Xbox Series S 1TB – UK Price, Full Specs and 2025 Verdict

The Xbox Series S 1TB, often referred to as the Carbon Black edition, is Microsoft’s mid-range current-generation console designed for digital-only gaming. It doubles the storage of the original model while keeping the same compact form factor and performance targets. For UK buyers in 2025, it occupies a sweet spot between affordability and practicality, particularly for those invested in Game Pass.

How Much Does the Xbox Series S 1TB Cost in the UK and Where to Buy It?

• The Xbox Series S 1TB addresses the main complaint about the original 512GB model: insufficient storage for modern game libraries.
• The 1TB variant is only available in Carbon Black, giving a visual distinction that also signals the larger capacity.
• Despite the larger SSD, the console remains digital-only and targets the same 1440p and 120 FPS performance tier as the 512GB version.
• Most UK retailers price the 1TB model around £299.99, roughly £50 to £80 more than the 512GB version, making the per-gigabyte cost noticeably better.
• Refurbished units from outlets such as CeX can save between £30 and £60, though they may lack a full official warranty and can show signs of wear.

Pricing for the Xbox Series S 1TB in the UK has settled around £299.99 at most major retailers as of 2025. That figure is confirmed by listings on Amazon UK and by specialist outlets such as EE. The official RRP was originally higher, but market competition and periodic promotions have brought the price down.

For shoppers looking to compare live pricing across multiple sellers, PriceRunner aggregates current UK offers, which is useful during sales events such as Black Friday. Used and refurbished stock is also available through CeX, where prices tend to be lower but warranty coverage is more limited.

Bundle deals sometimes appear at retailers like Smyths, Argos, and Game, often including an extra controller or a digital game voucher. These can marginally improve the overall value, especially for new buyers.

What Are the Full Specs of the Xbox Series S 1TB?

The hardware inside the Xbox Series S 1TB is identical to the original 512GB model in every respect except storage capacity and colour. Microsoft designed this console to deliver a genuine next-generation experience at a lower entry price, but with deliberate trade-offs in raw graphical power.

Processor, Graphics, and Memory

The console runs on a custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU clocked at 3.6 GHz with simultaneous multithreading enabled. Its GPU is a custom RDNA 2 chip rated at 4 TFLOPS, with 20 compute units running at 1.565 GHz. The system has 10GB of GDDR6 memory, split into an 8GB pool at 224 GB/s and a smaller 2GB pool at 56 GB/s. This configuration handles 1440p gaming well but does not match the throughput of the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5.

Storage and Expansion

The built-in 1TB custom NVMe SSD offers raw I/O throughput of 2.4 GB/s and up to 4.8 GB/s compressed. After formatting and system files, the usable space is roughly 800 GB. For additional capacity, the console supports the proprietary Xbox Storage Expansion Card from Seagate, available in sizes up to 2TB. Standard USB 3.1 external hard drives can also be connected, though they can only store and play Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles natively. Series X|S optimised games require either the internal SSD or the expansion card.

Connectivity and Display

The Xbox Series S 1TB supports HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Gigabit Ethernet, and three USB ports. Its target output is native 1440p at up to 120 FPS, with the ability to upscale to 4K. The console also supports variable refresh rate and auto low latency mode, features that benefit modern gaming displays. Ray tracing is supported at the hardware level, though the lower GPU power means it is used more sparingly than on the Series X.

How Does the Xbox Series S 1TB Compare to the 512GB Model and the Series X?

The jump from 512GB to 1TB is the single most meaningful difference between the original Series S and the current 1TB version. Usable space on the original model was roughly 364 GB, which became a practical problem as game sizes grew. The 1TB model effectively removes that bottleneck for most users.

Xbox Series S 1TB vs 512GB

The two consoles share identical CPUs, GPUs, memory configurations, and feature sets. The only differences are storage capacity and colour: the 512GB model comes in Robot White, while the 1TB model is Carbon Black. The 512GB version is typically priced around £249.99, making the 1TB model the better value on a per-gigabyte basis. For anyone planning to install more than a handful of games, the 1TB edition is the practical recommendation.

Xbox Series S 1TB vs Xbox Series X

The Xbox Series X is significantly more powerful across every metric. It has a 12 TFLOPS GPU, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD (with faster raw throughput), a 4K Blu-ray disc drive, and targets native 4K gaming. It is also substantially more expensive, typically retailing at around £479.99. The Series S 1TB is a compromise on graphical fidelity and resolution, but it plays the same library of games and supports the same controller, accessories, and services. For buyers who prioritise budget and do not own a 4K display, the Series S offers a much lower cost of entry.

