Xbox Series S - Questions from a noob
Discussion
Ok bear with me, I understand this has probably been covered over a million times but stick with me 
Xbox series S, talk to me.
Now I haven’t had a games console for probably about 8-9 years, so this is going to be as casual as casual gaming can be. We’re talking, when the kids are in bed and the wife doesn’t want to watch anything, or when they are out. We’re not talking hours at a time, and only games like FIFA, F1, Gran Turismo etc.
Purist option is to obviously go Series X, but do I really need to bother with all that extra expenditure? For a few hours a week on games like that I assume the Series S will be perfectly adequate?
Any opinions greatly appreciated, and happy for you all to tell me I’m wrong haha.
Then on to games themselves. How does games pass work, and is that the better option that just buying games themselves (appreciated I wouldn’t be able to buy physical games for Series S). Are digital games generally cheaper or more expensive?
Sorry, I’m out of touch haha, thank you!!
Xbox series S, talk to me.
Now I haven’t had a games console for probably about 8-9 years, so this is going to be as casual as casual gaming can be. We’re talking, when the kids are in bed and the wife doesn’t want to watch anything, or when they are out. We’re not talking hours at a time, and only games like FIFA, F1, Gran Turismo etc.
Purist option is to obviously go Series X, but do I really need to bother with all that extra expenditure? For a few hours a week on games like that I assume the Series S will be perfectly adequate?
Any opinions greatly appreciated, and happy for you all to tell me I’m wrong haha.
Then on to games themselves. How does games pass work, and is that the better option that just buying games themselves (appreciated I wouldn’t be able to buy physical games for Series S). Are digital games generally cheaper or more expensive?
Sorry, I’m out of touch haha, thank you!!
It means that you won't be able to pop into the shop or go online to buy physical discs. So you will miss out on 2nd hand games, think 3 games for £10 etc.
I've found that digital games tend to be at RRP, unless there is a promotion of some kind.
Also you'll need to have a reasonably quick internet connection to download all the games you want.
Game Pass is a bit like Netflix. You pay a monthly subscription, and you have access to all the games advertised.
You can "keep" or play them as long as you like, or until it's pulled from the site.
Otherwise if you're not too bothered with 4k gaming at 120hz, then it's a cheaper option.
I've found that digital games tend to be at RRP, unless there is a promotion of some kind.
Also you'll need to have a reasonably quick internet connection to download all the games you want.
Game Pass is a bit like Netflix. You pay a monthly subscription, and you have access to all the games advertised.
You can "keep" or play them as long as you like, or until it's pulled from the site.
Otherwise if you're not too bothered with 4k gaming at 120hz, then it's a cheaper option.
bunchofkeys said:
It means that you won't be able to pop into the shop or go online to buy physical discs. So you will miss out on 2nd hand games, think 3 games for £10 etc.
I've found that digital games tend to be at RRP, unless there is a promotion of some kind.
Also you'll need to have a reasonably quick internet connection to download all the games you want.
Game Pass is a bit like Netflix. You pay a monthly subscription, and you have access to all the games advertised.
You can "keep" or play them as long as you like, or until it's pulled from the site.
Otherwise if you're not too bothered with 4k gaming at 120hz, then it's a cheaper option.
Do you have to buy games digitally from Microsoft, or do other places do them? If you've downloaded and purchased a game, and then want to uninstall it to make space for another, I assume its not lost forever?I've found that digital games tend to be at RRP, unless there is a promotion of some kind.
Also you'll need to have a reasonably quick internet connection to download all the games you want.
Game Pass is a bit like Netflix. You pay a monthly subscription, and you have access to all the games advertised.
You can "keep" or play them as long as you like, or until it's pulled from the site.
Otherwise if you're not too bothered with 4k gaming at 120hz, then it's a cheaper option.
Internet speed isn't a problem. Assuming it is all wireless connectivity, doesn't have to be 'plumbed' in to the router?
Fusss said:
Alorotom said:
If its only casual gaming and not being wedded to specific titles would Google Stadia not be a viable option?
You might have to educate me on this, never even heard of it!! Your other option is to look at the last gen consoles - PS4 Pro or Xbox X (or S); I was in the same predicament as you at the start of the year, thinking about getting a current gen but ended up picking up a cheap Xbox S for £150 and it's been great. I'm using Game Pass too as it has a huge selection of games that you can dip in and out of. I'm not 100% sure but I'm sure I downloaded a game on Game Pass that is now no longer available via GP, but I can still start it and play it, so my concern about only being able to play a game for a short period of time seems unfounded.
If you go with a digital-only console, you can only officially buy games from the Microsoft Store online, which means paying their prices even for old games. There is probably a jailbreak option but I've never looked into it.
Bear in mind with the S the storage is limited and you'll soon run out if you have a lot of games - you can use third party storage devices but lose some speed in loading etc. The official Seagate 1Tb drive is pricey and if you buy that you may as well have got an X. Still, a good console and value for money.
I was in the same boat as you.
I bought an S to play FH5 on with friends.
I pay for Gamepass ultimate so I can use the game and play online.
The machine just works, it plays to my LG OLED in 4k (I think, HDR comes up on my screen).
