xScreen review: transform an Xbox Series S into a portable console

Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

If you have ever owned a screen for the PSone or GameCube, the xScreen will look familiar. The rear of the Xbox Series S has an xScreen that converts the mini console into a laptop for on-the-go gaming. It's a modern take on the tiny 5-inch cramped displays we've seen attached to consoles in the past, and it's a great accessory if you don't want to worry about attaching an Xbox to a TV.

It's not cheap to have that portability. The xScreen is almost the same price as the Xbox Series S, so you're going to want a portable Xbox to buy into this. I have been testing an xScreen over the past few weeks and I think it is one of the best executions of portable console gaming. It is far from perfect.

Buy for $249.99 from UPSpec Gaming

The display of the xScreen is the most important thing. The panel has a good viewing angle and supports up to 60 frames per second. The panel is rated at 350 nits, which is good for direct sunlight. You will need a cord long enough to power the Xbox Series S to play outside.

I played a lot of games with the xScreen and didn't notice any issues. It is a solid panel, except for black levels. The panel sometimes struggles to nail the black levels in games that have a lot of low-light scenes.

The xScreen is able to attach to the Xbox Series S through a pair of ports. The unit is secured by latches at either side and you have to lineup theusb first before it slots into place. I never experienced any issues with the attachment and it feels very secure.

The xScreen folds into a neat little package once you've finished playing, because UPspec has done a good job matching the size of the xScreen to the Xbox Series S. The white of the xScreen doesn't match the Xbox Series S, but it's close enough that I only noticed it under a certain light.

Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

Setting the xScreen up is a lot of work. I had to change the output of the xScreen from 720p to1080p in the Xbox settings menu because the Series S immediately Defaulted to 720p. When I close the display, the Xbox Series S will be turned off. You will need to use the power button on the console to boot it up again.

I had to make sure the Xbox Series S had Energy Mode enabled so that it wouldn't sit in standby and cause damage to the xScreen. The xScreen covers the main vent on the Xbox Series S when it is folded down, and the Xbox will still output some heat which could damage the display if it is running in Standby mode. The Xbox Series S boots fast, so it's not a big deal.

You don't have to worry about a separate power supply for the xScreen because it gets its power from the Xbox Series S port. The xScreen blocks off the Ethernet port on the Series S, so you need to use wi-fi. There is only one open port for additional accessories.

Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

There are a bunch of built-in controls for screen settings and the volume of the built-in speakers, as well as an optional cross-hair overlay for use in games. The speakers are loud, but not in a good way. The volume controls don't seem to affect the volume after a certain level. The speakers are disappointing.

If you want to prop the whole thing up, there are optional feet that move the entire unit into a stand-mode orientation. If you want the screen to be higher up in certain environments, it could be useful if you use the xScreen this way.

The optional carry case is essential for the xScreen. The xScreen will creak and wobble if you apply any pressure to it from above. I don't think I'd trust this being knocked around in a backpack. The hard carry case does a good job of protecting the xScreen, but it is an optional extra.

Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

I'm slightly worried about the hinge on the xScreen. I haven't pushed it all the way back to test, but it does feel a little flimsy, and I wouldn't recommend it for small kids. If you plan to use the stand-mode orientation, this is where the potential for damage is high.

I have had hours of fun with this little display despite some of the drawbacks of the xScreen. UPspec Gaming has created something unique for the Xbox Series S, and it is in a neat little package that integrates really well. You're paying a high price for that neat integration because there are so many good portable screens out there that will do just as good a job at half the price.

There is nothing quite like the xScreen. It has made me wish I was a kid again and not have to worry about a TV or internet connection when I'm out and about. It is an old-school idea in a modern package.