Microsoft’sXbox Series X, released on June 18, 2025, has double the processing power of its predecessor, the Xbox One X. This makes theXbox Series Xone of the most powerful next-generation consoles on the market. The Xbox Series S clocks in at only a slightly lower processing power than the Xbox One X, but makes up for it with its portability and convenient size.
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With both consoles offering new features like ray tracing and an ability to run at 120 frames per second, millions of gamers want to get their hands on these coveted devices.Still, even the most dedicated Xbox fans might hold some common misconceptions about the Xbox Series X/S.
10The Xbox Series X/S Features A New UI
While the Xbox Series X and S boast a long list of new features, abrand new UIisn’t one of them.While fans of the Xbox One X appreciate Microsoft’s re-use of the intuitive UI, others feel disappointed by the lack of UI improvements that usually come with a fresh new generation.
While the Xbox Series X/S were not released with a new UI,Microsoft did drop an update improving the interface’s screen resolution on the newer consoles.With the update, it certainly looks sleeker than ever on the new generation systems.The idea that the systems would boast this uniform UI was a fan rumor that came true.
For many gamers, the most annoying part of picking up any new concept is the daunting prospect of redownloading every game in their library. For fans with slow internet speeds, it can take hours to download large files likeRed Dead Redemption 2orThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Thankfully,players can seamlessly transfer almost all of their games from the Xbox One to the Xbox Series X|S using WiFi network transfer or an external HDD or SSD.Even easier, logging into the new generation Xbox systems with a Microsoft account will instantly transfer over most of players' information.
8Older Games Don’t Work On The Xbox Series X/S
For those with a library stocked full of beloved Xbox One orXbox 360 games, fret not:the Xbox Series X/S will in fact run almost all of fans' old favorites from older generations.Microsoft frequently adds new games to Xbox’s expansive collection of backwards compatible titles, including original Xbox classics (some of which areavailable on Game Pass).
As a plus, older games will benefit from the increased speeds and boosted processing power of the Xbox Series X, especially those that are optimized for the Xbox Series X|S.
7The Xbox Series X/S Is Just As Popular As The PS5
While the Xbox Series X/S has performed incredibly well,it hasn’t had quite the same success in stores as its primary competitor,the PS5(which fans may also have misconceptions about).According to a data roundup byDen Of Geek, Xbox Series X/S sold about 6.5 million units in its first 6 months, whereas the PS5 sold over 10 million units during that same time.
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The PS5’s success could be attributed to its exclusive titles at release and its innovative design. The Xbox and PS5 arealike in some ways, but differ in some other key categories.
6The Xbox Series X Doesn’t Have A Disc Drive
While some fans believe that the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S don’t have a disc drive, they’re only half correct.The Xbox Series X does have a disc drive, whereas the smaller and cheaper Xbox Series S doesn’t have one.
Therefore, those who prefer to keep physical copies of their favorite games rather than downloading them might want to consider opting for the Series X instead of the Series S. Fans of Xbox Game Pass will likely be content with the Xbox Series S despite this missing feature, since the Game Pass catalog is solely digital.
5Xbox One Controllers Won’t Work With The Xbox Series X/S
Players can bring their previous-generation controllers with them as they switch over to the Xbox Series X/S,since Xbox One controllers work with both models of the latest console. Xbox Series X/S controllers, meanwhile, also work with the Xbox One family.
While players can continue to use their Xbox One controllers if they wish, using the new Xbox Series X|S controller might be worth it: thenew controllers are some of Xbox’s best yet, with their improved function through a redesigned D-pad and better grip. Xbox Series X/S controllers also feature a USB-C port for fast charging and better accessibility.
4The Kinect Works With The Xbox Series X/S
While players can use their old controllers and play most of their older games on the Xbox Series X/S, they’ll have to leave their Kinect behind. The Kinect, Microsoft’s motion-sensing device that was discontinued in 2017, worked with some of fans' favorite games and was compatible with the Xbox One.
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While the older Xbox One originally required players to connect their Kinect for the console to work,the Xbox Series X/S wont allow players to use Kinect at all.Rather than adding the Kinect to newer consoles, Microsoft explored non-gaming applications instead.
3The Xbox Series X/S Is Compatible With VR
As virtual reality becomes more and more popular, interested players can pick up a PS5, PC, or other VR-enabled system. Unfortunately, Xbox Series X/S is not compatible with this technology.
Microsoft boldly chose not to add VR to their latest family of devices,believing players were not interested in it (as Phil Spencer reported back in 2019). Still, Microsoft could still be open to adding compatibility in the future if players request it. Many VR enthusiasts are surely hoping for this feature from the new generation of Xbox consoles.
2Players Can’t Run Multiple Games At Once On The Xbox Series X/S
Perhaps one of the best quality of life updates the Xbox Series X/S offers is Quick Resume,which gives gamers the ability to run up to three games at once and quickly switch between them. Those who share their console with family members or play time-consuming turn-based games will surely find this feature useful.
Keeping games suspended in Quick Resume also decreases loading times. Since one game can load while another title is being played, it’s possible to jump into matches more quickly than ever. A wonderful feature.
1The Xbox Series X Is Loud
With its extreme processing power and upgraded speed, many gamers think that the Xbox Series X must be significantly louder than the Xbox One X. While someplayers have reported humming and clickingnoises coming from their Xbox Series X devices, they are the minority.Some praise the Xbox Series X for its extremely quiet cooling,made possible by a single large cooling fan at the top of the device.
This misconception isn’t totally untrue, though:the disc drive on the Xbox Series X does make its share of noise,which could beannoying for those who prefer to keep physical editions of their games.
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