The Xbox Series S delivers a surprisingly robust and engaging Forza Horizon 5 experience, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers who don’t want to compromise on the core fun of Playground Games’ open-world racer.

This machine proves that you don’t need top-tier hardware to enjoy one of the best racing games of the generation, delivering an impressive blend of graphical fidelity and performance.

It’s a testament to the optimization work by Playground Games and the capabilities of Microsoft’s smaller, all-digital console.

When into the Forza Horizon 5 ecosystem, enhancing your setup can significantly elevate the experience.

Here are some top-tier, non-edible products that complement the Xbox Series S and the game itself, ensuring you get the most out of every race, drift, and exploration.

Xbox Wireless Controller Robot White
- Key Features: Modernized design, sculpted surfaces and refined geometry for enhanced comfort, textured grip on the triggers and bumpers, new hybrid D-pad, dedicated Share button, Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth technology for gaming on console, PC, mobile phones, and tablets.
- Average Price: $59.99
- Pros: Excellent ergonomics, responsive input, wide compatibility, durable build quality, good battery life with AA batteries or rechargeable pack.
- Cons: Still uses AA batteries by default rechargeable pack sold separately, some users prefer a built-in battery.
Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 1TB
- Key Features: 1TB of additional NVMe SSD storage, seamlessly integrates with the Xbox Velocity Architecture, plug-and-play functionality, matches internal SSD performance for quick load times and optimal game performance.
- Average Price: $219.99
- Pros: Essential for expanding next-gen game storage, perfect performance matching the internal drive, easy to install and use.
- Cons: High price point, proprietary design means no cheaper alternatives.
HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless Gaming Headset Tp Link Archer Ax73 Ax5400 Dual Band Gigabit Wi Fi 6 Router Review
- Key Features: Lightweight 275g, durable, immersive audio with 40mm drivers, noise-cancelling mic, on-earcup audio controls, 17-hour battery life, 2.4GHz wireless connection.
- Average Price: $79.99
- Pros: Comfortable for long sessions, clear audio for game sounds and voice chat, reliable wireless connection, good value for money.
- Cons: Not as premium build as higher-end headsets, mic is not detachable.
Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Pedals
- Key Features: Force feedback with dual-motor system, responsive floor pedal unit accelerator, brake, clutch, D-pad and console buttons, racing wheel with 900-degree lock-to-lock rotation, premium leather and steel components.
- Average Price: $299.99
- Pros: Hugely enhances immersion for racing games, realistic force feedback, durable construction, precise control.
- Cons: Can be expensive, requires a stable surface for mounting, additional shifter sold separately, takes up dedicated space.
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD
- Key Features: Up to 1050MB/s read speeds, 1000MB/s write speeds, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP55 water and dust resistance, durable silicone shell, compact design.
- Average Price: $179.99
- Pros: Excellent for storing Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games can be played directly from it, very fast for transferring Series S/X optimized games to and from the internal drive, highly portable and rugged.
- Cons: Cannot play Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly from it only store them, more expensive than traditional HDDs.
AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable 6 Feet
- Key Features: Supports Ethernet, 3D, 4K video, and Audio Return Channel ARC, meets HDMI 2.0 standards, gold-plated connectors, durable PVC outer layer.
- Average Price: $7.99
- Pros: Affordable, reliable performance, good build quality for the price, essential for connecting console to display.
- Cons: Standard length might not suit all setups, basic aesthetic.
KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks Omni
- Key Features: Low-rise, convex thumbsticks, designed to improve grip and comfort, reduces hand fatigue, compatible with Xbox controllers.
- Average Price: $14.99
- Pros: Enhances precision and control, particularly useful in driving games for subtle steering inputs, comfortable and easy to attach.
- Cons: Some users prefer higher-rise thumbsticks, can take a short time to get used to.

