The Xbox Series X has been Microsoft’s flagship console since November 2020. Nearly six years later, the gaming landscape has changed significantly. With recent price hikes, a restructuring of Game Pass, and the looming promise of a next-generation console, is the Xbox Series X still worth buying in 2026? Here is our comprehensive review.
Performance and Graphics: A 4K Powerhouse
The Xbox Series X remains one of the most powerful consoles on the market. Built around a custom AMD APU with Zen-2 CPU and RDNA-2 graphics architecture, it delivers 12 TFLOPS of GPU performance and supports native 4K gaming at up to 120fps on compatible displays . The console also supports 8K HDR, 3D spatial sound, and features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for a smoother, more responsive experience .
Real-World Performance
In practice, the Series X largely matches the PlayStation 5 in multi-platform titles, often with minor resolution advantages. For example, in 007 First Light, the Series X performance mode targets 1080p and generally holds a 60fps lock, though it can drop frames in taxing sequences . Similarly, in Crimson Desert, the Series X mirrors the base PS5’s graphical settings, with a 60fps performance mode at 1080p, a 40fps balanced mode at 1280p, and a 30fps quality mode at 1440p .
The console’s custom NVMe SSD is a standout feature, drastically reducing load times and enabling seamless asset streaming . However, some users report that loading times are still noticeable, even with the SSD .
The Series S: A Compromised Experience
The cheaper, all-digital Xbox Series S is a different story. While it offers a lower entry point, its reduced 4 TFLOPS GPU and limited memory often result in significant compromises. In Crimson Desert, for instance, the Series S version drops to 720p in performance mode, removes ray tracing entirely, and reduces every graphical setting to “low,” creating a visibly pixelated and underwhelming experience . It is a less future-proof choice for serious gamers .
Features: Quick Resume and Ecosystem
The Xbox Series X’s defining feature is Quick Resume, which allows you to suspend multiple games and instantly switch between them . It is a genuinely transformative quality-of-life feature that eliminates loading screens almost entirely.
The Xbox ecosystem is another major selling point. Xbox Game Pass, despite recent price restructuring, remains a compelling value, offering a vast library of games, including day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios . The service now comes in Essential, Premium, and Ultimate tiers, with the highest tier also including cloud gaming and EA Play . The Xbox Series X also supports extensive backward compatibility, playing games from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One .
Game Library: Strong but Lacking “Must-Haves”
The Xbox Series X has a robust game library, but it lacks the level of exclusive, generation-defining titles that define its competitors. Recent standouts include:
- Forza Horizon 6: The acclaimed arcade racing series set in Japan .
- Doom: The Dark Ages: A medieval prequel to the Doom franchise .
- Alan Wake 2: A critically acclaimed survival horror masterpiece .
- Halo Infinite: A polished continuation of the iconic franchise .
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: A first-person adventure that prioritizes puzzles and stealth .
While these are excellent games, many are also available on PC or other platforms . The lack of truly exclusive, must-play titles remains a key criticism .
Price and Value
The Xbox Series X has seen significant price increases since its launch. In 2026, a new unit typically costs around $649.99, while Microsoft sells refurbished units for a staggering $799.99 . This makes the console more expensive than ever, even as it ages. The Series S, by contrast, is more budget-friendly, but its limitations are increasingly apparent .
The Verdict: Is It Worth Buying in 2026?
The Xbox Series X is an outstanding piece of hardware with excellent performance, fast loading, and standout features like Quick Resume. It is a top-tier 4K gaming machine and the best way to experience the Xbox ecosystem.
However, several factors make it a harder sell in 2026:
- Price: At ~$649.99, it is expensive for a six-year-old console.
- Exclusives: The library lacks the “must-play” exclusives that define PlayStation’s lineup.
- Uncertain Future: With the next-generation Project Helix console reportedly launching in 2027, the Series X’s lifecycle is nearing its end .
- Game Pass Changes: Price hikes and delayed day-one releases have reduced the subscription’s value proposition .
Buy it if: You want the best Game Pass and backward compatibility experience, you value Quick Resume, and you have a 4K display. It is also a good choice if you primarily play multi-platform games and prefer the Xbox ecosystem.
Skip it if: You are on a tight budget, you want generation-defining exclusives, or you are willing to wait for the next generation. The PlayStation 5 Pro, though more expensive, offers superior performance, and the base PS5 often matches the Series X in multi-platform titles at a similar price point.
