Xbox Series X + Forza Horizon 6: Why Right Now Is the Perfect Time to Buy

The Xbox Series X has been asking for patience since November 2020. Not unfairly — the hardware has always been exceptional, the Game Pass value proposition has been quietly compelling, and the backward compatibility depth is something no competing platform comes close to. But “patiently excellent” is not the same as “obviously, urgently necessary.” For the first three years of the Series X’s life, you could look at the console and think: “yes, this is very good. I’ll buy it when there’s something I truly can’t miss.”

That moment arrived on May 19th, 2026. Forza Horizon 6 launched. Japan’s open world, 500 cars, 4K/60fps on Series X hardware, and available day one on Game Pass. The patience is over.

This guide is for the dad who has been on the fence. Maybe you bought a Series S at launch and have been wondering whether the upgrade is worth it. Maybe you skipped the Xbox generation entirely and have been watching from the PlayStation or Switch side. Maybe you just need someone to make the case clearly, without marketing language, for why this particular moment — not last year, not next year — is the right time.

Here’s the complete case.

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1. Xbox Series X — The Console Forza Horizon 6 Was Built For

The Xbox Series X is not a difficult console to understand. It is, by measurable metrics, the most powerful home console available. Twelve teraflops of GPU compute, a 1TB custom NVMe SSD with speeds that render load screens essentially conceptual, native 4K/60fps output, and backward compatibility spanning four generations of Xbox hardware. The question was never whether the console was good. It was whether the right game had arrived to make you feel all of it at once.

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Xbox Series X Console (opens in a new tab)

The top pick. Native 4K/60fps, 1TB NVMe SSD, disc drive. The console Forza Horizon 6 was built to run on.

What it does well

4K/60fps without compromise. In Forza Horizon 6’s Japan map, this means native resolution rendering — not upscaled, not reconstructed, but actually 4K pixels showing actual detail. The rain effects on Tokyo tarmac have individual droplet behaviour. Cherry blossom density in the Kyoto highlands is thick enough to genuinely obscure distant views. At peak settings, the Series X renders Japan the way the design team intended it to look. The Series S approximates it well. This is the original.

Load times that change how you play. World streaming in Forza Horizon 6 is so fast that fast travel feels genuinely instant — you select a destination, the screen briefly transitions, and you’re there. No thirty-second loading bars. Backward-compatible Xbox 360 games that once took ninety seconds to load from a mechanical drive now load in under ten. The SSD is not background infrastructure; it actively changes how gaming sessions feel.

Backward compatibility as a time machine. Every Xbox One game, every Xbox 360 game cleared for compatibility, and a growing list of original Xbox titles. All running at improved framerates, many enhanced to higher resolutions. For a dad who has been gaming on Xbox since the early 2000s, this is an archive worth hundreds of hours of material you’ve already paid for.

Where it falls short

The physical footprint is genuinely large — the “black fridge” nickname is not affectionate exaggeration. If your TV unit is compact, plan ahead. The first-party exclusive lineup for narrative single-player games still trails PlayStation 5, and if your primary gaming appetite is story-driven single-player adventures, the PS5’s catalogue competes seriously. And Game Pass — while exceptional value — is a subscription you need to budget for alongside the hardware.

Who should buy the Series X

Anyone with a 4K television who is buying an Xbox in 2026 for the purpose of playing Forza Horizon 6. The visual difference versus the Series S is the largest it has been for any Xbox generation title, and it is immediately apparent on a proper display. Also: anyone who wants the definitive, future-proof Xbox experience for the next several years, and anyone whose gaming TV operates at 4K resolution.

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2. Forza Horizon 6 — The Game That Changes the Calculus

We have already reviewed Forza Horizon 6 in full — the short version is that it is the best open-world racing game ever made and deserves the perfect 10 it received. But for this guide, the more relevant question is not “is it good?” (it is) but “does it justify a console purchase?”

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Forza Horizon 6 – Xbox Series X|S (opens in a new tab)

The killer app. Japan's open world, 500+ cars, 4K/60fps on Series X. Day one on Game Pass — or buy the disc to lock it in.

What it does for the Series X

Japan is the most diverse and visually spectacular Horizon map since the series began. Five distinct regions — Tokyo’s neon urban expressways, the Kyoto and Nara temple corridor, the Fuji highland passes, the Okinawa beach hub, and the seasonal Hokkaido snowfields — each with completely different driving character and visual identity. None of it feels like padding. Every corner of the map rewards exploration.

