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Xbox Series X Storage Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide
Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is a common need. The console's usable storage of approximately 800GB fills up quickly. The ideal solution? An external SSD. This guide explores the best options, differentiating between those that allow direct game play and those solely for storage.
TL;DR - Top Xbox Series X SSDs:
Our Top Pick### Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S
2See it at Amazon
### WD_Black 1TB C50
1See it at Amazon
### Samsung T7 External SSD
0See it at Amazon
### Crucial X8 External SSD
1See it at Amazon
### WD_Black 2TB P40
0See it at Amazon
It's crucial to note that only a select few SSDs support direct game launch on the Xbox Series X. Others offer excellent storage for archiving games or playing backwards-compatible titles.
First, we'll review SSDs compatible with direct game play, followed by alternative storage solutions.
PS5 owners: See our guide on the best PS5 SSDs.
AnswerSee Results1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S
The Premier Xbox Series X SSD
Our Top Pick### Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S
2Grab this officially licensed, easy-to-install SSD for enhanced storage and rapid transfer speeds, providing a seamless gaming experience.See it at Amazon
Specifications:
- Storage: 1TB
- Interface: eSATA
- Read/Write: 468.75MB/s
Pros: Easy installation, fast transfer speeds. Cons: Expensive.
This card offers speeds comparable to the console's internal SSD, ensuring optimal performance with Xbox Series X|S optimized games. Its plug-and-play functionality simplifies setup. While pricey, it's the premium solution for expanding storage capacity officially. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options.
2. WD_Black 1TB C50
The Most Portable Xbox Series X SSD
### WD_Black 1TB C50
1Western Digital's official Xbox Series X|S SSD offers speeds comparable to the native SSD.See it at Amazon
Specifications:
- Storage: 1TB
- Interface: eSATA
- Read/Write: 900MB/s
Pros: More affordable than Seagate, durable, portable. Cons: Marginally slower boot times.
A compact and robust alternative to the Seagate card, offering 512GB and 1TB options at a lower cost. Installation is straightforward, and game transfers are quick. While slightly slower boot times exist, the difference is minimal. A great choice if the Seagate's 2TB option isn't needed.
For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only
3. Samsung T7 External SSD
The Most Versatile Option
### Samsung T7 External SSD
0Ideal for storing backwards-compatible games or long-term archiving.See it at Amazon
Specifications:
- Storage: 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2
- Read/Write: 1,050/1,000MB/s
Pros: Lightweight, portable, 256-bit AES encryption. Cons: Cannot directly play Series X games.
Offers more storage per dollar than the expansion cards. Excellent for storing games for later play, preventing re-installation delays. Its portability and encryption features are significant advantages.
4. Crucial X8 External SSD
Best Value Storage
### Crucial X8 External SSD
1Excellent value for storing Xbox One and Xbox 360 games, freeing up space on your Series X SSD for newer titles.See it at Amazon
Specifications:
- Storage: 1TB (up to 4TB)
- Interface: USB 3.2
- Read/Write: 1,050MB/s
Pros: Compact, fast, up to 4TB storage. Cons: No encryption.
Provides exceptional value, available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. Ideal for archiving games, but not for direct Series X game play. Compatible with Xbox, PC, and Mac.
5. WD_Black 2TB P40
The Stylish External SSD
### WD_Black 2TB P40
0A stylish and robust external SSD perfect for archiving Xbox Series X games.See it at Amazon
Specifications:
- Storage: 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2
- Read/Write: Up to 2,000MB/s
Pros: Fast transfer speeds, stylish design (RGB lighting). Cons: Pricier than other external SSDs, no direct Series X game play.
Features a striking design with RGB lighting. Offers fast transfer speeds and compatibility with Xbox, PC, Mac, and PS5. While more expensive than other external options, it provides ample storage and a visually appealing design.
Choosing the Right SSD
For plug-and-play functionality with features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are your best options. However, if direct game play isn't required, numerous USB 3.2 SSDs offer greater storage capacity and affordability. Consider read/write speeds, durability, portability, and desired storage capacity when making your decision. 1TB is generally a good starting point, but larger capacities (up to 4TB) are available.
Xbox Series X SSD FAQ
-
Can any SSD work? Only licensed external SSDs (like the Seagate Expansion Card) allow direct Series X game play. External SSDs can store games for later access.
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Is the internal SSD fast? Yes, it's a 1TB NVMe SSD with ~2.4GB/s IO throughput.
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Why only 800GB usable? System software utilizes some of the 1TB storage.
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Do I need additional storage? Yes, if you plan to install multiple large games simultaneously. Many AAA titles exceed 150GB.
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