An uncertain future for Microsoft’s Xbox Series S

Marketed as an accessible alternative to the powerful Series X, the Xbox Series S seemed like the perfect compromise for video game enthusiasts on a budget. However, with the revelations of planned limitations with Baldur’s Gate 3, it looks like the budget console has some debts to settle.

The Xbox Series S is marketed as a budget alternative to the Series X. Indeed, while the latter is often compared to the PS5 in terms of capabilities, the Series S is available at a cost comparable to that of a Nintendo Switch OLED, or €300, and often less. Much more than 300 euros. But this savings comes with its share of compromises.

First, if the Series X can handle 4K gaming, the Series S is limited to 1440p definition. This is largely due to hardware limitations. In numbers, the Xbox Series S only offers 4 TFlops of processing power compared to the Series X’s 12 TFlops (the PS5, by comparison, comes in at 10.3 TFlops). This difference is huge. In addition, the Series S has 6GB less RAM than its older brother.

First mistake

News about the game Baldur’s Gate 3 It highlights the limitations of the S series. According to Swen Finkefrom Larian Studios, the game will be restricted to this console. No split screen mode is a striking example. This calls into question Microsoft’s previous statements that claimed that both devices will offer the same features and content, an idea called ” feature parity “.

Until now, developers have been limited in distinguishing between the two consoles only in terms of definition and frame rate. Microsoft had mandated that if a studio was developed for the Xbox, it must do so for both versions. So this last ad can lead to Fragmentation of the Xbox ecosystem.

lasting effects

Larian Studios’ announcement could have lasting repercussions. If other studios start to choke on their games or, worse, are reluctant to develop for the Series S, the console could quickly lose its appeal to consumers and developers.

A Baldur’s Gate 3 release for PlayStation 5 is imminent, with a release date scheduled for September 6, 2023. As for the Xbox version, it will have to wait, at least, until 2024. Could this discrepancy herald other similar announcements of “the future?”

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