It’s a new day, and there’s a new Xbox Series S. The 1TB Carbon Black model that just dropped is a welcome addition to the lineup, and not just because it provides a different hue that switches your style at home.
The 1TB Xbox Series S launches alongside arguably the most important Xbox Series X/S game of the year (if not ever): Starfield. Available to the masses this week, the Bethesda game requires a whopping 125GB of local storage. That’s one third of the available space on the original 512GB Series S. Wondering if the latest Xbox is right for you? We got our hands on the new model to help you decide.
The Xbox Series S is back, in black, with twice as much storage. It's a worthy upgrade to avoid buying more storage or micromanaging installations.
What else is new with this Xbox Series S?
By doubling its internal storage, the new Xbox Series S doesn’t fill up as quickly once you’ve installed Starfield. Instead, the expansive space adventure game fills around 16% of this new model’s 802GB of available storage. In exchange for that increased storage, this Series S costs $50 more, going up to $350. Previously, you’d wind up spending much more on the Seagate 512GB Xbox expansion card.
Otherwise, you’re simply getting a black version of the white Xbox Series S, which is a slimmer version of the Series X — a slab to its big brother’s square column. Also included is a black version of the included Xbox Wireless Controller, replacing the white controller that comes with the $300 starting Xbox Series S with 512GB of storage.
The one aesthetic knock I have against the Xbox Series S Carbon Black is that its circular vent cover is now the same hue as its overall casing, so you lose the artful two-tone design. The original Series S earned some charm for that look and always reminded me of New York’s black-and-white cookie.
What’s staying the same on the 1TB Xbox Series S?
A perfect companion to Xbox Game Pass — since it’s an all-digital, no-disc console — the 1TB Xbox Series S still feels like a great deal even at $50 more.
The new Series S is still able to play games at up to 120 frames per second for extra smoothness, but its other specs are still lesser than that of the $500 Xbox Series X. Both Series S consoles offer 4 teraflops of processing power and a maximum resolution of 1440p, sitting in the shadow of the Series X’s 12 teraflops and 4K gaming capabilities. The Series X also packs a disc drive, giving you the added option of playing physical games as well as your favorite 4K Blu-rays. You may not need these features (or know the difference between a teraflop and a gigawatt), but the Series X is still the better pick for folks who want to make the most of their 4K TV.
If you want your gaming console to double as a streaming device, rest easy. The new Xbox Series S is still able to stream shows and movies in 4K from the likes of Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+. We expect the 1TB Xbox Series S to be a hot item this holiday, so if you’re interested in taking one home in time for big releases like Starfield, Forza Motorsport and Mortal Kombat 1, we’d recommend acting sooner than later.
