Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central Choosing the best Xbox console in 2021 comes down to personal preference and what you look for in a device. The largest factor to consider is functionality — balancing whether the performance meets your expectations with compatibility for the games you play. The Xbox Series X might be Microsoft's best console by the spec sheet, but several alternatives are available, each delivering rich functionality and hefty savings. The Xbox Series S is a prime example, launching alongside Xbox Series X as a budget-friendly, next-generation games console. The device aims to deliver the flagship Xbox hallmarks, built to run the latest cutting-edge games far beyond the lifespan of Xbox One. That means almost identical features, chiefly scaling back visual quality and axing the optical disc drive. That low-cost entry may prove alluring for casual gaming, especially when coupled with an Xbox Game Pass membership.