Microsoft markets the Xbox Series S as a value pick for console gamers, running games at 1440p and up to 120 FPS. Its hardware may be dated, and even the 512GB base model runs $500 after recent price hikes, but building a comparable PC is not cheap either, as AI demand drives consumer hardware prices higher. Even older GPUs retain significant value.
However, an Xbox is limited to gaming and media consumption, making a PC build still sensible in 2026. The Series S' older, custom hardware creates no apples-to-apples comparison for current-generation PC builds. Using older parts makes sense in a console developers optimize for, but a PC is less accommodating.
It is not hard to build a computer that outperforms the budget Xbox on paper and offers a similarly enjoyable entry-level gaming experience, though it will also strain the wallet. The criteria for this theoretical build were simple: it had to outperform the Xbox Series S at 1080p native (or 1440p with reduced settings and upscaling) and could only use parts still available from major retailers. Refurbished parts were ruled out due to volatility.
PC part pricing remains highly volatile, so this serves as a current market snapshot rather than a long-term guide. The build uses an AMD Ryzen 5 5600 CPU on an AM4 platform, chosen to save money on the motherboard and DDR4 RAM while offering performance comparable to the Series S' Zen 2 component. Paired with the ASRock B550M Phantom Gaming 4 motherboard and 2x4GB DDR4 3200MT/s RAM, the foundation is set.
Selecting a GPU proves the most challenging aspect. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 emerges as the closest modern equivalent, offering significant performance uplift over the Series S while remaining accessible in the current market. The build totals approximately $600-$700, excluding OS and peripherals, representing a substantial investment over the $500 console but delivering upgradability and broader utility beyond gaming.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing