Xbox Series X Storage Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide
Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is a common need. The console's usable storage (around 800GB) fills quickly. The best solution? An external SSD. This guide explores top options, categorizing them by functionality.
TL;DR - Top Xbox Series X SSDs:
Our Top Pick: Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S (See it on Amazon!)
WD_Black 1TB C50: (See it on Amazon!)
Samsung T7 External SSD: (See it on Amazon!)
Crucial X8 External SSD: (See it on Amazon!)
WD_Black 2TB P40: (See it on Amazon!)
Important Note: Only certain SSDs allow direct game play. Others are ideal for storage only.
SSDs for Direct Game Play:
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Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S: This officially licensed SSD offers seamless integration, matching the console's internal speed for optimal performance with Quick Resume. It's pricey but provides the best gaming experience. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
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WD_Black 1TB C50: Western Digital's official offering is a more affordable alternative to the Seagate card, though with slightly slower boot times. Compact and durable, it's available in 512GB and 1TB capacities.
SSDs for Archival Storage and Backwards Compatibility:
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Samsung T7 External SSD: A versatile and portable option offering excellent value for its storage capacity (up to 2TB). While not suitable for direct Series X gameplay, it's perfect for archiving games or storing other files. Features 256-bit AES encryption.
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Crucial X8 External SSD: A cost-effective choice available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. Ideal for storing Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Series X games (though Series X games require transfer to the console's internal drive or a compatible expansion card for play). Durable and portable.
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WD_Black 2TB P40: A stylish external SSD with RGB lighting, offering fast transfer speeds (up to 2,000MB/s). Pricier than other external options but provides substantial storage (up to 2TB) and is compatible with multiple platforms.
Choosing the Right SSD:
For optimal performance and seamless integration, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are the best choices. If you only need storage for older games or archival purposes, the Samsung T7, Crucial X8, or WD_Black P40 offer more affordable and higher-capacity options.
Xbox Series X SSD FAQ:
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Can any SSD work? No, only licensed expansion cards allow direct Series X game play. External SSDs can store games for later installation.
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Xbox Series X SSD speed? The internal drive is a 1TB NVMe SSD with ~2.4GB/s throughput.
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Why only 800GB usable? System software consumes some of the 1TB advertised storage.
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Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you plan to install multiple large AAA games (often exceeding 150GB).
