What Is Xbox 360 S?
The Xbox 360 S is a slimmer redesign of Microsoft's second-generation video game console, the original Xbox 360. Released in June 2010, it replaced the bulky "Pro" and "Elite" towers with a quieter, more compact form factor while keeping the same core games and online services.
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Key Design and Hardware Changes
Compared with the original Xbox 360, the 360 S introduced several visible upgrades:
- A smaller, glossy black chassis with a rounded silhouette
- A built-in 250 GB hard drive (earlier models required a separate attachment)
- A single power brick, eliminating the external "brick" power supply
- Built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi and a streamlined AUX port
- Improved ventilation and a quieter fan
What Stayed the Same
Under the hood, the 360 S used the same Xenon CPU and ATI Xenos GPU as the original Xbox 360, so it delivered identical graphics and game compatibility. It still relied on DVD playback for retail games and used Xbox Live for online multiplayer, achievements, and digital purchases.
Xbox 360 S vs. Original Xbox 360 vs. E
The 360 S sits between the original 2005-era Xbox 360 and the later Xbox 360 E, a further refined model from 2013. The table below summarizes the differences across the three generations.
| Model | Release Year | Design | Storage | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox 360 (Original) | 2005 | Tall, angular tower | Optional detachable HDD | No (add-on adapter) |
| Xbox 360 S | 2010 | Slim, rounded black | Built-in 250 GB | Built-in 802.11n |
| Xbox 360 E | 2013 | Flat matte black, two-tone | Built-in 250 GB or 4 GB | Built-in 802.11n |
Why It Still Matters
The Xbox 360 S became the most widely sold Xbox 360 variant, making it a common entry point for backward-compatible titles and Xbox Live Gold access. While Microsoft no longer supports the console with system updates, its game library and Xbox Live infrastructure remain relevant for collectors and players maintaining older hardware.