Does Xbox Series S play all Xbox Series X games?

Best answer: Yes, the Xbox Series S plays the same games as the Xbox Series X. This includes backward compatible games and next-generation titles.

• Get set on games: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($45 at Amazon)
• Preorders coming soon: Xbox Series S ($299 at Microsoft)

Does Xbox Series S play all Xbox Series X games?

After months of speculation and rumors concerning a lower-end next-generation console codenamed Lockhart, the Xbox Series S has been revealed with a launch price of $299. This is one part of Microsoft's two-pronged next-generation strategy, with the other console, once codenamed Anaconda, taking the form of the more expensive and powerful Xbox Series X.

The Xbox Series S will play every game that can be played on Xbox Series X, just at a lower resolution with lower quality textures. This means whether you're interested in third-party games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War or titles from Xbox Game Studios such as Halo Infinite, they can be played on Xbox Series S with next-generation features like seamless loading, 120 FPS support, and more. You'll also be able to play backward compatible games from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Of course, there are exceptions: It can't play your physical copies of those games.

Does Xbox Series S play all Xbox Series X games What about physical copies?

The Xbox Series S does not have a disc drive, so it can't play discs. It's a digital-only device. You may have noticed that physical Xbox games have an Xbox Series X logo but nothing for the Xbox Series S. This is because no physical games can be played on the Xbox Series S.

So, if you want to play your older Xbox games, you'll need to have digital versions of them. Luckily, Microsoft is good at having digital copies available (minus a few exceptions), so if you don't own a game, you can likely find it available on a service like Xbox Game Pass.

The Xbox Series S has a confirmed release date of Nov. 10, 2020. We expect the Xbox Series X to be released on the same day for $499. The price points and ability to play discs are just some of the factors you should keep in mind when figuring out which console is right for you this holiday season or beyond.

Our pick

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

• From $1 at Microsoft
• $45 at Amazon
• $45 at Best Buy

Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold in one

Xbox Game Pass gives you access to over a hundred games for one monthly fee. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also adds Xbox Live Gold to the package so you can play online with your friends.

All-digital

Xbox Series S

$299 at Microsoft

Smallest Xbox and smallest price

The Xbox Series S plays all the games the Xbox Series X does, from backward compatible titles to next-generation experiences. It's a digital-only console with a weaker graphics unit but the same overall hardware.