Xbox Series S is already starting to miss out on next-gen upgrades

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No ray tracing allowed

Xbox Series S
(Image credit: Microsoft)

The Xbox Series S isn’t even out yet, but it’s already missing out on some fairly noticeable next-gen upgrades that its more powerful counterparts, the Xbox Series X and PS5, will receive. 

Capcom has confirmed that Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition includes high frame rates up to 120fps, enhanced 3D audio, reduced loading times, and Vergil as a playable character. The game will also support ray tracing on Xbox Series X, but it won’t be present on Xbox Series S. 

We’ve also heard that PUBG will support 60fps on both the Xbox Series X and PS5 using the game’s new ‘Frame rate priority’ mode, which drops the resolution down to 1080p and uncaps the battle royale game’s previous 30fps cap. 

Unfortunately, developer PUBG Corp has pointed out that the Xbox Series S will remain capped at 30fps, despite being significantly more powerful than the Xbox One S.

Find out where to buy Xbox Series S or if you're going full fat, check out where to buy Xbox Series X.

With Microsoft positioning the Xbox Series S as a console that’s capable of keeping pace with the demands of next-gen in all but resolution, these types of graphical cutbacks, especially so early on in the generation, are concerning.

These kinds of technical decisions by both developers shouldn’t be taken as the norm just yet, however. Other key games like Watch Dogs Legion will feature ray tracing on Microsoft’s cheaper Xbox, and we’ve seen that the console will be capable of hitting 120fps in numerous titles like Halo: The Master Chief Collection, albeit at a lower resolution than the Xbox Series X version.  

At $299 / £249 / AU$499, the Xbox Series S is the cheapest next-gen console on the market and undercuts the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition by $100. It’s a digital-only box, though, as it doesn't feature a 4K HD Blu-Ray disc drive. 

The Xbox Series S is also Microsoft’s smallest Xbox ever, and pre-orders have continued to sell out throughout the US and UK in the run up to launch on November 10.

Adam Vjestica
Adam Vjestica

Adam was formerly TRG's Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.