Xbox Chief Phil Spencer Reaffirms Commitment to Series S Console

In a recent conversation, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, shared some insights about the Xbox Series S and the benefits it brings to game development. While many top Xbox games are playable on both the Xbox Series X and S, developers have often expressed concerns about the challenges of creating games for the less powerful Series S alongside the more robust Series X. Spencer’s take on why the Series S is crucial to the team offers a fresh perspective.

Phil Spencer Highlights the Xbox Series S Advantage

Spencer believes that the current focus on handheld and lower-powered devices gives the Xbox team a leg up thanks to their experience with the Series S. Despite developers voicing challenges with the Series S in the past, Spencer insists that it’s capable of handling current-gen games admirably.

During an interview on The Destin Channel, Spencer addressed whether Xbox might reconsider its policy requiring games to be compatible with both the Series X and Series S. "I see it quite the opposite, to be honest," Spencer remarked. "With the emergence of handheld PCs and the anticipated Switch 2, developers are now building for a range of device specifications, from lower-powered, battery-operated devices to more traditional setups."

Spencer continued, "We’ve been focusing on the Series S for some time now, and our games have been optimized to easily transition across a wide variety of specifications. This positions us advantageously when considering devices like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally. Our Series S adaptations align well with these emerging devices, which I believe benefits us greatly."

He also noted that modern game engines are remarkably adaptable, ranging from supporting high-end ray-tracing desktop PCs to battery-powered handheld devices. "In essence, the Series S has been a valuable asset in our gaming lineup," he concluded.

There have been discussions about the challenges of bringing games to the same standard on the Series S, notably during the delay of Baldur’s Gate 3’s release for Xbox players. The hold-up was due to optimization issues with split-screen co-op on the Series S, prompting Microsoft’s engineers to step in. Fortunately, the game eventually became available, adding to the list of stellar RPGs on Xbox.

Spencer praised the Series S’s performance on recent games, stating, “I’ve been playing Indiana Jones on the S, and it looks fantastic. It’s more than capable of running current-gen titles well. Most games will support these various devices, and the Series S’s specs align nicely with the new devices we see emerging."

"So, I believe it’s a key design element moving forward, balancing power and performance as seen in the Series S," Spencer added.

What are your thoughts on Spencer’s remarks? How has your experience been with the Xbox Series S? Share your insights in the comments below. And if you’re exploring Indy’s universe, keep an eye out for upcoming bug fixes in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.