If you’re having trouble figuring out the differences between the Xbox One consoles, you aren’t alone! With three separate iterations, it’s completely understandable to be confused about the differences between each. It used to be the case that only one Xbox One model existed back when it first launched in 2013. Now, though, Microsoft offers up multiple options to let Xbox gamers play in their preferred way.
In this handy guide, we’ll break down which Xbox One model does what and analyse all their different features, all in the hope of highlighting which version you might have or the best for your Xbox gaming needs.
If you’re looking to grab an Xbox One console you will do well to get a new "sealed" unit. Most deals available are either refurbished or secondhand due to Microsoft officially retiring the Xbox One model in December 2020. Since then, Microsoft has released its Xbox Series console range, take a look at our additional guide if you’re looking to compare the Xbox Series models.
If you know which console you're interested in, please click below to jump to your console of choice:
The Xbox One X
(Not to be confused with the Xbox Series X Console)
Console Lifespan: 2017 – 2020
Release Price: $499 / £449
Previously known as Project Scorpio, the Xbox One X console was formally announced at the 2017 E3 conference. 40% more powerful than any other console on the market, the Xbox One X is designed as a competitor to Sony's benchmark console, the PS4 Pro. Capable of playing games in stunning 4K resolution at a staggering 60fps, the One X is the console of choice for those who want only the best when it comes to performance and graphics.
Xbox One X Tech Specs
| Dimensions |
30cm x 24cm x 6cm |
| Processor |
Custom CPU @ 2.3 GHz, 8
cores |
| Storage |
1TB (expandable with external USB hard drive) |
| Memory |
12GB of GDDR5 RAM at 6.8GHz with 326 GB/s bandwidth |
| Graphics |
Custom GPU @ 1.172 GHz, 40 CUs, Polaris features, 6.0 TFLOPS |
| HDMI resolution and framerate |
2160p @ 60Hz, AMD FreeSync, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate (when ratified) |
| Ports |
HDMI-in; HDMI-out; one front-facing USB 3.0 ; two rear-facing USB 3.0; IR receiver/blaster; SPDIF digital audio; Ethernet |
| Kinect Port |
External USB Adapter |
Optical Drive
|
4K UHD Blu Ray |
| PSU |
245W, Internal |
Xbox One X FAQs
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When was the Xbox One X released?
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The One X was released on November 7th, 2017.
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What is the Xbox One X Scorpio edition?
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The Scorpio edition of the One X is a special version, designed for early adopters. It comes with various cosmetic differences, including a printed pattern and serial number on the console and the Scorpio name on the controller. There are no differences in the spec between the two versions of the console.
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How much more powerful is the Xbox One X compared to the Xbox One and Xbox One S?
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The One X has around 4.5 times the graphical capability of the original Xbox One. Though the One S is capable of upscaling certain games to 4K, the One X can display games at this resolution natively, with processor power to spare that means some games will also play at 60fps.
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Is the One X backwards compatible with the two current Xbox One models?
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The Xbox One X is backwards compatible with both games, and accessories such as Kinect (via an adaptor) and wireless controllers. The One X is an upgrade to the existing software found in the Xbox One and One S consoles, and it will continue to play the same catalogue of games with the same accessories.
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Is it worth getting the One X if I don't have a 4K TV?
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If you're determined to have the best Xbox money can buy, or own a 4K TV, then it's worth buying the Xbox One X but it depends on your budget. Otherwise, the difference in quality might not justify the cost.
The Xbox One S
(Not to be confused with the Xbox Series S Console)
Console Lifespan: 2016 – 2020
Release Price: $299 / £249
Released in 2016, the Xbox One S console was an upgrade to the original Xbox One console. It is now by far the most popular version of the console as it has a budget price tag compared to the pro model, the Xbox One X. Even with the One X surpassing it technically, the price difference will likely ensure the S remains the most popular One model. Unless you are a hardcore gamer, the Xbox One S will likely be the Xbox console of choice for you too.
Xbox One S Tech Specs
| Dimensions |
29.5cm x 23cm x 6.5cm |
| Processor |
Custom Jaguar CPU @1.75GHz, 8 cores |
| Storage |
500GB, 1TB or 2TB HDD (expandable with external USB hard drive) |
| Memory |
8 GB DDR3 @ 68 GB/s, 32 MB ESRAM @ 218 GB/s |
| Graphics |
Custom GPU @ 914 MHz, 12 CUs, 1.4 TFLOPS |
| HDMI resolution and framerate |
2160p @ 60Hz |
| Ports |
HDMI-in; HDMI-out; one front-facing USB 3.0 ; two rear-facing USB 3.0; IR receiver/blaster; SPDIF digital audio; Ethernet |
| Kinect Port |
External USB Adapter |
Optical Drive
|
4K UHD Blu Ray |
| PSU |
120W, Internal |
Xbox One S FAQs
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Has the Xbox One S replaced the original console?
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Not entirely, however, it is becoming harder and harder to find original consoles. Most bundles we compare now include the One S.
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Will the Xbox One X replace the Xbox One S?
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The Xbox One X is intended to compete with the PS4 Pro version, and will likely cater to hardcore gamers who are willing to spend more on their gaming setup. The One S will likely continue as the most popular version of the One for the remainder of the console's lifespan. Therefore it's extremely unlikely that the Xbox One X will replace the Xbox One S any time soon.