Table of Contents

Visuals and Performance on the Series S: A Surprising Feat

When Playground Games announced Forza Horizon 5, many wondered how the less powerful Xbox Series S would handle such a visually demanding title. The answer, frankly, is remarkably well. The Series S aims for a consistent 30 frames per second FPS experience, and it largely achieves this, delivering a smooth and enjoyable gameplay loop that rarely stutters or dips below its target. This stability is crucial for a racing game, ensuring that every hairpin turn and high-speed dash feels responsive and predictable.

The primary difference you’ll notice compared to the Series X or a high-end PC is the resolution. The Series S renders Forza Horizon 5 at an average of 1080p to 1440p, utilizing dynamic resolution scaling to maintain performance. While it doesn’t hit native 4K, the visuals are still incredibly sharp and vibrant on a 1080p or 1440p display.

Texture Quality: Textures for cars, environments, and character models remain impressively detailed, showcasing the meticulous work by the developers. From the intricate carbon fiber weaves on a supercar to the rough volcanic rock formations, everything looks premium.
Draw Distance: The vast open world of Mexico stretches out beautifully, with excellent draw distances that ensure distant landmarks and environments pop into view without aggressive pop-in. This is vital for maintaining the sense of scale and exploration that Forza Horizon is known for.
Lighting and Effects: The game’s stunning global illumination system and volumetric clouds are largely intact on the Series S. Sunsets cast long, realistic shadows, and dust trails kick up convincingly behind your vehicle. The weather effects, from torrential rain to blinding sandstorms, are rendered with impressive fidelity, adding to the immersion.

The optimization is truly a testament to the developers.

They’ve managed to scale down the visual intensity without sacrificing the core artistic vision or the “wow” factor.

It’s a prime example of how targeted optimization can make a high-fidelity game accessible on less powerful hardware, ensuring a broad audience can experience the fun.

Gameplay Experience: Uncompromised Fun

Despite the technical differences, the core gameplay loop of Forza Horizon 5 on the Xbox Series S is absolutely identical to that on the Series X or PC. You’re getting the full, unadulterated experience of exploring Mexico, participating in diverse events, and building your car collection. There are no content cuts or stripped-down modes. it’s the complete package. Roku Streaming Stick 4K Review

Vast Open World: The expansive and diverse map of Mexico, featuring deserts, jungles, volcanoes, ancient ruins, and bustling cities, is fully explorable. Every biome transition feels natural, and the sheer variety of terrain keeps exploration fresh.
Event Variety: From traditional circuit races and street races to off-road expeditions, PR stunts, and Horizon Stories, the game offers an overwhelming array of activities. The Series S handles all of these modes without a hitch, ensuring smooth transitions and consistent performance.
Car Roster: The enormous roster of meticulously recreated cars, spanning everything from classic muscle cars to modern hypercars and rugged off-roaders, is fully available. Each car handles uniquely, and the driving physics feel responsive and authentic.
Progression System: The rewarding progression system, which encourages exploration and participation in diverse events, is fully functional. Earning accolades, unlocking new cars, and customizing your vehicles is just as satisfying on the Series S.

One minor point to consider is loading times. While the Series S benefits from its internal NVMe SSD, loading into the game from the dashboard or fast-traveling across the map can be slightly longer than on the Series X. However, these differences are minimal often only a few seconds and don’t significantly detract from the overall experience. The seamless nature of the open world means that once you’re in the game, loading screens are infrequent.

Connectivity and Ecosystem Integration: Seamless & Modern

The Xbox Series S, much like its Series X counterpart, excels in its connectivity options and seamless integration into the broader Xbox ecosystem.

For Forza Horizon 5 players, this translates to a hassle-free setup and a rich online experience.

HDMI 2.1 Compatibility: While the Series S doesn’t output native 4K, it supports HDMI 2.1 features like Auto Low Latency Mode ALLM, which automatically switches your display to a low-latency mode for gaming. This is critical for reducing input lag, ensuring your controller inputs are registered almost instantly. While Variable Refresh Rate VRR is also supported by HDMI 2.1, it’s less impactful for a game targeting a locked 30 FPS, but beneficial for other titles.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet: The console comes equipped with Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac for wireless internet connectivity and a gigabit Ethernet port for a more stable wired connection. For online racing in Forza Horizon 5, a stable connection is paramount to minimize lag and ensure fair play. If you’re serious about competitive online events, opting for a wired connection via an Ethernet cable is always recommended.
Bluetooth: The integrated Bluetooth allows for easy connection of wireless accessories, primarily the Xbox Wireless Controller. This provides a clean, cable-free gaming experience.
USB Ports: Multiple USB 3.1 ports one on the front, two on the back allow for connecting external storage devices like the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD mentioned earlier for storing last-gen games, charging cables, and other peripherals.
Xbox Cloud Gaming: Although Forza Horizon 5 is installed locally, the Series S’s integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate means you can stream other titles or even continue your Forza progress on a mobile device or PC, adding incredible flexibility.

The console’s digital-only nature means all your games are downloaded or streamed, making disk management a non-issue.

This streamlined approach makes jumping into Forza Horizon 5 quick and easy, especially if you have a fast internet connection.

Storage Considerations: A Key Point for Digital Gamers

One of the most frequent discussion points surrounding the Xbox Series S is its internal storage capacity. The console comes with a 512GB NVMe SSD, but a significant portion of this is reserved for the operating system and essential files, leaving approximately 364GB of usable space for games. Forza Horizon 5, while optimized for the Series S, is still a large game.

Forza Horizon 5 File Size: At launch, Forza Horizon 5 typically hovers around 100-110 GB for its base installation, with subsequent updates and DLC increasing that footprint. This means the game alone consumes nearly a third of the usable internal storage.
Impact on Game Library: If Forza Horizon 5 is your primary game, 364GB might seem sufficient. However, if you plan to install several other modern titles optimized for the Series S, you’ll quickly run into storage limitations. Many current-gen games range from 50GB to over 100GB.
Storage Expansion Options:
- Proprietary Expansion Card: The most seamless solution is the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 1TB. This card plugs directly into a dedicated slot on the back of the console and perfectly matches the speed of the internal SSD. This is crucial because Xbox Series S/X optimized games must be run from the internal SSD or this proprietary expansion card to utilize the Velocity Architecture’s speed benefits. While expensive, it’s the only way to get more “fast” storage for current-gen games.
- External USB HDD/SSD: You can connect external USB 3.0 or faster drives like the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD to the Series S. These drives are excellent for:
  - Storing Xbox Series S/X optimized games you’ll need to transfer them to the internal SSD or Seagate card to play them.
  - Playing Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox backward compatible games directly from the external drive.

For the serious Forza Horizon 5 player who also enjoys other current-gen titles, investing in the Seagate Expansion Card becomes almost a necessity to avoid constant game juggling.

For casual players sticking to just a few titles, diligent storage management might suffice.

Enhancing the Experience: Peripherals and Accessories

While the Xbox Series S provides a fantastic foundation for Forza Horizon 5, certain peripherals can significantly elevate your immersion and competitive edge. These aren’t just luxuries.

Some are practical tools that enhance comfort and performance. Rackspace Email Plus Review

