Xbox Series S shown off in first hands-on photos, and it's pretty damn tiny
The Verge went hands-on with the next-gen Xbox
Xbox Series S is a reasonably priced next-gen console that's seriously tiny, based on a recent hands-on look by The Verge.
The Series S has a relatively small price tag ($299/£249) and small stature - it's just 10.8 inches (275mm) tall, 5.9 inches (151mm) deep, and 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) wide. You can display your Xbox Series S either vertically or horizontally, as there are rubber feet placed in both positions, so it should be relatively easy to work into your current media set-up.
The same cannot be said for the Xbox Series X, which dwarfs the Series S, partially because the Series X is an absolute unit, but also because the cheaper console is the smallest Xbox ever. As shown in the hands-on, the Xbox Series S is barely taller than the current-gen Xbox One X, but its overall volume is way smaller. Considering that the same Xbox Series X CPU is inside the Series S (and only running 200MHz slower), as well as 512GB of SSD storage and a GPU that delivers 4 teraflops of performance tuned for 1440p gaming, the smaller, cheaper next-gen console is certainly impressive.
Microsoft hasn't released any information about the rear ports on Xbox Series S, but this hands-on confirms there are two USB ports, an Ethernet port, an HDMI 2.1 output, an Xbox storage expansion slot, a single USB port in the front, and a rear power port. A great addition to the ports are raised Braille bumps next to them (on both the Series S and X), which is a lovely step towards accessibility.
We'll see if Series S price point and specs make it a popular choice for those looking to hop into the world of next-gen - I know I'm certainly interested.
Check out the Xbox Series S reveal.
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Alyssa Mercante is an editor and features writer at GamesRadar based out of Brooklyn, NY. Prior to entering the industry, she got her Masters's degree in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Newcastle University with a dissertation focusing on contemporary indie games. She spends most of her time playing competitive shooters and in-depth RPGs and was recently on a PAX Panel about the best bars in video games. In her spare time Alyssa rescues cats, practices her Italian, and plays soccer.