Xbox Series X Storage Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide

Limited storage space on the Xbox Series X is a common issue. With only around 800GB of usable storage, uninstalling games to make room for new ones becomes a frequent chore. The solution? Invest in an external SSD. However, not all SSDs are created equal. This guide explores the best options, categorizing them by functionality.

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

SSDs for Running Xbox Series X Games:

Only a select few SSDs can directly run Xbox Series X games, leveraging features like Quick Resume and Velocity Architecture. These offer the best performance but often come at a premium.

1. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S: The top choice for seamless integration. This officially licensed SSD offers plug-and-play installation, fast transfer speeds, and compatibility with Xbox Series X|S features. While expensive, it provides the optimal gaming experience. Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options.

Our Top Pick### Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S

2See it at Amazon

2. WD_Black 1TB C50: A more affordable alternative to the Seagate card, this officially licensed SSD from Western Digital offers comparable performance with slightly slower boot times. Compact and durable, it's a great option for those seeking a balance between cost and speed. Available in 512GB and 1TB options.

### WD_Black 1TB C50

1See it at Amazon

SSDs for Archival Storage and Backwards Compatibility:

These SSDs are ideal for storing games (especially older Xbox One and 360 titles) and other media, freeing up space on your internal drive. They don't offer the same performance as the above options for current-gen games.

3. Samsung T7 External SSD: A versatile and portable option with excellent read/write speeds and 256-bit AES encryption for data security. Offers a larger capacity at a comparable price to the WD_Black C50, but games cannot be run directly from it.

### Samsung T7 External SSD

0See it at Amazon

4. Crucial X8 External SSD: A budget-friendly option offering good value for money. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, it's perfect for storing a large game library, though it lacks encryption.

### Crucial X8 External SSD

1See it at Amazon

5. WD_Black 2TB P40: A stylish external SSD with fast transfer speeds and a robust design. While pricier than other external options, it boasts a sleek aesthetic and RGB lighting. Cannot run Xbox Series X games directly.

### WD_Black 2TB P40

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Choosing the Right SSD:

For optimal performance with current-gen games, the Seagate Expansion Card or WD_Black C50 are the best choices, despite their higher cost. For cost-effective storage of a large game library, consider the external options like the Samsung T7, Crucial X8, or WD_Black P40.

Xbox Series X SSD FAQ:

• Can any SSD work? Only officially licensed SSDs can run Xbox Series X games directly. External SSDs can store games.
• Xbox Series X SSD speed? The internal SSD boasts ~2.4GB/s throughput.
• Only 800GB usable? System software consumes some of the 1TB advertised storage.
• Do I need extra storage? Yes, if you plan to install multiple large games simultaneously.

This expanded guide provides a clearer understanding of the various storage options available for Xbox Series X, helping users make informed decisions based on their needs and budget.