Microsoft Xbox Series S Carbon Black: Review and In-Depth Analysis

The Microsoft Xbox Series S Carbon Black is the latest addition to Microsoft’s next-generation console lineup, offering gamers a more affordable entry point into the world of high-performance gaming. While the Series S was originally released in a sleek white design, the new Carbon Black variant brings a fresh and stylish look to the console, making it a more appealing option for those who prefer a darker aesthetic. This review will explore the various aspects of the Xbox Series S Carbon Black, including its design, hardware, performance, software, and overall value proposition.

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetics

The Xbox Series S Carbon Black retains the compact and minimalist design of the original Series S, but with a striking new color. The matte black finish gives the console a sleek and modern look, which blends seamlessly with most entertainment setups. The Carbon Black variant stands out with its understated elegance, making it a perfect addition to any gaming or media center.

The console’s compact size is one of its most appealing features. Measuring just 10.8 x 5.9 x 2.5 inches and weighing 4.25 pounds, the Series S Carbon Black is significantly smaller and lighter than its counterpart, the Xbox Series X. This makes it easy to fit into tight spaces and transport if needed. The small footprint also means it can be placed horizontally or vertically, offering flexibility in how you set up your gaming area.

Build Quality

Despite its compact size, the Xbox Series S Carbon Black feels robust and well-built. The matte finish is resistant to fingerprints and smudges, maintaining its clean look even after extended use. The ventilation grilles are thoughtfully designed to ensure efficient cooling without compromising the console’s aesthetics.

The front of the console features a single USB 3.1 port and a pairing button for wireless controllers, while the rear houses the HDMI 2.1 output, two additional USB 3.1 ports, an Ethernet port, and the storage expansion slot. The ports are neatly arranged, making it easy to connect your peripherals without creating a cluttered look.

Hardware and Performance

Processor and GPU

At the heart of the Xbox Series S Carbon Black is a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU. The CPU features eight cores clocked at 3.6 GHz, providing ample processing power for smooth and responsive gameplay. The GPU, while less powerful than the one found in the Series X, still delivers impressive performance with its 20 CUs at 1.565 GHz, capable of handling demanding games at 1440p resolution.

The combination of the Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU ensures that the Series S Carbon Black can run the latest games with ease, offering a next-gen gaming experience at an affordable price. The console also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which enhances the visual fidelity of games by simulating realistic lighting and shadows.

Memory and Storage

The Xbox Series S Carbon Black comes with 10GB of GDDR6 RAM, which is more than sufficient for most gaming needs. The memory is divided into 8GB for the GPU and 2GB for the system, ensuring efficient performance and quick loading times.

In terms of storage, the Series S Carbon Black features a 512GB NVMe SSD. While this is less storage than the 1TB found in the Series X, it still provides fast load times and smooth gameplay. The SSD is also expandable via the proprietary Storage Expansion Card slot, allowing you to add more storage if needed. The expansion cards are available in various capacities, offering flexibility for gamers with large game libraries.

Cooling System

One of the key challenges with compact consoles is managing heat, and the Xbox Series S Carbon Black does an excellent job in this regard. The console features an efficient cooling system with a large fan and extensive ventilation grilles. During extended gaming sessions, the console remains cool and quiet, ensuring that it doesn’t overheat or throttle performance.

The cooling system is designed to direct airflow efficiently, preventing hot spots and maintaining consistent temperatures. This ensures that the console can run demanding games without any issues, providing a reliable and enjoyable gaming experience.

Software and Features

User Interface

The Xbox Series S Carbon Black runs on the same user interface as the Series X, offering a seamless and intuitive experience. The UI is designed to be fast and responsive, with quick access to your games, apps, and settings. The home screen is customizable, allowing you to pin your favorite games and apps for easy access.

The interface also includes various quality-of-life features, such as Quick Resume, which allows you to switch between multiple games and apps without losing your progress. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who like to jump between different titles, as it eliminates the need to wait for games to load from scratch.

Game Pass

One of the standout features of the Xbox ecosystem is Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that provides access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee. The Xbox Series S Carbon Black fully supports Game Pass, allowing you to download and play hundreds of games from a variety of genres. The service includes first-party titles from Xbox Game Studios, as well as a rotating selection of third-party games.

Game Pass is a great value proposition for gamers, offering access to a constantly updated library of games without the need to purchase each title individually. The service also includes EA Play, providing access to a selection of games from Electronic Arts.

Backward Compatibility

The Xbox Series S Carbon Black supports backward compatibility with thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games. This means that you can enjoy your existing game library on the new console, often with improved performance and visuals. Many backward-compatible titles benefit from faster load times, higher resolutions, and better frame rates, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Smart Delivery

Smart Delivery is another innovative feature that ensures you always have access to the best version of a game, regardless of which Xbox console you’re using. When you purchase a game that supports Smart Delivery, you’ll receive the optimized version for your console at no extra cost. This means that if you upgrade from an Xbox One to the Xbox Series S Carbon Black, you’ll automatically get the next-gen version of the game without needing to repurchase it.

Cloud Gaming

Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud) is an exciting addition to the Xbox ecosystem, allowing you to stream games directly to your console, PC, or mobile device. This feature is available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, providing access to a library of games that can be played instantly without the need to download or install them.