I have down loaded some other games but they bore me so I've deleted them.
It's a relatively cheap way to play games and is super easy to use.
I bought an S to play FH5 on with friends.
I pay for Gamepass ultimate so I can use the game and play online.
The machine just works, it plays to my LG OLED in 4k (I think, HDR comes up on my screen).
I have down loaded some other games but they bore me so I've deleted them.
It's a relatively cheap way to play games and is super easy to use.
Sheetmaself said:
Agreed with the above. I generally have 2 hours per week free to play.
I have the S and Gamepass which is plenty for me. F1 and Forza Horizon are on gamepass along with FIFA so everything i need.
How much is game pass? Is it a monthly fee?I have the S and Gamepass which is plenty for me. F1 and Forza Horizon are on gamepass along with FIFA so everything i need.
Do new games go on immediately, for example when new F1 and FIFA games are released are they available immediately to play on games pass?
Do you download them from gamepass? How does save games work etc?
Fusss said:
How much is game pass? Is it a monthly fee?
Do new games go on immediately, for example when new F1 and FIFA games are released are they available immediately to play on games pass?
Do you download them from gamepass? How does save games work etc?
Google the gamepass for £1 a month trick. Excellent value Do new games go on immediately, for example when new F1 and FIFA games are released are they available immediately to play on games pass?
Do you download them from gamepass? How does save games work etc?
Yes but only certain games. All Microsoft games hit gamepass straight away and some others.
Yes you download them. Saves in cloud. With gamepass ultimate you can also stream games but it can be a bit laggy.
colin79666 said:
Google the gamepass for £1 a month trick. Excellent value
Yes but only certain games. All Microsoft games hit gamepass straight away and some others.
Yes you download them. Saves in cloud. With gamepass ultimate you can also stream games but it can be a bit laggy.
Googled the trick and not completely sure how it works haha, sorry!Yes but only certain games. All Microsoft games hit gamepass straight away and some others.
Yes you download them. Saves in cloud. With gamepass ultimate you can also stream games but it can be a bit laggy.
I'm going to take the plunge on the Series S, suits my needs, no need for anything more. Actually got an option for a basically brand new one second hand for £120 if I want it, probably will take it to be fair at that price it doesn't really matter if I don't really use it too much.
I managed to log in to my old Xbox Live account from yeeeaaaars ago. Obviously haven't been paying a live subscription for years but there is a 1 month games pass trial for £1 offer on there, how do I convert that to the trick/deal?
Scooobydont said:
Buy up to 3 years of xbox live gold (from cd keys for example) and then convert it to 3 years ultimate pass for £1 on the xbox. You will get 3 years game pass for approx £120.
Ok great I will try that, thank you. Is there anything else special you need to do? The £1 offer says it switches to 10.99/month after the trial, do you cancel it or does the Xbox Gold taking it up just cancel that?you buy the Argentinian xbox live gold redeem it on vpn then when you sign in accept the convert gold to ultimate for £1 then cancel the recurring billing then you have ultimate for 3 years usually for about £82
actually even cheaper now from turkey https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/12-month-xbox-liv... £22.17 so £67.51 for 3 years
actually even cheaper now from turkey https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/12-month-xbox-liv... £22.17 so £67.51 for 3 years
Edited by Trustmeimadoctor on Tuesday 12th April 16:54
Trustmeimadoctor said:
you buy the Argentinian xbox live gold redeem it on vpn then when you sign in accept the convert gold to ultimate for £1 then cancel the recurring billing then you have ultimate for 3 years usually for about £82
actually even cheaper now from turkey https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/12-month-xbox-liv... £22.17 so £67.51 for 3 years
Thank you. Sorry you'll have to excuse my lack of know how here. What do you mean by VPN, and how do you do that??actually even cheaper now from turkey https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/12-month-xbox-liv... £22.17 so £67.51 for 3 years
Edited by Trustmeimadoctor on Tuesday 12th April 16:54
Fusss said:
Thank you. Sorry you'll have to excuse my lack of know how here. What do you mean by VPN, and how do you do that??
you ned a vpn ( virtual private network) to make it look like your machine is in turkey or where even the codes are for you add the codes to your account then when you sign back in on your xbox you have live on there i use https://www.expressvpn.com/ others are available and some free ones but a free vpn isnt a great idea
As others have said, the S is digital only.
I picked up a second hand Xbox one off Facebook for £60. It's been through cash converters 4x judging by the stickers on it.
But, now had it 4 years and it soldiers on fine.
Good thing is, older games are pittance. Jnr is 5, and with pocket money etc we go to CEX, and for £6 he can get a Lego game that he likes etc.
If it's casual/for the kids, cheap wins for me. If/when the £60 blows up or melts itself, I'll just get another off Facebook.
I picked up a second hand Xbox one off Facebook for £60. It's been through cash converters 4x judging by the stickers on it.
But, now had it 4 years and it soldiers on fine.
Good thing is, older games are pittance. Jnr is 5, and with pocket money etc we go to CEX, and for £6 he can get a Lego game that he likes etc.
If it's casual/for the kids, cheap wins for me. If/when the £60 blows up or melts itself, I'll just get another off Facebook.
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