As an expert in TV technology with over 10 years of experience in the industry, I‘m often asked whether you need a smart TV to fully enjoy gaming on the Xbox One S console. The short answer is no – you can connect the Xbox One S to any TV with an HDMI port. However, there are some key considerations when choosing a TV to pair with the Xbox One S in order to maximize performance and take advantage of all of the console‘s capabilities.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about setting up and using an Xbox One S with both smart and non-smart TVs. I‘ll provide expert recommendations on the ideal TV features and models to elevate your Xbox One S gaming experience. By the end, you‘ll have the knowledge to decide whether investing in a smart TV is worthwhile for your needs.
Xbox One S Gaming Features and TV Requirements
The Xbox One S supports gaming up to 4K resolution at 60fps with High Dynamic Range (HDR) capabilities for more vivid colors and contrast. To experience 4K and HDR gaming, the Xbox One S needs to be connected to a TV with these features via an HDMI cable.
Here are the Xbox One S‘s key gaming features and corresponding ideal TV requirements:
- 4K Gaming: 4K Ultra HD TV with HDMI 2.0
- HDR: 4K TV with HDR10 support
- 60fps Gameplay: TV with 60Hz refresh rate
- Fast Response Times: Low input lag TV (under 20ms)
While the Xbox One S can connect to any HDTV with an HDMI input, a 4K TV with HDR, 60Hz refresh rate and low input lag will deliver the optimal gaming performance and take full advantage of the console‘s capabilities.
Connecting an Xbox One S to a Non-Smart TV
You don‘t need a smart TV to use Xbox One S – any TV with an HDMI port will work. Here are the steps to connect an Xbox One S to a non-smart TV:
- Use the HDMI cable included with your Xbox One S to connect the "HDMI Out" port on the back of the console to an available HDMI input on your TV.
- Set the TV input to match the HDMI port you connected the Xbox to.
- Turn on the Xbox One S and the TV.
- Go through the initial Xbox One S setup process including connecting to WiFi and configuring your account.
- Once setup is complete, you should see the Xbox One S dashboard displayed on the TV screen and can start playing games!
With this simple HDMI connection, you can now enjoy Xbox One S gaming in up to 1080p resolution and access all the console‘s apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and more. A non-smart TV limits video output to 1080p and doesn‘t support 4K or HDR gaming, but provides a cost-effective way to start playing.
Connecting an Xbox One S to a Smart TV
Connecting an Xbox One S to a smart TV also only requires an HDMI cable, but gives you access to more advanced features:
- Connect an HDMI cable from your Xbox One S to an HDMI port on your smart TV.
- Ensure the smart TV‘s HDMI input supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 for 4K capabilities.
- Set the smart TV‘s input to match the HDMI port.
- Follow the initial Xbox One S setup process.
- Configure the TV settings to enable gaming features like ‘Game Mode‘ and disable extra processing.
With a 4K, HDR-enabled smart TV, you can enjoy Xbox One S gaming with:
- 4K Resolution – Play games up to 2160p for ultra sharp details.
- HDR Visuals – More vibrant, nuanced colors and contrast.
- 60fps Frame Rates – Smoother, more responsive gameplay.
Smart TVs also integrate the Xbox One S into their built-in streaming apps, allowing you to easily switch between gaming and entertainment.
Do You Need to Buy a New Smart TV for Xbox One S?
If you currently own an older 1080p HDTV and are considering an Xbox One S, you may be wondering if you need to upgrade your TV to a 4K smart TV model to properly use the console.
The good news is the Xbox One S will still provide great 1080p gaming on any HD TV – you‘ll just be limited to 1080p visuals instead of 4K. You‘ll miss out on 4K and HDR capabilities, but can still enjoy new Xbox One S games, access apps like Netflix and YouTube, and play your existing Xbox One games.
However, buying a new 4K 60Hz smart TV unlocks the Xbox One S‘s full potential for stunning 4K gaming with smoother performance and vivid HDR. This enhances the gaming experience and will also future proof you for the enhanced graphics of newer games.
If your budget allows, I highly recommend upgrading to a compatible 4K smart TV to create the ultimate Xbox One S gaming setup.
Best TVs for Xbox One S Gaming
Based on my expertise in TV technology, here are my top smart TV recommendations to pair with the Xbox One S for a superb gaming experience:
4K TVs Under $500
- TCL 4 Series – Solid budget 4K TV with good performance.
- Hisense U6 Series – Affordable 4K with low input lag and 60Hz refresh.
- Toshiba C350 Series – Amazon Fire TV with 60Hz refresh and low input lag.
4K TVs Under $1000
- LG NANO85 Series – Excellent picture, 60Hz, HDMI 2.1.
- Sony X80K Series – Reliable brand with great gaming features.
- Samsung Q60A QLED – Quantum dot technology and gaming optimizations.
Premium 4K OLED TVs
- LG C2 OLED – Stunning picture quality with perfect blacks and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Sony A80K OLED – Cognitive processor optimized for gaming.
- Samsung S95B OLED – Impressive visuals and HDR performance.
I highly recommend considering an OLED TV if your budget allows, as the perfect blacks and pixel-precise control of OLED technology delivers the best visual performance for gaming.
Make sure to look for key gaming features like low input lag (under 20ms), HDMI 2.1, and auto low latency mode. Compare prices online as well as in local stores.
Is Xbox One S Worth it Without a 4K TV?
While you‘ll get the most out of the Xbox One S with a 4K TV, the console still provides benefits over the original Xbox One on a 1080p TV:
- HDR Gaming – More vivid colors and contrast.
- Faster Load Times – Thanks to the internal SSD.
- 4K Streaming – Watch 4K movies/shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video etc.
- 4K Blu-Ray – Play 4K Blu-ray discs.
- Slightly Enhanced Performance – Games may run at more stable frame rates.
You also get 1TB of storage space, built-in WiFi, and access to all the latest games and apps.
The Xbox One S serves as a refined, future-proofed successor to the original Xbox One. While you won‘t get native 4K gaming, there are still worthwhile improvements over the initial model on a 1080p TV.
I‘d only recommend upgrading from an original Xbox One if you want HDR capabilities or plan to get a 4K TV in the future. Otherwise, performance gains on a 1080p TV alone may not justify buying the Xbox One S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need internet for Xbox One S?
Yes, an internet connection is required to download games, apps, updates and for online multiplayer on Xbox One S. You can connect via WiFi or wired ethernet. Offline single player gaming is possible once games are installed.
What cables do I need to connect Xbox One S to TV?
The only cable you need is an HDMI cable – one is included with the Xbox One S console. For 4K HDR gaming, use a Premium High Speed HDMI cable.
Why is my Xbox One S not connecting to my TV?
If you see a blank screen, ensure your TV input matches the HDMI port the Xbox is connected to. Try power cycling your console and TV. Replace HDMI cables if needed. Enable HDCP in Xbox settings if disabled.
Can Xbox One S play 3D movies?
No, the Xbox One S does not support 3D Blu-Ray playback or 3D gaming. A 3D TV is not required or compatible with the console.
The Bottom Line
While a smart TV is not required, I highly recommend a 4K TV with gaming features to unlock the full potential of the Xbox One S. With deep expertise in home entertainment technology, my advice is to invest in a good 4K TV if possible to maximize your gaming performance, visuals and future proof your setup.
However, you can still enjoy smooth 1080p gameplay and apps on any HDTV – a secondhand or older TV may be a budget-friendly option. Carefully consider your current TV, budget constraints, and how often you plan to use Xbox One S features.
Feel free to reach out with any other questions! I‘m always happy to share my insider knowledge to help gamers build the ultimate Xbox setup.