The Seasons system is the long-term argument. Every week, the world shifts — spring sakura on wet roads, summer typhoon coastal chaos, autumn copper-leaf Kyoto, Hokkaido winter rally cross. Each season unlocks exclusive cars and a Horizon Festival Playlist that gives you something meaningful to do even in short weekly gaming windows. For dads with fifteen free minutes on a Tuesday evening, this is designed for you.

Game Pass inclusion is the economic argument in one sentence: if you subscribe, the game costs you nothing extra on launch day. The hardware purchase is your entire financial commitment.

What it does for younger players in the family

Forza Horizon 6 is accessible from age 6, and that’s not a stretch. The rewind system removes failure anxiety completely. Full driving assists — auto-braking, auto-steering, automatic transmission — let younger players experience the game at the same speed as adults without frustration. The free-roam mode, with no timer and no objectives, turns the Japan map into a giant toy: go wherever, drive whatever, take photographs of cars against bamboo groves. Our seven-year-old has assembled a virtual car photography portfolio in the Kyoto region. Nobody predicted that use case. The design enabled it.

Who should buy it

Every Xbox Series X owner, immediately. The game is on Game Pass, so the question of whether to “buy” it in the traditional sense is almost irrelevant — subscribe and it’s there. If you prefer physical media or don’t plan to maintain a Game Pass subscription, the disc is the correct purchase.

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3. Xbox Series S — The Budget Entry That Still Plays the Game

The Xbox Series S costs significantly less than the Series X and plays Forza Horizon 6 at 1080p/60fps. If you own a 1080p television, it is an entirely valid and well-priced entry to the ecosystem.

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Xbox Series S Console (opens in a new tab)

The budget entry. 1080p/1440p, no disc drive, 512GB SSD. Forza Horizon 6 runs at 1080p/60fps — excellent if you don't own a 4K TV.

What it does well

The Series S runs Forza Horizon 6 at a locked 1080p/60fps in performance mode, and on a 1080p screen the experience is excellent. The Japan map looks and feels like a great racing game running on a great console. Load times via the NVMe SSD — smaller than the Series X’s but still fast by any conventional measure — keep the session pace feeling modern. All of Game Pass is available. All of the Seasons content is available. The game’s full experience is accessible.

Where it falls short

On a 4K television, the visual difference between Series X and Series S is the most noticeable it has been for any major Xbox title. Forza Horizon 6’s Japan map was built for the Series X’s output resolution. At 1080p on a 4K display, the image is upscaled — still good, but not the same. The 512GB SSD fills up faster than you expect when you’re downloading multiple Game Pass titles alongside Forza Horizon 6’s DLC. And the absence of a disc drive means you’re entirely committed to digital purchases.

Who should buy it

Dads whose television tops out at 1080p, buyers with a clear budget constraint, and anyone primarily interested in Game Pass variety rather than peak visual fidelity on specific titles. The Series S is not a compromise purchase — it is a different value proposition. Just know which display you’re pairing it with before you commit.

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How They Compare: Series X vs Series S in 2026

This is the decision most buyers are actually making.

The table doesn’t need interpretation — it is what it is. On a 4K television, the Series X is the right choice. On a 1080p television, the Series S is the economically sensible one. The only genuinely hard call is if you’re on a 1080p TV now but planning to upgrade soon — in that case, the Series X future-proofs you.

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The Game Pass Setup: What Your First Week Looks Like

This is the practical part. You have bought the console. Here is the optimal setup for a dad who games in short windows.

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Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – 3 Month (opens in a new tab)

The subscription that changes the maths entirely. Forza Horizon 6 day one, EA Play, hundreds of games. Non-negotiable setup purchase.

Step 1: Subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate first. Before you buy any individual game, subscribe. Forza Horizon 6 is on the service from day one — which means the game is immediately available for download without any additional purchase. The subscription also gives you access to hundreds of back-catalogue titles, EA Play, and cloud gaming.

Step 2: Download Forza Horizon 6. The game is approximately 100GB. Start the download while you’re completing setup, and by the time you’ve configured your profile, connected your TV’s audio output, and found the second controller, the main game will be ready.

Step 3: Play one session before you look at the rest of Game Pass. This sounds like obvious advice. It is obvious advice that most new subscribers ignore. Forza Horizon 6’s Japan map opening sequence deserves your full attention before the Game Pass catalogue becomes a distraction. After that first session — two hours minimum — browse the library.

