Xbox Series X Vs Xbox One: Size Comparison!

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a crucial aspect for any gamer thinking of upgrading: the size of the Xbox Series X compared to the Xbox One. Let's be real, console size matters! It affects where you can put it, how it fits into your entertainment setup, and even how easily you can transport it. So, buckle up as we break down the dimensions, design differences, and what it all means for you.

Unboxing the Dimensions: Xbox Series X vs. Xbox One

When we talk about the Xbox Series X, its size is one of the first things people notice. Unlike its predecessors, the Series X sports a unique tower-like design. The actual dimensions come in at approximately 11.85 inches (30.1 cm) tall, 5.94 inches (15.1 cm) wide, and 5.94 inches (15.1 cm) deep. This somewhat boxy shape is a departure from the flatter, wider design of previous Xbox consoles. This design was chosen to allow for a better cooling system, which is essential for handling the console's powerful hardware. The Xbox Series X is designed to stand vertically, but it can also be placed horizontally if that better suits your entertainment center. When placed horizontally, it is worth noting that it will be quite tall compared to other devices. The Series X also weighs in at around 9.8 pounds (4.45 kg), giving it a solid and premium feel.

Now, let's rewind and look at the Xbox One. The original Xbox One, released in 2013, has dimensions of roughly 13.1 inches (33.3 cm) wide, 10.8 inches (27.4 cm) deep, and 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) tall. As you can see, it's significantly wider and flatter than the Series X. The Xbox One was designed to sit horizontally and its larger size made it difficult for some users to fit it comfortably in their entertainment centers. The weight of the original Xbox One is around 7.8 pounds (3.54 kg), making it lighter than the Series X, but still substantial. The Xbox One S, a revised model released in 2016, is smaller and more streamlined than the original Xbox One. Its dimensions are approximately 11.6 inches (29.5 cm) wide, 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) deep, and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) tall. This makes it smaller in every dimension compared to the original Xbox One, and a bit more manageable in terms of space. Lastly, the Xbox One X, released in 2017, boasts dimensions of about 11.8 inches (30 cm) wide, 9.4 inches (24 cm) deep, and 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall. It's similar in size to the Xbox One S, but with more powerful hardware. All models of the Xbox One are designed primarily for horizontal placement.

Visual Comparison: Seeing is Believing

To really grasp the difference, imagine stacking the Xbox One on its side. It would still be wider than the Xbox Series X is! The Series X's tower design is a major departure from the traditional console form factor. While the Xbox One models were designed to blend in with other home theater components, the Series X makes a statement with its unique shape. This design choice reflects a shift in priorities, focusing on internal cooling and performance over traditional aesthetics. Many users have had to rethink their entertainment center setups to accommodate the Series X's height, which can be a challenge if you have limited vertical space.

Space Considerations: Where Will It Fit?

So, what does this all mean for your gaming setup? If you're upgrading from an Xbox One, you'll need to consider the vertical space in your entertainment center. The Xbox Series X is taller than any Xbox One model, so you'll need to make sure you have enough clearance. Measure the available space before you buy to avoid any surprises. If you have a smaller entertainment center or prefer to keep your consoles hidden, the Xbox Series X's size might be a concern. You might need to rearrange your setup or even invest in a new entertainment center to accommodate it. On the other hand, if you have plenty of open space, the Series X's design can be a cool, modern addition to your setup.

One thing to keep in mind is ventilation. The Xbox Series X needs proper airflow to prevent overheating, so make sure you don't cram it into a tight space with no ventilation. Ensure there is enough space around the console for air to circulate freely. This is especially important if you plan to place the Series X inside an enclosed cabinet. Insufficient ventilation can lead to performance issues and potentially damage the console over time. Microsoft recommends leaving at least a few inches of space on all sides of the console to ensure adequate airflow. The Xbox One also requires ventilation, but its flatter design makes it easier to fit into tighter spaces without blocking airflow. However, it is still important to ensure that the Xbox One is not placed in an overly confined area.

Portability: Taking Your Game on the Go

While neither console is exactly designed for portability, the Xbox One's flatter and wider design arguably makes it slightly easier to transport. The Xbox Series X's tower shape can be a bit awkward to carry around, especially if you're traveling. However, with the right carrying case or bag, both consoles can be transported safely. When transporting either console, it's important to protect it from bumps and scratches. Use a padded case or wrap it in a soft cloth to prevent damage. Also, be sure to disconnect all cables and accessories before moving the console.

Design and Aesthetics: More Than Just Size

Beyond the size, the design philosophies of the Xbox Series X and Xbox One are quite different. The Xbox Series X embraces a minimalist, monolithic aesthetic. Its simple rectangular shape and matte black finish give it a sleek and modern look. The focus is on function over form, with the design primarily driven by the need for efficient cooling. The Xbox One, on the other hand, has a more traditional console design. The original Xbox One had a two-tone finish with glossy and matte sections, while the Xbox One S and Xbox One X feature a more unified design with a textured surface. The Xbox One was designed to blend in with other home theater components, while the Series X is more of a statement piece.

The design of the Xbox Series X has been praised for its simplicity and functionality, but it has also been criticized for its unconventional shape. Some users find it to be too bulky or industrial-looking, while others appreciate its minimalist aesthetic. The Xbox One's design, while more traditional, has also received mixed reviews. Some users found the original Xbox One to be too large and bulky, while others appreciated its sleek and modern look. The Xbox One S and Xbox One X were generally praised for their more compact and streamlined designs.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Of course, the size isn't the only difference between the Xbox Series X and Xbox One. The Series X boasts significantly more powerful hardware, including a custom AMD Zen 2 processor and a custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU. This allows it to deliver significantly better performance, including 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second, ray tracing, and faster loading times. The Xbox One, while still capable, is significantly less powerful. It can play games at up to 1080p resolution, but it struggles to keep up with the Series X in terms of performance and visual fidelity. The Xbox Series X also features a faster NVMe SSD, which allows for significantly faster loading times compared to the Xbox One's mechanical hard drive. This makes a big difference in terms of game loading times and overall system responsiveness.

The Xbox Series X also supports features like Quick Resume, which allows you to switch between multiple games instantly, and Dynamic Latency Input (DLI), which reduces input lag for a more responsive gaming experience. The Xbox One does not support these features. The Series X also has more RAM (16GB compared to the Xbox One's 8GB) and a faster memory bus, which further enhances its performance capabilities. In terms of storage, the Xbox Series X comes with a 1TB SSD, while the Xbox One comes with either a 500GB or 1TB hard drive. The Series X also supports expandable storage via a proprietary storage expansion card, which allows you to add additional NVMe SSD storage without sacrificing performance.

Conclusion: Size Matters, But It's Not Everything

In conclusion, the Xbox Series X is significantly taller than any Xbox One model, while being less wide and deep. This difference in size and shape can impact where you can place the console in your entertainment center. While the size is an important consideration, it's just one factor to consider when deciding whether to upgrade. The Xbox Series X offers significant improvements in performance, features, and overall gaming experience compared to the Xbox One. If you have the space and are looking for the best possible gaming experience, the Series X is the way to go. However, if you're happy with your Xbox One and don't want to upgrade, that's perfectly fine too! Ultimately, the best console for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

So, there you have it, a comprehensive look at the size differences between the Xbox Series X and Xbox One. Hopefully, this helps you make a more informed decision about your next console purchase. Happy gaming!