Can Xbox Series S play 4K games?

4K or not 4K? That is the question.

by Steven Shaw
White Xbox logo

With the latest generation of the Xbox console, Microsoft treated us to two different editions: the Series X and the Series S.The Series S, which we are focusing on here, is the smaller, cheaper and quieter version of the two.

But one of the big appeals of the new generation of consoles is the ability to play games in stunning 4k resolution.

So the question is, can the small, cheap, quiet version of the Xbox fulfil this requirement?

Does Xbox Series S Run In 4K?

The Xbox Series S, by virtue of its lower specification, does not run in native 4K. The default setting for this console is 1440p (also known as Quad HD).

However, the Xbox Series S is capable of upscaling games to 4K resolution when connected to an ultra HD display. It is also capable of streaming 4K media through streaming platforms.

So games and media on the Xbox Series S will still look absolutely excellent, even if it isn’t running “true” 4K resolution.

Read More: Can you use an external disc drive on Xbox Series S: How to play disc games on Xbox Series S

What’s the big deal with 4K?

4K native resolution means that content has more pixels, and is therefore sharper, more detailed and nicer to look at.

With the next-gen consoles launching in late-2021, 4K is fast becoming the industry standard in gaming. This means that to get the most out of the latest games, 4K TVs may become even more necessary.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that gaming on a 1440p or even 1080p screen is bad. With so many other technological advancements packed into the Series S, you’ll be sure to still get that next-gen experience.

Read More: How to download games while Xbox is turned off and in sleep mode

Steven Shaw