Edited By
Alex

As 2025 kicks off, a wave of Xbox One S users is questioning whether it's time to make the leap to newer consoles. Many gamers are experiencing performance dips, with some noting significant lag times, leading to an urgent call for replacements.
A user, who has been with Xbox for a decade, expressed frustration over a loud fan and painfully slow load times, particularly when loading games like The Sims.
"Loading my Sims game takes forever now!"
This frustration isn't isolated. As Xbox Series X and Series S consoles continue to dominate discussions, opinions vary on when users should upgrade.
Upgrade Timing: One user believes any delay in upgrading is costing potential performance gains. They said, "As soon as you have the money to replace it."
Budget-Friendly Options: Several players suggest considering used models to save cash. "Replace it with a used One S or One X. Itโs much cheaper," another stated.
Speed Expectations: Many users emphasize the difference in load times with new systems, stating, "If you want faster load times, go for the Series consoles."
The conversation is mostly supportive of transition, with sentiments leaning toward efficiency over nostalgia. Users recognize older systems' limitations and lean toward modern consoles.
Some responses lean toward caution, suggesting that if a user primarily plays older titles, like GTA and RDR2, sticking with the One S might be sufficient. However, a clear shift to more advanced features seems to be on the horizon for many.
"Unless you're going to be playing S|X titles then get a Series X If you're just playing the games stated, I donโt see the point in upgrading."
๐น Users see performance drops as a primary reason for upgrades.
๐ธ Budget options exist for those reluctant to overspend.
๐ป Looking ahead, the Series X is becoming a widely recommended upgrade.
As the gaming community evolves, the call for newer consoles appears more pronounced, raising questions about timing and financial considerations. Should you hold out or embrace the new generation? That remains a pressing concern as 2025 unfolds.
There's a strong chance that weโll see a surge in Xbox Series X and S sales as users grapple with aging consoles. Performance issues among Xbox One S players could push around 60% of them to upgrade by mid-2025 as newer titles become more CPU and GPU intensive. Many are eager for faster load times and advanced graphics, driven by the success of recent AAA releases that leverage the capabilities of the latest hardware. Budget-friendly options might emerge, creating a market for refurbished consoles, which could attract those hesitant to fully invest in the latest technology but still wanting improved performance. Expect a ripple effect where game developers tailor experiences that utilize modern systems, further incentivizing the migration to newer consoles.
In a sense, this scenario mirrors the early 1990s shift from 16-bit systems to 32-bit consoles, like the jump from the Sega Genesis to the Sony PlayStation. At the time, many players held onto their familiar consoles, reluctant to adapt, until game developers began crafting experiences that were impossible on older hardware. Just like how the allure of enhanced graphics and gameplay drew players to invest in new systems, current gamers face a similar reckoning as modern gaming demands reshape their experience. This underscores a recurring theme: when progress knocks, even the most nostalgic of gamers are compelled to answer.