Xbox Series X Digital Edition: A Solid Choice with a Pricey Catch
Xbox Series X Digital Edition: A Two-Minute Review
The Xbox Series X Digital Edition is one of the latest additions to Microsoft’s current-gen console family, ditching the disc drive entirely to offer a gaming console at a lower, more attractive price point. For those who want Microsoft’s most powerful current-gen console without breaking the bank, the Digital Edition is a compelling option, coming in $50/£50 cheaper than its flagship counterpart, the Xbox Series X. And, if you’re not fussed about owning physical copies of the best Xbox Series X games, this all-digital console is the way to go.
The Pros: Quiet Operation and Aesthetics
The Xbox Series X Digital Edition is also an excellent choice if you appreciate the appeal of Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s digital games-on-demand subscription service, which lets you download hundreds of games at a monthly or annual fee. The less-powerful Xbox Series S console is great for Game Pass, too, but with this Series X model, you’ll be getting full-fledged current-gen gaming experiences with no graphical compromises.
From an aesthetic standpoint, I actually prefer the Robot White color scheme of the Digital Edition over the Carbon Black of the disc-drive console (not to mention the rather gaudy Galaxy Black of the new 2TB model). Of course, the aesthetic difference has no bearing on overall performance, and you’re getting an identical experience compared to the disc-drive model – just like it and the Xbox Series S.
The Cons: Lower Storage Capabilities and Price Tag
That being said, I still think the Xbox Series X Digital Edition’s price tag still err on the higher side, coming in at $449.99/£429.99. While this does match the price of the PS5 Slim Digital Edition in the US, it’s £40 more expensive than Sony’s all-digital machine in the UK. On top of that, the Xbox Series X Digital Edition only comes with around 800GB of usable storage (roughly 200GB is taken up by the operating system) compared to the PS5 Slim’s approximate 850GB.
The Verdict: Worth the Investment?
In conclusion, while the Xbox Series X Digital Edition has its strengths, the price tag might be a bit daunting, especially considering the lower storage capabilities. If you’re set on getting your hands on this console, I’d recommend considering the Xbox Series S, priced more attractively at $349.99/£299.99. However, if you’re invested in the Xbox ecosystem and don’t mind the slightly higher cost, the Digital Edition is still a great option for those who want the best of the best in the world of gaming.
Table: Xbox Series X Digital Edition vs Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S
| Xbox Series X Digital Edition | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99/£429.99 | $499.99/£479.99 | $349.99/£299.99 |
| Dimensions | 5.9in x 5.9in x 11.9in/15.1cm x 15.1cm x 30.1cm | 5.9in x 5.9in x 11.9in/15.1cm x 15.1cm x 30.1cm | 2.6in x 5.9in x 10.8in/6.5cm x 15.1cm x 27.5cm |
| Weight | 9.8lbs (4.5kg) | 9.8lbs (4.5kg) | 4.25lbs (1.9kg) |
| Capacity | 1TB SSD | 1TB SSD (2TB on the Galaxy Black Edition) | 1TB SSD (512GB on the standard model) |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6, Ethernet | WiFi 6, Ethernet | WiFi 6, Ethernet |
| CPU | Custom Zen 2 CPU | Custom Zen 2 CPU | Custom Zen 2 CPU |
| GPU | Custom RDNA 2 GPU | Custom RDNA 2 GPU | Custom RDNA 2 GPU |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB | 10GB |
| Memory bandwidth | 10 GB at 560 GB/s, 6 GB at 336 GB/s | 10 GB at 560 GB/s, 6 GB at 336 GB/s | 8 GB at 224 GB/s, 2 GB at 56 GB/s |
| Ports | 3 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x power, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x Storage expansion | 3 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x power, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x Storage expansion | 3 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x power, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x Storage expansion |
How I Tested the Xbox Series X Digital Edition
I tested the Xbox Series X Digital Edition over a period of a week and a half, pairing it with the included Robot White Xbox Wireless Controller and my LG CX OLED TV, which let me make use of features like 4K/120fps support as well as HDR and variable refresh rate. I tested a variety of games from my existing Xbox library, including AAA hits like Forza Horizon 4, Sea of Thieves, and Elden Ring, alongside indie favorites like Hollow Knight and Vampire Survivors. I also played backwards compatible titles like Ridge Racer 6, Sonic Unleashed, and Crimson Skies.
Overall, I found performance to be in step with the original Xbox Series X when comparing the two models directly, with no noticeable downgrades or improvements. Rest assured that if you’re opting for the Digital Edition, you’ll be getting a true Xbox Series X experience at a lower price point.