Cloud gaming is a convenient option for gamers who want to try out new games without waiting for lengthy downloads. It also allows you to play your favorite games on the go, provided you have a stable internet connection.

Gaming Performance

Resolution and Frame Rate

The Xbox Series S Carbon Black is designed to deliver high-quality gaming at 1440p resolution, with support for up to 120 frames per second (fps). While it doesn’t offer native 4K gaming like the Series X, it still provides impressive visuals and smooth performance. Many games are optimized for the Series S, offering enhanced graphics and improved frame rates compared to the previous generation.

The console also supports variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM), ensuring a smooth and responsive gaming experience. These features are particularly beneficial for fast-paced games, where quick reactions and minimal input lag are crucial.

Real-World Gaming Experience

In real-world testing, the Xbox Series S Carbon Black delivers an excellent gaming experience. Games load quickly thanks to the SSD, and the overall performance is smooth and responsive. The console handles demanding titles with ease, providing a next-gen experience at a more affordable price point.

Games like “Forza Horizon 5,” “Halo Infinite,” and “Gears 5” look and run great on the Series S, with impressive visuals and consistent frame rates. The console also excels at running backward-compatible titles, often improving performance and load times for older games.

Ray Tracing

Ray tracing is one of the standout features of the next-gen consoles, and the Xbox Series S Carbon Black supports this advanced rendering technique. Ray tracing enhances the visual fidelity of games by simulating realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. While the Series S doesn’t offer the same level of ray tracing performance as the Series X, it still provides noticeable improvements in supported games.

Games like “Minecraft,” “Watch Dogs: Legion,” and “Control” showcase the benefits of ray tracing on the Series S, with more realistic lighting and enhanced visual effects. The addition of ray tracing adds a new layer of immersion to the gaming experience, making supported titles look more lifelike and visually stunning.

Value Proposition

Price and Availability

One of the biggest selling points of the Xbox Series S Carbon Black is its price. Retailing at a lower price point than the Series X, the Series S offers a more affordable entry into the next generation of gaming. The Carbon Black variant maintains the same price as the original white model, providing an attractive option for gamers who prefer a darker aesthetic.

The console is widely available through various online and offline retailers, as well as directly from Microsoft’s official website. The affordability and availability of the Series S Carbon Black make it an appealing choice for gamers on a budget or those looking to complement their existing gaming setup.

Microsoft Xbox Series S Carbon Black: Price Comparison →

Microsoft Xbox Series S Carbon Black with the best price and discount was update for September 19, 2024

Subscription Services

The value proposition of the Xbox Series S Carbon Black is further enhanced by Microsoft’s subscription services, particularly Xbox Game Pass. For a monthly fee, Game Pass provides access to a vast library of games, including new releases from Xbox Game Studios and a rotating selection of third-party titles. The inclusion of EA Play adds even more value, offering access to a range of games from Electronic Arts.

Game Pass Ultimate, which includes both Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold, offers the best value, providing access to online multiplayer, cloud gaming, and exclusive discounts on games and DLC. The subscription services make it easy to discover and play new games without the need for significant upfront investment.

Ecosystem Integration

The Xbox Series S Carbon Black is part of the broader Xbox ecosystem, which includes consoles, PCs, and cloud gaming. This integration allows for seamless cross-platform play and progression, ensuring that you can pick up where you left off, regardless of the device you’re using. Features like Xbox Play Anywhere and cross-save support enhance the flexibility and convenience of the ecosystem, making it easier to enjoy your favorite games across different platforms.

Longevity and Future-Proofing

While the Xbox Series S Carbon Black may not be as powerful as the Series X, it is still a future-proof console that can handle the demands of next-gen gaming. The custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU ensure that the console can run the latest games with ease, and the support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing adds to its longevity.

The console’s support for expandable storage and backward compatibility further enhances its value, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy your existing game library and add more storage as needed. The regular updates and improvements to the Xbox ecosystem also ensure that the Series S remains a relevant and capable gaming machine for years to come.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Xbox Series S Carbon Black is an impressive and affordable entry point into the next generation of gaming. With its sleek and stylish design, powerful hardware, and extensive feature set, the Series S Carbon Black offers excellent value for money. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking for a budget-friendly option or a hardcore enthusiast seeking a secondary console, the Series S Carbon Black has something to offer.

The console’s compact size and robust build quality make it a versatile addition to any gaming setup, while the powerful AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU ensure smooth and responsive gameplay. The inclusion of features like ray tracing, Quick Resume, and Smart Delivery further enhance the gaming experience, providing a next-gen feel at an affordable price.

The Xbox Series S Carbon Black’s integration with the broader Xbox ecosystem, including Game Pass and cloud gaming, adds even more value, making it easy to discover and play new games without significant upfront investment. The support for backward compatibility and expandable storage ensures that the console can keep up with future advancements, providing a reliable and future-proof gaming experience.

In summary, the Microsoft Xbox Series S Carbon Black is a compelling choice for gamers looking for an affordable and capable next-gen console. With its impressive performance, sleek design, and extensive feature set, the Series S Carbon Black sets a new standard for budget-friendly gaming and is sure to provide countless hours of immersive and enjoyable gameplay.

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