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How much smaller is the Xbox One S compared to the Xbox One?
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The Xbox One S is a smaller console compared to the original Xbox One by approximately 40%, making it a much neater-looking console to own.
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What can the Xbox One S do that the original Xbox One can't?
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As well as being slightly more powerful, the big advantage of the One S is that it supports HDR gaming. It can also play Blu-rays in 4K, but not games. Oh, and it can stand on its side, too.
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What storage options can you get with the Xbox One S?
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The One S is available in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB versions. It also supports external hard-drives to expand the memory.
The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition
Console Lifespan: 2019 – 2020
Release Price: $249 / £199
Released in May 2019, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition looks and works just like the original Xbox One S hardware revision released in 2016. It differs in that it completely removes the optical disc drive included with all prior Xbox One models, being the perfect console variant for anyone looking to subtract physical games from their lives and prefer to store them digitally.
Xbox One S All-Digital Tech Specs
| Dimensions |
29.5cm x 23cm x 6.5cm |
| Processor |
Custom Jaguar CPU @1.75GHz, 8 cores |
| Storage |
1TB HDD (expandable with external USB hard drive) |
| Memory |
8 GB DDR3 @ 68 GB/s, 32 MB ESRAM @ 218 GB/s |
| Graphics |
Custom GPU @ 914 MHz, 12 CUs, 1.4 TFLOPS |
| HDMI resolution and framerate |
2160p @ 60Hz |
| Ports |
HDMI-in; HDMI-out; one front-facing USB 3.0 ; two rear-facing USB 3.0; IR receiver/blaster; SPDIF digital audio; Ethernet |
| Kinect Port |
External USB Adapter |
Optical Drive
|
None |
| PSU |
120W, Internal |
Xbox One S All-Digital FAQs
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Will the All-Digital Edition replace the One S?
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No. The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition will sit alongside the standard Xbox One S, giving players the option to play games exclusively via download or digitally as well as physically.
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How much does the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition cost?
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The current retail price in the UK is £199.99, and that includes three games Minecraft, Forza Horizon 3 and Sea of Thieves bundled in.
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What storage options can you get Xbox One S All-Digital Edition in?
-
The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition isn't available with anything less than 1TB of storage. This is important considering that all games played on it will need to be installed natively on the hard drive.
Xbox One (original)
Console Lifespan: 2014 – 2017
Release Price: $249 / £199
The original Xbox One was first released in 2014 as Microsoft's entry for the eighth console generation, the original Xbox One remains a powerful piece of kit. Since the introduction of the One S in 2016, the original console is now classed as the "original" console.
Xbox One (original) Specs
| Dimensions |
34.3cm x 26.3cm 8cm |
| Processor |
Custom Jaguar CPU @1.75GHz, 8 cores |
| Storage |
500GB, 1TB HDD |
| Memory |
8 GB DDR3 @ 68 GB/s, 32MB ESRAM @ 204 GB/s |
| Graphics |
Custom GPU @ 853 MHz, 12 CUs, 1.3 TFLOPS |
| HDMI resolution and framerate |
1080p @ 60Hz |
| Ports |
HDMI-in; HDMI-out; one front-facing USB 3.0 ; two rear-facing USB 3.0; SPDIF digital audio; Ethernet |
| Kinect Port |
Yes |
Optical Drive
|
Blu-ray |
| PSU |
220W, External |
Xbox One (original) FAQs
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Can the original One do anything the One S can't?
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In a word, no. There’s no real reason to buy an original One unless you find an exceptional deal. With stock running low on the original, that’s becoming increasingly unlikely.
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Should I upgrade my One to a One S?
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This is a tough one. While an improvement in multiple departments, the One S isn’t so much of an leap forward that it necessitates upgrading. Both systems play the same games, so you won’t miss out there. If you upgraded to an HDR TV and wanted to enjoy the difference it makes to your graphics, it would perhaps justify upgrading to a One S.
Which Xbox One model is best for you?
Now you're armed with all the knowledge you need, which Xbox should you opt for?
I want the best of the best, no expense spared - Buy the One X. The ability to play games in 4K and the added graphical ability will set it apart from the One and One S. For the time of release, it was the most powerful games console ever.
I want a solid all-rounder - The One S is your best bet. The S model is a refined version of the original Xbox One, making it smaller, quieter and even a little bit quicker (better GPU).
I play a lot of games, so I need the storage space - The original Xbox One was available up to a 1TB hard drive, while the One S offers both 1 and 2TB options. Only a 1TB version of the One X is available, but if you don't mind manually upgrading the console you are able to add a custom, bigger hard drive. If you're planning to go all digital the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition has a 1TB hard-drive and will keep you covered for quite some time.
I’m limited on space, so I need a console that fits my TV stand” - Go for the One S or the X. The S is 40% smaller than the original One, and the power supply is internal, meaning you won’t have an ungainly “brick” plug to worry about. The X, remarkably, is even smaller than the One S, although not by the same margin as the One S to the One.
As of now, the Xbox One is no longer in production... therefore getting hold of a new sealed unit is nearly impossible. Your best option is to try and grab a refurbished xbox one console, thankfully there is still plenty of pristine condition Xbox One consoles available.
Have we missed anything or do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments below.
