The Xbox Series X is renowned for its impressive performance, offering ultra-fast load times, 4K gaming at up to 120Hz, and advanced multimedia features like Dolby Atmos and DTS support. But what if you could get all of this for a lower price? Enter the Xbox Series X Digital Edition. The primary difference between the two models is that the Digital Edition lacks a disc drive for playing physical games and Blu-rays, making it a more affordable option.
If you're uncertain about which version to pick, we've broken down the key differences and similarities between the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series X Digital Edition to help you make an informed decision.
Price Difference and Value
The most significant advantage of the Xbox Series X Digital Edition is its price. Without the disc drive, the Digital Edition is priced at $449.99 / £429.99 / AU$699, which is $50 cheaper than the standard Xbox Series X, priced at $499 / £479 / AU$749. For many gamers, the Digital Edition offers great value, delivering the same specs and features as the Series X at a reduced cost.
However, if budget is your primary concern, you might also want to consider the PS5 Digital Edition, which is priced similarly and comes in at $50 less than the Xbox Series X Digital Edition. Alternatively, the Xbox Series S offers an even more budget-friendly choice, albeit with a less powerful performance.
Design and Build
Despite the lack of a disc drive, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series X Digital Edition share the same physical dimensions. Both consoles are relatively large and heavy, measuring 5.9 inches x 5.9 inches x 11.9 inches and weighing 4.5kg. This means you may face some challenges finding an ideal spot for either model in your entertainment setup.
The key design difference lies in the color. The Xbox Series X is matte black, while the Digital Edition comes in a matte white finish. For a unique option, you can also find the limited-edition Galaxy Black 2TB Xbox Series X, which features a striking black design with starry green and silver accents.
Both consoles come with the same set of ports, including three USB-A ports, HDMI, power port, ethernet, and a storage expansion slot. The absence of the disc drive in the Digital Edition doesn’t make much of a visual difference but is an important factor to consider based on your media needs.
Performance and Features
Both the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series X Digital Edition offer identical performance. Both consoles support 4K gaming at up to 120fps, depending on the game and your TV setup. They also feature Quick Resume, which allows you to pause multiple games and return to where you left off instantly, as well as Smart Delivery, ensuring you always play the best version of a game for your console.
The Series X models also support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for an immersive gaming and media experience, though you will need separate subscriptions for these services. Additionally, the consoles are backward compatible with select games from previous Xbox generations, ensuring that you can still enjoy your older titles with improved performance thanks to Smart Delivery.
Storage
Both the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series X Digital Edition come with 1TB of internal storage, but only 800GB of that is usable due to system files. Given the increasing size of modern games—many of which exceed 100GB—it’s easy to run out of storage space quickly. This is particularly relevant for the Digital Edition, which relies entirely on digital downloads.

To solve this, you can purchase a Seagate Expansion Card for additional storage. Options include a 512GB card for $109.99 / £109.99 / AU$129.99, a 1TB card for $149.99 / £179.99 / AU$339, and a 2TB card for $279.99 / £339.99 / AU$599. These cards are simple to install, slotting into the console’s dedicated port, but they are relatively pricey. If you're a heavy Xbox Game Pass user, investing in the 1TB option is highly recommended.
Noise and Cooling
Both the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series X Digital Edition are impressively quiet, even during intensive gaming sessions. This is thanks to their advanced cooling systems, but it's still crucial to ensure there’s plenty of space around the console to allow for proper ventilation, especially given their perforated tops.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the decision between the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series X Digital Edition boils down to one simple question: Do you need a disc drive?
If you rarely use physical media or have no interest in Blu-rays and physical games, the Xbox Series X Digital Edition offers all the same performance, features, and capabilities at a more affordable price point. However, if you have a collection of physical Xbox games or prefer to buy physical editions, the Xbox Series X with its disc drive will be the better choice for you.

No matter which model you choose, I highly recommend signing up for Xbox Game Pass. It’s an incredible service that provides access to hundreds of games from day one, along with exclusive Xbox titles and EA Play content, making either console a much more appealing investment.
For those looking for even more deals, it's worth keeping an eye on Xbox Series X bundles, which frequently go on sale during special promotions.

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