Controllers: The standard Xbox Wireless Controller Robot White is excellent out of the box. However, for those seeking a competitive edge or simply more comfort, alternatives exist:
- Elite Series 2 Controller: Offers customizability with swappable thumbsticks and D-pads, paddle attachments, and hair trigger locks. While pricey, it’s a must for precise control in racing.
- KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks: Products like the KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks Omni attach to your existing thumbsticks, providing enhanced grip and potentially better leverage for fine steering adjustments in Forza.
Headsets: Immersive audio is paramount in Forza Horizon 5. Hearing the roar of engines, the screech of tires, and the ambient sounds of the world makes a huge difference. A good gaming headset, such as the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless Gaming Headset, offers:
- Positional Audio: Helps you pinpoint opponents in online races or locate PR stunts by sound cues.
- Clear Communication: Essential for convoy play with friends or team racing.
- Noise Isolation: Drowns out external distractions, allowing you to focus purely on the game.
Racing Wheels: For the ultimate immersion, nothing beats a dedicated racing wheel and pedal set. The Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Pedals is a popular choice for Xbox.
- Force Feedback: Provides realistic sensations of road texture, tire grip, and collisions, truly making you feel connected to the car.
- Precise Control: Far more nuanced steering and pedal input than a standard controller, allowing for smoother lines and better lap times.
- Immersion: Transforms the game from a controller experience to a simulated driving experience, adding a whole new layer of enjoyment, especially for simulation fans.
While a significant investment and requiring dedicated space, a wheel setup dramatically elevates the Forza Horizon 5 experience for enthusiasts.
High-Quality HDMI Cable: While often overlooked, a good quality HDMI cable like the AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable 6 Feet ensures optimal signal transfer between your Series S and display, preventing potential issues like signal degradation or handshake problems, especially when dealing with higher refresh rates or resolution signals.

These accessories aren’t strictly necessary to enjoy Forza Horizon 5, but for players looking to extract every ounce of enjoyment, precision, or immersion, they are well worth considering.

Value Proposition: Why the Series S Shines for Forza Horizon 5

The Xbox Series S’s value proposition for Forza Horizon 5 is arguably one of its strongest selling points. It offers a full-fledged, next-gen Forza experience at a significantly lower entry cost than the Xbox Series X or a gaming PC capable of running the game at comparable settings.

Affordable Entry Point: With a typical retail price of $299 USD, the Series S is often available for even less during sales. This makes it an incredibly accessible console for anyone wanting to jump into current-gen gaming without breaking the bank. Compared to the Series X $499 or a gaming PC that could run FH5 well easily $800-$1000+, the savings are substantial.
Game Pass Integration: The Series S is the perfect companion for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Forza Horizon 5 is included with Game Pass, meaning you can play the game from day one without an additional purchase, assuming you subscribe to the service. This further enhances the value, as you gain access to hundreds of other high-quality games for a monthly fee.
Small Form Factor: Its compact size makes it incredibly versatile. It fits easily into any entertainment setup, and its portability means you can take it to a friend’s house or on a trip without much hassle. This is particularly appealing for those with limited space or who travel frequently.
Next-Gen Features for Less: Despite its lower price, the Series S still boasts key next-gen features:
- Fast Loading Times: Thanks to the NVMe SSD, loading into games is significantly faster than on previous generation consoles.
- Raytracing limited: While not as extensive as on the Series X, the Series S does leverage raytracing in Forza Vista mode, allowing for incredibly realistic car reflections when admiring your vehicles.
- Quick Resume: This feature allows you to seamlessly switch between multiple games, picking up exactly where you left off, even after turning off the console. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement.

For gamers who prioritize accessing the latest titles without needing the absolute highest resolution or frame rates, the Series S offers an unbeatable balance of performance, features, and affordability.

It’s a smart purchase for anyone looking to get into Forza Horizon 5 and the broader Xbox ecosystem without overspending.

Longevity and Future-Proofing within reason

While no console is truly “future-proof,” the Xbox Series S is built on the same architecture as the Series X, meaning it will continue to receive and run all upcoming Xbox Series X|S optimized games for the foreseeable future. This is a crucial distinction from older generation consoles. Xpg Xenia 14 Review

Developer Support: Game developers are required to ensure their titles run on both Series X and Series S. This means you won’t be left out of new releases. While future games might scale back graphical fidelity further on the Series S, the core gameplay experience will remain intact.
Xbox Velocity Architecture: The presence of the custom NVMe SSD and the Velocity Architecture is key. Even with less raw power, the I/O throughput ensures fast asset streaming, which is vital for open-world games like Forza Horizon 5 and future titles with complex environments.
Cloud Gaming as a Backup: As games become even more demanding, Xbox Cloud Gaming part of Game Pass Ultimate could potentially offer a way to play future titles at higher graphical settings than the Series S can natively render, streamed from more powerful hardware in the cloud. This provides an interesting “future-proofing” layer, albeit dependent on a strong internet connection.
Ongoing Optimization: Microsoft and developers will continue to optimize their engines and games to run efficiently across both consoles. This means that as development tools mature, we might even see performance improvements or better visual scaling on the Series S for some titles.

