Xbox Series X Storage Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide
Expandable storage is crucial for modern consoles. The Xbox Series X, despite boasting 1TB of storage, offers only around 800GB of usable space. This quickly fills up, necessitating smart storage solutions. The ideal solution? An external SSD. However, not all SSDs are created equal.
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 important to note that only a select few SSDs can directly run Xbox Series X games. Others are ideal for archiving or storing backwards-compatible titles.
First, we'll review SSDs capable of running Series X games, followed by alternatives for storage only.
PS5 users? See our best PS5 SSDs guide.
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 easy-to-install, official Xbox SSD for enhanced storage and rapid transfer speeds, providing a seamless gaming experience.See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
- Storage: 1TB
- Interface: eSATA
- Read/Write: 468.75MB/s
Pros: Easy installation, fast transfer speeds. Cons: Expensive.
The Seagate Expansion 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 is user-friendly. While pricey, it's the gold standard for direct game play. 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
Product Specifications:
- Storage: 1TB
- Interface: eSATA
- Read/Write: 900MB/s
Pros: More affordable than Seagate, durable, compact. Cons: Slightly slower boot times than Seagate.
A budget-friendly alternative to Seagate, the WD_Black C50 (available in 512GB and 1TB) is compact and durable. While marginally slower boot times exist, the difference is minimal. Easy installation via the expansion card slot.
For Archival and Backwards-Compatible Games Only
3. Samsung T7 External SSD
The Most Versatile Option
### Samsung T7 External SSD
0Ideal for archiving and storing games for later access.See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
- Storage: 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2
- Read/Write: 1,050/1,000MB/s
Pros: Lightweight, portable, 256-bit AES encryption. Cons: Cannot directly run Series X games.
Offering more storage for the price than the expansion cards, the Samsung T7 excels at archiving. Its portability and encryption features are beneficial. Use it to store games for later installation.
4. Crucial X8 External SSD
Best Value for 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
Product Specifications:
- Storage: 1TB (up to 4TB)
- Interface: USB 3.2
- Read/Write: 1,050MB/s
Pros: Compact, fast, affordable, up to 4TB storage. Cons: No encryption.
The Crucial X8 provides excellent value, particularly in larger capacities (1TB, 2TB, 4TB). Ideal for storing games, but not for directly playing current-gen titles. Works across 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
Product Specifications:
- Storage: 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2
- Read/Write: Up to 2,000MB/s
Pros: Fast transfer speeds, stylish design (RGB lighting), robust. Cons: Relatively expensive for an external SSD.
The WD_Black P40 (available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB) boasts a stylish design and impressive transfer speeds. While not for direct game play, it's a great archival solution. Compatible with Xbox, PC, Mac, and PS5.
Choosing the Right SSD
For plug-and-play functionality with features like Quick Resume, the Seagate or WD_Black C50 are the only options, though both are expensive. For storage only, numerous USB 3.2 SSDs offer greater value and capacity. Consider read/write speeds, durability, and portability when making your decision. 1TB or larger is recommended for most gamers.
Xbox Series X SSD FAQ
- Can any SSD work? Only licensed external SSDs can run Series X games directly. External SSDs can store games.
- How fast is the internal SSD? Around 2.4GB/s.
- Why only 800GB usable? System software consumes some of the 1TB.
- Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you plan to install multiple large games.
