Xbox Series S and X for beginners
Xbox suits you if you like the idea of paying a monthly fee to try many games. It is a poor fit if you want a handheld or lots of family party games. There are two models: the Series S, which is smaller and costs less, and the Series X, which is more powerful and costs more.
Who it suits
It suits you if:
- You want to try lots of different games for a monthly fee.
- You play mostly on the TV.
- You already use Microsoft products or have a Windows PC.
It may not suit you if:
- You want a console to take on the road.
- You mainly want Nintendo family games.
- You do not want a monthly payment.
What it costs in the first year
US prices, October 2026.
| Item | Series S | Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Console | $499.99 | $799.99 |
| Game Pass Essential, 12 months at $9.99 | $119.88 | $119.88 |
| First-year total | $619.87 | $919.87 |
Game Pass has higher levels. Premium costs $14.99 a month, and Ultimate costs $22.99 a month. The library and features differ by level, so check Xbox’s website for details. Game prices vary. See Game subscriptions explained.
A subscription is a regular payment for access to features or a game library. You can cancel it.
What to know before buying
- Series S has no disc drive. It plays downloaded games only. The Series X has a disc drive.
- Storage. Downloads take up space, and a smaller console fills faster.
- Subscriptions renew on their own. Switch off auto-renew in your account settings if you wish.
- Controller. The Xbox controller is well known for its comfortable shape. See How to use a controller.
- Cloud saves. Your progress can be stored online, so you do not lose it.
Easiest first games
Level 1 or 2 on our ratings and available on Xbox:
- Unpacking is a story told by unpacking boxes.
- Townscaper is a relaxing building toy.
- Dorfromantik is a calm tile puzzle.
- Cozy Grove is a gentle daily game.
- Stardew Valley is a farming game.
- Minecraft has a Peaceful mode.
- Forza Horizon 5 is a driving game with a rewind feature.
- Peggle 2 is a forgiving, cheerful game.
Use the Game finder for more.
Is it easy to set up?
Yes. Plan for 30 to 45 minutes. Connect the power and HDMI cables, switch on, and follow the screen. A free Microsoft account is needed.
Do I need Game Pass?
No. You can buy individual games. Game Pass suits you if you want to try many games without buying each one.
Which Xbox should I choose?
The Series S costs less and is fine for most gentle games. The Series X costs more and is more powerful. For the beginner games above, the Series S is enough.
Can I play with grandchildren?
Yes. Some games have local play. There are fewer than on Nintendo consoles. See Games to play with grandchildren.
Next steps
- Compare consoles: Console vs phone vs PC
- Use the console chooser.