However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. The Series S will always be the less powerful machine. While it will run all future Series X|S games, it will do so at lower resolutions likely 1080p or 1440p and potentially lower graphical settings or frame rates targeting 30 FPS more often than 60 FPS. For Forza Horizon 5, its current performance is excellent, and it’s a strong indicator of how well the console can handle demanding titles when optimized. If you need the absolute bleeding edge of graphical fidelity and performance, the Series X or a high-end PC is still the way to go. But for consistent, enjoyable gameplay for years to come, the Series S holds its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Forza Horizon 5 good on Xbox Series S?

Yes, Forza Horizon 5 is remarkably good on Xbox Series S, offering a smooth 30 FPS experience with stunning visuals and the complete game content, making it a fantastic value for the console’s price point.

What resolution does Forza Horizon 5 run at on Series S?

Forza Horizon 5 typically runs at dynamic resolutions between 1080p and 1440p on the Xbox Series S, utilizing scaling to maintain a consistent frame rate.

What frame rate does Forza Horizon 5 target on Xbox Series S?

Forza Horizon 5 targets a consistent 30 frames per second FPS on the Xbox Series S, providing a stable and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Are the graphics significantly worse on Series S than Series X for FH5?

While the Series S renders at a lower resolution and might have slightly reduced graphical settings compared to the Series X’s native 4K, the visuals are still very impressive and capture the game’s beauty effectively. The core art style and effects are largely intact.

How big is Forza Horizon 5 on Xbox Series S storage?

Forza Horizon 5’s base installation typically requires around 100-110 GB of storage space on the Xbox Series S, with updates and DLC increasing that size over time.

Can I use an external hard drive for Forza Horizon 5 on Series S?

You can store Forza Horizon 5 on an external USB hard drive, but to play the game, you’ll need to transfer it to the internal SSD or the proprietary Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 1TB, as it’s an optimized Series S/X title.

Does Forza Horizon 5 have ray tracing on Series S?

Yes, Forza Horizon 5 features ray tracing on the Xbox Series S, but it is primarily limited to the Forza Vista mode for car reflections, not during active gameplay.

Is the loading time slow on Series S for Forza Horizon 5?

No, loading times are generally fast on the Xbox Series S thanks to its NVMe SSD, although they might be a few seconds longer than on the more powerful Series X.

Is the Xbox Series S a good console for racing games?

Yes, the Xbox Series S is an excellent console for racing games like Forza Horizon 5, offering good performance, visual fidelity, and a vast library of racing titles through Game Pass. Sugarsync Review

Does the Xbox Series S support Quick Resume with Forza Horizon 5?

Yes, the Xbox Series S fully supports Quick Resume, allowing you to instantly switch between Forza Horizon 5 and other games, picking up exactly where you left off.

Is Forza Horizon 5 included with Xbox Game Pass on Series S?

Yes, Forza Horizon 5 is included with Xbox Game Pass, meaning if you have a Game Pass subscription, you can play it on your Series S without an additional purchase.

Can I play Forza Horizon 5 online with Series S?

Yes, you can fully participate in all online multiplayer modes and features of Forza Horizon 5 on the Xbox Series S, including convoys, races, and seasonal events.

Do I need a 4K TV to play Forza Horizon 5 on Series S?

No, you do not need a 4K TV.

The Xbox Series S is designed to provide an excellent experience on 1080p or 1440p displays, where Forza Horizon 5 looks fantastic.

What’s the best controller for Forza Horizon 5 on Xbox Series S?

The standard Xbox Wireless Controller Robot White is excellent.

