Why You Can Trust CNET The Battle for a Portable Xbox: xScreen vs. Depgi Portable Monitor
Both the UpSpec Gaming xScreen monitor and Depgi's portable display can pair with the Xbox Series S for gaming on the go.
If you travel a lot for work or live in a sardine-can of a dorm room or apartment, a clip-on portable monitor can make console gaming a little easier. Both UpSpec Gaming's xScreen monitor and Depgi's portable gaming monitor attach to the Xbox Series S so you can carry the device and play games when you're not at home. These displays are useful for situations where you can't use a TV or when a standalone monitor is too awkward. As someone used to carrying game consoles when I travel, these attachable monitors are a real game-changer.
Both screens are expensive, at least relative to the price of the $299 Xbox Series console. But I've seen the $250 xScreen on sale for $200 and Depgi's $300 monitor retails for $300 can be found as low as $260. In both cases, keep an eye out for discounts.
Display and size
The xScreen has an 11.6-inch, 1,920x1,080 screen that can output at 60Hz. UpSpec Gaming states on its website that the screen does not support HDR, since it would draw too much power for this small a design. But that tiny footprint allows the xScreen to sit flush against the Series S when folded down. It connects to the back of the console, sticking out about 1.5 inches (38mm) from the Xbox.
The xScreen
Depgi's monitor is a bit larger, 12.5 inches, and it's also 1,920x1,080 at 60Hz, but does support HDR. In order to accommodate the larger size, the display has side panels, making the overall footprint about an inch wider (25mm). It's also deeper in the back, extending up 2.3 inches (58mm). Depgi's monitor is larger and more powerful, but you pay for that in portability.
The Depgi screen
On its own the Series S weighs 4.3 pounds (2.0 kg) and each of the screens add around 1.5 lbs. (0.7 kg).
Setup
The xScreen plugs into the HDMI and one of the USB ports on the back of the Xbox. You then screw in the two latches on each side to lock the monitor in place. It does block access to the ethernet port and the other USB port on the back. Luckily, you do still have the front USB port to use and the storage expansion port remains accessible.
The xScreen blocks all but the power and storage expansion ports (top).
Depgi's monitor also sits at the back of the console but doesn't plug into the USB. You screw it in via an additional panel that mounts along the side, using the included screwdriver. Every port on the back of the Xbox stays accessible, but you'll need to connect to the HDMI port. The Depgi monitor also includes a second HDMI port in case you wanted to plug something else into the device at the same time. It also has two headphone jacks on the back, another feature you probably won't need since most Xbox controllers have a jack.
The Depgi doesn't block any of the ports on the back of the Xbox Series S.
Even though the xScreen blocks a few of the ports, you probably won't need them that often. Since the Xbox supports Wi-Fi, the ethernet port usually isn't an issue, and the front USB port is typically sufficient. The tool-free xScreen is overall easier to connect to the console. You likely won't be disconnecting and reconnecting either of these screens from the Xbox that often, but regardless, from start to finish, setting up the xScreen is quicker.
Power
Both monitors need to be plugged into the wall for power -- they don't have built-in batteries. But they're still a great deal more portable than carrying around a TV and a little less cumbersome than standalone portable monitors, especially since the Xbox Series S lacks a USB-C port.
The xScreen only needs the Xbox's power cord to power the full unit. Although this is ideal, it's the source of the xScreen's inability to handle HDR. As for Depgi's display, you plug in the console, then plug in a tiny HDMI cable from the console to the monitor, plus another cord that plugs into a USB wall adapter. It's worth noting that the Depgi monitor does include a USB connection for you to use, but you can just plug into one of the Xbox's three USB ports to keep things compact. With all this, you're looking at three cables to power the Depgi monitor.
Since portability is the name of the game, the xScreen wins here. Having to plug in two cables to the wall is a drag, let alone having to remember to bring the USB adapter and schlepping three cables.
Accessories
UpSpec Gaming also sells a few accessories for the xScreen. Most important, it sells a carrying case that fits the screen, the console, the cable and a controller. Using the case does make the package a little bulkier but if you're putting this in a piece of luggage then it shouldn't be an issue. It currently costs around $50.
UpSpec offers an accessory case for the xScreen.
Depgi doesn't offer any accessories to pair with its monitor. This isn't a big deal, though, since both monitors are fairly sturdy -- it's just a nice-to-have extra for peace of mind. And no, the Depgi monitor will not fit in the xScreen case if you were hoping to mix and match.
The verdict
The xScreen is easily the better monitor for gaming with your Xbox Series S on the go. The only real shortcoming UpSpec has compared to Depgi is the smaller, non-HDR screen. That may be a deal-breaker for you, depending upon your needs, but these are focused on ease of use and portability. The xScreen's smaller size can fit into more types of bags or luggage, it requires fewer cables to get up and gaming faster, and the optional carrying case is a nice bonus. Plus it's significantly cheaper.