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Discover top gaming console alternatives to Xbox Series S for better performance, value, and features.
Gamers often seek alternatives to the Xbox Series S for various reasons, including price, performance, and ecosystem preferences. When choosing an alternative, it's important to consider factors such as game library, hardware capabilities, and additional features like streaming services or VR support. In this guide, we explore some of the best alternatives to the Xbox Series S, each offering unique advantages that cater to different gaming needs. Our top recommendations include options that excel in performance, affordability, and specialized gaming experiences.
The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition offers a powerful alternative to the Xbox Series S with its robust hardware and expansive game library. It boasts an 825GB SSD for fast load times and supports ray tracing for enhanced graphics. The console also integrates well with the PlayStation ecosystem, including exclusive titles like 'Spider-Man 2' and 'God of War: Ragnarok'. This console is ideal for gamers seeking top-tier performance without the need for physical discs. The price range typically falls between $399 and $449, making it a competitive choice in the market.
Key Difference: The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition offers superior performance and a larger exclusive game library.
Price: Slightly more expensive than the Xbox Series S, which typically retails at around $299.
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is perfect for gamers who value portability and versatility. It features a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen and enhanced audio for a better handheld experience. The console supports both handheld and docked modes, allowing you to play at home or on the go. It's home to a unique library of games, including popular titles like 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' and 'Super Mario Odyssey'. Priced between $349 and $399, it's a great option for families and casual gamers.
Key Difference: The Nintendo Switch OLED Model excels in portability and offers a unique gaming experience.
Price: Slightly more expensive than the Xbox Series S, which typically retails at around $299.
The Asus ROG Ally is a handheld gaming PC that offers the flexibility of playing PC games on the go. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and comes with Windows 11, allowing access to a vast library of PC games via Steam, Epic Games Store, and more. The ROG Ally also supports cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now. With a price range of $699 to $799, it's a premium choice for gamers who want the power of a PC in a portable form factor.
Key Difference: The Asus ROG Ally provides access to a wide range of PC games in a handheld format.
Price: Significantly more expensive than the Xbox Series S, which typically retails at around $299.
The Steam Deck by Valve is another excellent portable gaming option, particularly for indie game enthusiasts. It runs on SteamOS and provides access to your entire Steam library, making it perfect for gamers who enjoy a wide variety of indie titles. The Steam Deck features a 7-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1280x800 and is powered by a custom AMD APU. Priced between $399 and $649 depending on storage options, it's a versatile choice for gamers looking to play on the go.
Key Difference: The Steam Deck is optimized for indie games and offers seamless integration with Steam.
Price: More expensive than the Xbox Series S, which typically retails at around $299.
Google Stadia offers a unique cloud gaming experience, allowing you to play high-quality games on various devices without the need for expensive hardware. With a subscription to Stadia Pro, you can access a growing library of games and enjoy 4K streaming. Stadia is ideal for gamers who want flexibility and don't mind relying on a stable internet connection. The service costs $9.99 per month, making it an affordable option compared to buying a new console outright.
Key Difference: Google Stadia provides cloud gaming without the need for dedicated hardware.
Price: Much more affordable than the Xbox Series S in terms of monthly subscription costs.
The Microsoft Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is a cost-effective alternative to the Xbox Series S. While it doesn't match the Series S in terms of performance, it still offers access to the Xbox ecosystem and a large library of games. It comes with 1TB of storage and supports 4K video streaming. This console is perfect for budget-conscious gamers who want to enjoy Xbox games without breaking the bank. The price range is typically between $199 and $249, making it significantly cheaper than the Series S.
Key Difference: The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is a more budget-friendly option within the Xbox ecosystem.
Price: Significantly cheaper than the Xbox Series S, which typically retails at around $299.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim) PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim) PS5 Only Rank #1 | 4.7 4.7 | ||
 Nintendo Switch – OLED Model w/White Joy-Con White Console Rank #2 | 4.7 4.7 | ||
 ASUS ROG Xbox Ally – 7” 1080p 120Hz Touchscreen Gaming Handheld, 3-month Xbox Game Pass Premium included, AMD Ryzen Z2 A, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, White ROG Xbox Ally Z2 - 2025 Rank #3 | 4.3 4.3 | ||
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB Handheld Gaming Console Rank #4 | 4.6 4.6 | ||
Google Pixel 6 5G, US Version, 256GB, Stormy Black - Unlocked (Renewed) 256GB Stormy Black Unlocked Renewed Rank #5 | 4.1 4.1 | ||
Microsoft - Xbox One S 1TB All-Digital Edition Console with Xbox One Wireless Controller (Renewed) Rank #6 | 3.8 3.8 |