For enhanced precision, some players prefer the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller or add KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks Omni for improved grip.

Can I use a racing wheel with Forza Horizon 5 on Series S?

Yes, the Xbox Series S is compatible with a wide range of racing wheels, including popular models like the Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Pedals, significantly enhancing immersion.

Is the 512GB storage on Series S enough for Forza Horizon 5 and other games?

The 512GB internal storage approx. 364GB usable is sufficient for Forza Horizon 5 and a few other modern games, but if you plan to have a large library of Series X|S optimized titles, you will likely need a storage expansion.

Is a Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 1TB necessary for Series S with FH5?

It is not strictly necessary for Forza Horizon 5 alone, but if you want to install multiple Xbox Series X|S optimized games simultaneously without constantly uninstalling and reinstalling, it becomes highly recommended. Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 Chromebook 2021 Review

Does Forza Horizon 5 benefit from an HDMI 2.1 cable on Series S?

While the Series S doesn’t fully utilize all HDMI 2.1 features for FH5’s target performance e.g., 4K 120Hz, it does benefit from features like Auto Low Latency Mode ALLM for reduced input lag, making a quality AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable 6 Feet a good choice.

Can I connect a wireless headset like the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless Gaming Headset to Series S for Forza Horizon 5?

Yes, the Xbox Series S supports wireless headsets, including the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless Gaming Headset, for immersive audio and clear communication in Forza Horizon 5.

What is the biggest advantage of playing FH5 on Series S?

The biggest advantage is getting a full, high-quality next-gen Forza Horizon 5 experience at a significantly lower console price point, making it highly accessible.

Are there any specific graphical modes for FH5 on Series S e.g., Quality vs. Performance?

Forza Horizon 5 on Xbox Series S primarily targets a locked 30 FPS experience, focusing on visual fidelity within that frame rate, so there aren’t distinct Quality/Performance modes like on the Series X.

Does the Series S version of FH5 have all the cars and content?

Yes, the Xbox Series S version of Forza Horizon 5 includes the entire car roster, map, events, and all game content available on other platforms.

How does the Series S manage to run such a demanding game well?

Playground Games did an exceptional job optimizing Forza Horizon 5 for the Series S, leveraging dynamic resolution scaling, efficient asset streaming via the Velocity Architecture, and intelligent graphics settings adjustments to maintain performance.

Is the Xbox Series S loud when running Forza Horizon 5?

No, the Xbox Series S is known for being remarkably quiet, even when running demanding games like Forza Horizon 5, thanks to its efficient cooling system.

Can I transfer my Forza Horizon 5 progress from Xbox One to Series S?

Yes, Forza Horizon 5 supports Smart Delivery, meaning your save data will seamlessly transfer between Xbox One and Xbox Series S or X, allowing you to pick up your progress without issue.

Is the digital-only nature of Series S a problem for FH5?

No, as Forza Horizon 5 is available digitally, the Series S’s digital-only design is not an issue and simplifies game management.

How much internet bandwidth do I need to download Forza Horizon 5 on Series S?

While the exact requirement varies, a stable internet connection with at least 50 Mbps is recommended for a reasonable download time, given the game’s large file size. Asus Rog Strix Xg16Ahpe Review

Are there any input lag issues with Forza Horizon 5 on Series S?

Thanks to features like ALLM and the responsive controller, input lag is minimal on the Series S, ensuring a responsive and enjoyable driving experience.

Can I stream Forza Horizon 5 from my Series S to a PC or mobile device?

Yes, through the Xbox app and Remote Play feature, you can stream Forza Horizon 5 gameplay from your Xbox Series S to a PC or mobile device connected to the same network.

Will future Forza Horizon games also run well on the Series S?

Given Microsoft’s commitment to supporting the Series S alongside the Series X, it’s highly probable that future Forza Horizon titles will also be optimized to run well on the Series S, albeit at lower resolutions and frame rates compared to the Series X.

Forza Horizon 5 For Xbox Series S Review