internal 500GB hard drive. Many modern games are quite large, often exceeding 50GB or even 100GB, so you’ll likely fill up the internal storage quickly. An external hard drive allows you to expand your storage capacity and install more games without having to constantly delete and reinstall titles. It’s recommended to use a USB 3.0 drive for faster data transfer speeds, which will improve load times and overall performance.
Does the Xbox One S 500GB support 4K gaming?
While the Xbox One S can upscale games to 4K resolution, it does not offer native 4K gaming in the same way as the Xbox One X or the newer Xbox Series X. Upscaling is a process where the console takes a lower-resolution image and stretches it to fit a 4K display. This can result in a sharper and more detailed image compared to playing at the original resolution, but it’s not the same as rendering the game natively in 4K. The One S also supports 4K video playback through Blu-ray and streaming services, allowing you to enjoy movies and TV shows in stunning detail. However, for true 4K gaming experiences, you’ll need to consider more powerful consoles like the Xbox One X or the newer Xbox Series X.
What is Xbox Game Pass, and is it worth it on the Xbox One S 500GB?
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that provides access to a library of hundreds of games for a monthly fee. This includes both first-party Xbox titles and third-party games spanning various genres. The library is constantly updated with new games being added and some being removed, ensuring that there’s always something new to play. Xbox Game Pass is particularly valuable on the Xbox One S 500GB because it allows you to play a wide variety of games without having to purchase them individually, which can be a significant cost saving. It’s a great way to discover new games and genres and provides excellent value for money, especially if you enjoy playing a variety of different titles. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate version also includes Xbox Live Gold, which is required for online multiplayer gaming.
Is the Xbox One S 500GB backwards compatible with Xbox 360 games?
Yes, the Xbox One S 500GB is backwards compatible with a select library of Xbox 360 games. Not all Xbox 360 games are compatible, but Microsoft has curated a list of titles that can be played on the Xbox One family of consoles. To play a backwards-compatible Xbox 360 game, you can either insert the original disc or purchase a digital copy from the Xbox Store. The Xbox One S will then emulate the Xbox 360 environment, allowing you to play the game as if it were running on the original console. This is a great way to revisit classic games from the Xbox 360 era and expand your game library without having to purchase a separate console. The backwards compatibility feature is a significant advantage of the Xbox platform.
Where can I buy the Xbox One S 500GB in [Current Year], and how much does it cost?
Where is the best place to purchase it?
Is it worth buying preowned to save more?
Finding a brand-new Xbox One S 500GB in [Current Year] might be challenging, as retailers are increasingly focusing on selling the newer Xbox Series X and S consoles. However, you can still explore online marketplaces like Seller, eBay, and Craigslist. Check local retailers, especially those that sell used or refurbished electronics. Prices vary greatly based on condition and seller but expect to find them in the range of $100-$200. When buying from online marketplaces, pay close attention to the seller’s reputation, and read reviews carefully. Consider buying certified refurbished units from reputable sources. Before purchasing a pre-owned console, carefully inspect its physical condition for signs of damage or wear and tear. Check the ports, buttons, and disc drive to ensure they are functioning correctly. Ask the seller about the console’s history and usage patterns. Buying pre-owned can save you money, but be prepared for the possibility of minor cosmetic imperfections. If possible, test the console before buying to ensure that it is in good working order.
Price: $212.99
(as of Sep 11, 2025 14:29:00 UTC – Details)