Step 4: Enable Auto HDR. In the console settings, ensure Auto HDR is active. It applies to backward-compatible titles and noticeably improves older games on HDR-capable displays. Takes thirty seconds to enable and affects your entire library retroactively.

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Xbox Wireless Controller – Carbon Black (opens in a new tab)

Get a second controller. You will want it — Forza Horizon 6's convoy mode and the rest of the Game Pass library assume two players at some point.

How to Choose: The Decision Framework

You’re either convinced or you have a remaining hesitation. Here’s how to resolve it.

If you own a 4K TV and have been on the fence for years: buy the Xbox Series X now. Forza Horizon 6 is the game you were waiting for, and the Game Pass value makes the ongoing costs manageable. You have waited long enough.

If you own a 1080p TV and want to spend less: buy the Xbox Series S. Forza Horizon 6 runs excellently at 1080p/60fps. Add Game Pass and you have everything the platform offers at a lower entry price.

If you already own a Series S and are considering upgrading to a Series X: only if you have a 4K TV or are planning to get one. The visual upgrade in Forza Horizon 6 specifically is meaningful on a 4K display. On a 1080p screen, the Series S and Series X produce nearly identical results in this game.

If you want two great racing games for the price of one subscription: Game Pass includes both Forza Horizon 5 and Forza Horizon 6. Mexico and Japan are genuinely different experiences — Horizon 5’s warm, geographically diverse map is worth the download while Horizon 6’s seasonal content refreshes each week. Two games, one subscription, zero redundancy.

If you are choosing between Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5: both are excellent. The Series X wins on open-world gaming, racing, and Game Pass variety. The PS5 wins on narrative first-party exclusives. In 2026, Forza Horizon 6 is not available on PS5. The decision comes down to whether you primarily chase open-world/racing games and Game Pass variety (Series X) or cinematic narrative single-player games (PS5). Both can coexist in a household if budget allows.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying the Series S for a 4K TV. This is the most frequent regret we hear about. The Series S is excellent on a 1080p display. On a 4K TV, especially with a game like Forza Horizon 6 which specifically showcases the resolution difference, the Series X is the version you want.

Not subscribing to Game Pass Ultimate immediately. Some buyers purchase the console, buy two or three games individually, and then discover Game Pass. All three of those games were on the service. Subscribe first.

Waiting for a “better” moment. The library is at its deepest point in the console’s history. Forza Horizon 6 has arrived. Game Pass is at peak value. There is no better moment coming in the near term that would materially change the purchase calculus. The wait is over.

Ignoring the backward compatibility library. New console owners often focus entirely on new releases and forget that the Series X’s backward compatibility gives them access to years of Xbox One and Xbox 360 games at improved performance. If you gamed on Xbox in previous generations, explore that library before spending money on new titles.

Is now the right time to buy an Xbox Series X?

Yes — more convincingly than at any previous point. Forza Horizon 6’s launch on May 19th 2026 is the clearest system-seller the console has had. Combined with Game Pass Ultimate’s day-one access and the Series X’s peak library depth, the timing has never been better.

Should I buy Xbox Series X or Series S in 2026?

If you own a 4K TV: Series X, without question. Forza Horizon 6 shows a visible resolution difference between the two consoles that matters on a 4K display. If your TV tops out at 1080p, the Series S plays the game excellently at 1080p/60fps for significantly less money.

Is Forza Horizon 6 included in Xbox Game Pass?

Yes, day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This means the game itself costs you nothing additional if you’re subscribed — the hardware purchase is your entire financial commitment. Starting a Game Pass subscription is the first thing to do after buying the console.

How much does the complete Xbox Series X setup cost?

The Xbox Series X console, a three-month Game Pass Ultimate subscription, and a second controller comes to approximately €600-650 depending on retailer. Forza Horizon 6 is included in Game Pass at no additional cost.

Should I wait for the next Xbox generation?

No. The next generation is years away. The Series X library is at its deepest and most compelling point right now. Waiting will cost you years of the platform at its best — for a marginal hardware improvement that won’t materially change how Forza Horizon 6 plays.

Is the Xbox Series X good for gaming dads with limited time?

It’s arguably the best console for exactly that situation. Game Pass removes purchase anxiety — try any game from the library without commitment. Forza Horizon 6’s Seasons system rewards even thirty-minute weekly sessions with meaningful progress and new content. And the suspend/resume feature picks up exactly where you left off, no save points required.