Need help finding out which Xbox is the newest and looking to buy one for a friend or gift it to yourself? Then this will be the perfect article for you. It’s quite easy for Xbox’s obtuse naming conventions to trip up its customers who aren’t really familiar with the gaming space, and to cover those grounds, we’re here to make sure you correctly pick up the right model.

Over the last decade, we have cycled through several generations of Xbox at varying price points to better tell them separately from its other models. But, Microsoft could have done a better job at the naming system for Microsoft’s Latest Consoles , especially from the Xbox One onwards. Xbox’s branding created a minefield for prospective consumers who aren’t big gamers.

If you’re feeling lost when trying to find out which Xbox is the newest, then don’t fret. This article will walk you through the latest Xbox models and the older ones which you might wish to avoid if you’re shopping for the greatest and the newest consoles Microsoft has to offer.

Xbox Consoles Launched Over The Last Decade

Around a decade ago, there were not really that many Xbox consoles to choose from or worry about. But now, even so, the number of Xbox models available on the market has increased a lot. Still, for more casual buyers, finding out which Xbox is the newest is no doubt a minefield.

First up is the original Xbox One, debuting back in 2013 and it is one of the oldest models featured in this guide. But after just a few years, Microsoft launched improved versions of that gaming console, which is the Xbox One S or the Xbox One X.

The infamous Xbox One S was comparable to the original Xbox One in terms of its features but was a more compact console than its bulky predecessor and it was more easily identifiable thanks to its white aesthetic. Also, there was an Xbox One S All-Digital console, which was a bit on the lower-priced segment unit; it lacked an optical disc drive.

At the same time, the Xbox One X used to have a much more powerful unit, capable of updating certain games to 4K resolution along with a higher framerate. Also, at the time of its launch in 2017, the Xbox One X was the most powerful Xbox console one could buy. But since then, it has been crossed by the latest Xbox gaming consoles on the market.

Now to make things a little easier for those reading, Microsoft has discontinued the production on all Xbox One models, and they have shifted their focus to the Xbox One’s successors, which are the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. But, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to find Xbox One consoles online, so it’s important to know the main differences before you buy.

But Which Xbox Is The Newest?

Microsoft has not only one, but two Xbox consoles currently serving as its latest models, and those are the Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X. Note the reusing of the X or the S naming convention, and as was the case with the One’s follow-up models. So in this case, there is no “base” Xbox Series console to worry about.

The notorious Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S went on sale together on the same day in late 2020, which technically made them the newest Xbox console on the market. But, many main differences set the consoles apart, so when buying the right model for you will have to consider a number of factors.

Unlike the PS5 or the PS5 Digital Edition, it’s pretty easy for a casual viewer to tell the difference between the newest Xbox gaming consoles at a glance. The simplest way to tell the two gaming consoles apart is in its look. Also, the Xbox Series X is a large black cuboid which features an optical disc drive on the front of the unit. It looks pretty similar to a mini fridge, and so does the company, and as Microsoft actually debuted the Xbox Series X mini fridge to capitalize on the jokes about its look.

Moreover, the Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s powerhouse for this generation of consoles. It can output a 4K resolution at a smooth 60 fps, and select games support 120fps, and this usually at a lower resolution to compensate. Also, a 12 teraflops processor along with 1TB SSD also let the lighting fast load times, with plenty of storage, and with much easier handling of intensive post-processing effects, like reflections or particles.

The Xbox Series S is a decidedly less powerful console than its sibling. But it’s a much modern model and the brand’s smallest console to date, featuring a matte, clean white finish and its smaller rectangular build. Sure, it’s still worth buying in 2023, mainly thanks to it being pocket-friendly and its more reliable availability, and making it an awesome entry into the Xbox ecosystem.

Moreover, the Xbox Series S is a digital-only console, so physical discs can’t be used. In addition, it has a smaller 512GB SSD and a less powerful processor, and it should be noted that 4K support is rare, with most games ranging between 1080p and 1440p resolution instead. But the SSD is identical to that found in the Xbox Series X, this means that you’re still getting super speedy load times across your games.

Now you must think about which Xbox Series you should buy, right?

Well, A couple of factors to consider when choosing which of the newest Xbox gaming consoles to purchase are price and availability. Your preferred Xbox Series console will mainly come down to your budget and willingness to wait on new stock.

This is because the Xbox Series X is usually pretty hard to come by, and thanks to the ongoing global chip shortages which aren’t just affecting the availability of the PST and Xbox Series X but also PC graphics cards or the servers needed for online games.

Also, even if you do have an easy time finding Xbox Series X stock, its hefty price tag is another issue. At $499, it’s no doubt the most premium of Microsoft’s two current-generation machines.

No doubt, the Xbox Series S is a good deal cheaper at $299 or $249, making it a fantastic choice if the potential buyer wants an easier way to explore the Xbox ecosystem and access services like the amazing Xbox Game Pass. The Xbox Series S, is also much easier to buy thanks to reliable availability at online retailers.

Now that we understand which Xbox is the latest in the market and how to differentiate the Xbox Series X or the S from the older Xbox One line-up of consoles, and you should be ready to make a well-researched purchase on the right Xbox model for your friend or you

You must remember that while Microsoft still keeps its X and S naming convention usage, the key signifier here is the use of their Xbox “Series” over “One” with the former nomenclature representing the newest and best Xbox brand has to offer.

You might have also come across special edition consoles online, like the Halo Infinite Xbox Series X. Now while these are usually limited and it is much harder to buy, know that if you spot one, the only notable difference will usually be the exterior’s design.

If not, then all you really need to know when shopping for the latest Xbox is to keep an eye out for that big “Series” moniker. Then once you have figured out whether the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S greatly fit your budget along with your preferences, you’ll have effortlessly gotten yourself one of the latest and greatest Xbox gaming consoles on the market today.