This Xbox One S 1TB Review Covers Gaming, Streaming, and Value

By Emily Carter
Updated on December 05, 2025 12:45 AM

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read ourdisclosure policy

This Xbox One S 1TB Review Covers Gaming, Streaming, and Value

Gaming hardware changes fast, yet some consoles continue to earn a place in living rooms. The Xbox One S 1TB still attracts attention thanks to its balance of price, features, and flexibility. This console fits gamers who want solid performance without spending premium money.

It supports a huge game library, handles 4K video streaming, and doubles as a capable home entertainment device. Storage space feels generous for its class, and physical disc support adds flexibility.

For families, casual players, or anyone entering the Xbox ecosystem, this console offers a familiar and reliable experience. It may not match newer systems in raw power, yet it delivers consistent results where it matters most.

Xbox One S 1TB Hardware, Design, and Storage

The Xbox One S 1TB features a clean white design with a slim profile. It measures about 11.6 x 8.9 x 2.5 inches and weighs roughly 6.4 pounds. The smaller size makes it easy to place in tight entertainment spaces. The built-in 1TB hard drive stores many full-size games, apps, and media files. Most modern titles range from 40GB to over 100GB, so this capacity feels practical. External hard drives connect through USB ports for easy expansion. The console includes:

  • Three USB 3.0 ports
  • HDMI input and output
  • Ethernet port
  • Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi

The included Xbox Wireless Controller features textured grips and Bluetooth support. It feels comfortable during long sessions and connects easily to PCs and mobile devices.

Gaming Performance and Visual Experience

The Xbox One S targets native 1080p gaming. Some titles upscale to 4K, while video content displays in true 4K resolution. Performance remains stable across many popular games. Examples include:

  • Forza Horizon 4 running smoothly at 30 frames per second
  • Halo: The Master Chief Collection reaching 60 frames per second in most modes
  • Sports and shooter titles holding steady with occasional dips during heavy action

HDR support improves lighting, color depth, and contrast in supported games. This feature adds noticeable visual depth on compatible TVs. Load times feel slower than modern consoles due to the mechanical hard drive. Larger games take longer to boot, and fast travel screens last longer. External SSDs help reduce wait times.

Backward Compatibility and Game Library

Backward compatibility remains a major strength. The console supports hundreds of Xbox 360 games and a growing selection of original Xbox titles. Many older games benefit from smoother performance and improved stability.

Xbox Game Pass expands the value even more. The service provides access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee, including first-party Microsoft releases. This subscription works well for players who enjoy variety without constant purchases.

Cloud gaming support allows select titles to stream directly. Performance depends on internet speed, yet it offers a way to access newer games without long downloads.

Entertainment, Streaming, and Media Features

The Xbox One S functions as a full entertainment hub. Streaming apps run smoothly and integrate well with the system interface. Supported services include:

  • Netflix with 4K HDR and Dolby Vision
  • Disney+ with 4K HDR content
  • Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others

The built-in 4K UHD Blu-ray drive delivers high-quality physical media playback. Disc movies offer higher bitrates than streaming, which improves picture clarity and sound detail. Audio support includes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive surround sound. HDMI pass-through allows cable boxes to connect directly to the console, reducing device clutter.

Online Services and Family Features

Online multiplayer requires an Xbox Live subscription. Pricing averages around $60 per year. Members receive free monthly games and store discounts.

Family settings provide strong parental controls. You can manage screen time, limit content, and restrict purchases.

These tools work well for shared households and younger players. Physical discs remain supported on the standard model. Games can be resold, shared, or collected without relying fully on downloads.

Pricing and Overall Value

The Xbox One S 1TB typically sells between $249 and $299 for new units. Refurbished models often fall below $249. Bundles with games or accessories range from $279 to $329, depending on availability. Compared to alternatives:

  • Xbox Series S costs about $299 and lacks a disc drive
  • Xbox Series X costs about $499 and targets high-end performance

Extra costs may include additional controllers, external storage, and subscriptions. Even with these additions, the total investment stays lower than most current-generation setups.

Who Should Buy the Xbox One S 1TB

This console works best for:

  • Casual gamers who play a few titles at a time
  • Families seeking shared entertainment
  • Players with large disc collections
  • Users wanting a secondary console
  • Anyone focused on streaming and media playback

It handles everyday gaming and entertainment needs with consistent results.

Xbox One S 1TB

The Xbox One S 1TB remains a practical choice for the right audience. It delivers stable gaming, strong backward compatibility, and reliable media performance at a reasonable price.

Storage space feels usable, and disc support adds long-term flexibility. Load times and resolution limits exist, yet the overall experience stays enjoyable.

If value, versatility, and a large game library matter most, this console still deserves attention. Explore the Xbox One S 1TB on Amazon to compare current deals, bundles, and other gaming options worth checking out.