Discover the Fastest Xbox Series X|S-Compatible SSDs Today!
Expanding your Xbox Series X storage is a must for any serious gamer. With only around 800GB of usable space, you'll quickly run out of room. The best solution? An external SSD. However, not all SSDs are created equal. This guide breaks down the best options, categorized for clarity.
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!)
SSDs for Direct Game Play:
Only a few SSDs allow you to play Xbox Series X games directly. These offer the fastest load times and seamless integration with features like Quick Resume.
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Seagate Storage Expansion Card: This official Xbox SSD provides plug-and-play installation, offering fast transfer speeds comparable to the console's internal drive. While expensive, it's the most seamless solution. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
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WD_Black 1TB C50: Western Digital's official offering, the WD_Black C50 is a more affordable alternative to the Seagate card, though boot times are marginally slower. Available in 512GB and 1TB.
SSDs for Storage and Backwards Compatibility:
These SSDs are ideal for storing games (including Xbox One and 360 titles) and other files, but you can't play Series X games directly from them. They offer more storage capacity for your budget.
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Samsung T7 External SSD: A versatile and portable option with high read/write speeds and 256-bit AES encryption. Excellent for archiving games and other files. Available in various capacities.
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Crucial X8 External SSD: A cost-effective choice offering excellent value for its storage capacity (up to 4TB). Great for storing a large game library.
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WD_Black 2TB P40: A stylish external SSD with fast transfer speeds and a robust design. Offers a good balance of performance and storage but is slightly pricier than other external options.
Choosing the Right SSD:
- Plug-and-Play: For direct game play with optimal performance, choose the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50.
- Storage and Budget: For archiving games and maximizing storage for your money, consider the Samsung T7, Crucial X8, or WD_Black P40.
Xbox Series X SSD FAQ:
- Compatibility: Only licensed external SSDs (like the Seagate and WD_Black options listed above) allow direct Series X game play. Other external SSDs can store games.
- Speed: The internal Xbox Series X SSD boasts impressive speeds.
- Usable Storage: The advertised 1TB shrinks to about 800GB due to system software.
- Storage Needs: Consider your game library size. AAA titles can easily consume over 150GB.
Ultimately, the best Xbox Series X SSD depends on your needs and budget. Consider whether you need the speed of direct game play or the affordability and capacity of external storage solutions.