Xbox Series S games are about to get a performance boost

Xbox Series S against a stark black background
(Image credit: M. Andrei)

Xbox Series S games are in for a boost thanks to Microsoft making more memory available for the console.

The small but mighty Xbox Series S is a great option if you don't want to splurge on an Xbox Series X right now. It may not be as powerful, but with the rollout of Xbox Cloud Gaming, hardware specs aren't everything anymore. And now, Microsoft's June Game Development Kit (GDK) update is giving the console a much-needed performance boost. 

"Hundreds of additional megabytes of memory are now available to Xbox Series S developers. This gives developers more control over memory, which can improve graphics performance in memory-constrained conditions," says the video update, which you can see below.

Unleash the beast 

The Xbox Series S' memory constraints are something that has been irking developers for a while. Digital Foundry (via The Verge) revealed that "multiple developers" have felt that the console has "been a bit of a pain at times."

It's not a CPU or GPU power issue, according to the anecdote. Memory constraints are the culprit. That's why some players may have noticed a disparity between third-party and first-party games on the Xbox Series S in the past – which is what triggered the Digital Foundry comments to begin with.

Microsoft has also improved performance for graphics allocations. The result of that is that Xbox Series S games can "take better advantage" of the console's various recent memory enhancements. And it won't negatively affect graphics performance. 

There are a few other updates and features rolling out alongside this. The company's platforms will now enforce age restrictions on DLC, for example. Age-restricted accounts will be notified for parental consent in the new API. 

You can check out the key differences between the Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S if you're wondering whether to hold out for the pricier, harder-to-find Xbox Series X. Between the continued firmware updates and the  Xbox Game Pass family plan – finally confirmed by Xbox – you can upgrade to the current gen console and save a bundle. Without feeling like you're getting the lite experience. 

TOPICS
Shabana Arif
News Editor, TechRadar Gaming

Shabana has been writing about games for almost a decade now, as well as covering tech, politics, food, and other random tidbits at Gizmodo UK. She's stepped outside of news every now and then to write game guides, and always appreciates a DM if she's helped get you out of a pickle. During her time freelancing, you may have spotted her words at VG24/7, GamesRadar, and IGN. She's also held the position of news editor at Gizmodo UK, T3, and The Sun Online. 

Read more
Xbox Series X
Just got an Xbox Series X or S for Christmas? Here are the best 5 accessories to get today
An Xbox Series X console on an orange background beside an Xbox Series X Digital Edition on a green background
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series X Digital Edition: comparing price, design, specs, performance and more
Geralt rides alongside two knights across a vibrant farmland
Best Xbox One X games - what to play on the enhanced console
Several of the best external hard drive picks on a desk with a laptop
Support for massive external hard drives over 16TB is coming to Xbox, here's everything you need to know
Best Xbox Series X hard drives and SSDs
Best Xbox Series X hard drives and SSDs in 2025: upgrade your storage for less
Four Spartans face down waves of Covenant aliens in Firefight mode
Best Xbox Series X games 2025: smash hits for Microsoft's top console
Latest in Xbox Series X | S
Xbox Series X Digital Edition deal
Stop what you're doing and check out this Xbox Series X Black Friday deal – it probably won't be beaten
The three new Xbox Series console variants on a stand at Gamescom 2024
Where to buy the new Xbox Series X and S consoles - including the gorgeous Galaxy Black 2TB machine
Final Fantasy 14
Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox Series X|S will require Xbox Game Pass to play when it launches in full
Baldur's Gate 3 Astarion
Baldur’s Gate 3 Xbox missing save problem will soon be fixed for good as firmware issue has been found
Final Fantasy 14 Y'shtola
Final Fantasy 14 Xbox open beta will kick off next month says director
The Xbox series X on a blue background with the words "Price Cut"
Save $120 on the Xbox Series X in the second-best deal we've ever seen
Latest in News
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #1148)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #379)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over