Controller and Backwards Compatibility

The Xbox Series S 1TB ships with one Xbox Wireless Controller in Carbon Black. It is fully backwards compatible with thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games, all of which must be played from digital copies. Accessories such as headsets and external drives that worked with Xbox One are also compatible.

What Is the Xbox Series S 1TB Black Edition?

The Carbon Black edition is simply the official name for the black-coloured 1TB variant of the Xbox Series S. It was released in September 2023 as a direct response to the storage limitations of the original white model. The finish is a matte black plastic that matches the aesthetic of the Xbox Series X more closely than the white Series S.

There is no white 1TB version currently available, though rumours have occasionally suggested one could be introduced. The colour and storage capacity are the only distinguishing features: the internal hardware, ports, and performance characteristics are identical to the original white 512GB model. This means choosing between them is essentially a decision about how much storage you need and which colour you prefer.

Is the Xbox Series S 1TB Worth Buying in 2025?

Review consensus across 2025 points to the Xbox Series S 1TB being a strong value proposition for a specific type of buyer. TechRadar describes it as “more than enough for most people,” while Stuff notes that the 1TB upgrade significantly improves practicality and may reduce the need for additional storage. The console is compact, quiet, and efficient, making it well suited for smaller living spaces or secondary setups.

The console is best suited for users who primarily play through Game Pass, enjoy indie and multiplayer titles, game at 1080p or 1440p, and do not own a large collection of physical discs. It is less ideal for those who want native 4K graphics, the highest possible frame rates in demanding titles, or the ability to buy and play used physical games. The lack of a disc drive is the most frequently cited limitation, though for digital-only households it is a non-issue.

When Did the Xbox Series S 1TB Launch and What Key Events Followed?

1. November 2020 — The Xbox Series S launches globally in its original 512GB white configuration.
2. September 2023 — Microsoft announces and releases the Xbox Series S 1TB (Carbon Black) as a mid-generation storage upgrade.
3. Late 2024 — Price reductions and holiday bundle promotions appear, including Black Friday deals that bring the 1TB model below £300 for the first time at some retailers.
4. 2025 — The 1TB model remains the current recommended variant. Rumours of a potential refresh or a 2TB SKU circulate, but no official confirmation has been issued by Microsoft.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About the Xbox Series S 1TB?

How Does the Xbox Series S 1TB Fit Into Microsoft’s Console Lineup?

The Series S line was created specifically to offer a lower-cost entry point into the current generation of Xbox gaming. It targets budget-conscious consumers who want fast load times, modern features such as ray tracing and variable refresh rate, and access to the Game Pass library, without paying for 4K performance they may not need. The 1TB model directly addresses the criticism that the original 512GB version was too small for practical use with Game Pass, where users typically install multiple titles simultaneously.

In the broader market, the Xbox Series S 1TB competes with the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, which retails for around £389, and the Nintendo Switch OLED at around £309. Each console serves a different audience, but the Series S stands out as the cheapest way to play current-generation third-party titles and Microsoft’s first-party releases. The lack of a disc drive is the primary trade-off, and it is one that increasingly matters less as digital game sales continue to grow.

What Do Official Sources and Reviewers Say About the Console?

“Xbox Series S is designed for disc-free gaming at 1440p (with the ability to upscale to 4K).”

— Xbox.com official specs, Xbox Series S product page

“The Xbox Series S is a more affordable, compact version of the Series X. It offers up to 120 FPS and faster load times but it does not support 4K gaming.”

— EE product page, EE Xbox Series S 1TB listing

“The same console we’ve been getting since 2020 except it now has 1 TB of storage instead of the 512 GB.”

— YouTube review, Unboxing video

Is the Xbox Series S 1TB the Right Console for You in 2025?

For UK buyers who want the most affordable way into current-generation gaming, use Game Pass, and are comfortable with a digital-only library, the Xbox Series S 1TB is one of the best-value console purchases available in 2025. The extra storage makes it a far more practical choice than the original 512GB model, and the £299.99 price keeps it significantly cheaper than the Series X or PS5. Fans of gaming franchises may also enjoy reading about Mario Kart World Characters or The Last of Us Cast for more gaming content.

Frequently Asked Questions