The Xbox Series S is a budget alternative to the Xbox Series X, Microsoft’s flagship next-gen console. It plays the same games as its more expensive counterpart and has similar hardware, but the reduced processing power limits graphical output to 1440p for the most part.

This console is remarkably compact and comes at a surprisingly low price. Gamers looking for a 4K UHD in HDR experience will have to pay a premium for the Series X, but the Xbox Series S offers a compelling alternative if you’re looking to save some money or haven’t yet made the jump to 4K.

The Xbox Series S is small, and it’s nearly impossible to overstate the point. I’d seen photos and videos of the console, and I’d seen its specs list, but I was still taken aback by just how compact this thing was upon unboxing it. It’s smaller than the Xbox One S, and Microsoft is calling it “our smallest Xbox ever.” That’s especially notable since Microsoft and Sony have both gone exceptionally big with their flagship consoles, the Series X and PlayStation 5.

The overall form factor of the Series S is similar to the Xbox One S, but the Series S ditches the optical drive and features a massive circular air vent on one side. This striking design choice has drawn comparisons to a speaker and a washing machine. It also bears a passing resemblance to Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller, which is blocky white and features two large black circular pads. The aesthetic might not be for everyone, but I like the way it looks next to my TV.