Is your Xbox Series S constantly running out of storage? You’re not alone! While the Series S is a fantastic console, its modest internal SSD fills up surprisingly fast, especially with today’s massive game file sizes. If you’re tired of deleting games just to make room for new ones, it’s time to consider a storage upgrade. But what’s the best SSD for Xbox Series S?
Choosing the right external storage solution for your Xbox Series S can be a bit tricky. Not all drives are created equal, especially when it comes to playing optimized Xbox Series X|S titles. Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! In this guide, we’ll dive into the top 5 storage options, from official expansion cards to versatile external drives, helping you pick the perfect one to keep your game library growing.
Let’s boost your console’s capacity and get you back to gaming!
Why You Need an SSD for Your Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB NVMe SSD, which sounds like a lot, but after the system software, you’re left with around 364GB of usable space. Modern games can easily chew up 50GB, 100GB, or even more, meaning you might only fit a handful of titles.
For Xbox Series X|S optimized games, you need a storage solution that can keep up with the console’s revolutionary Xbox Velocity Architecture. This means a high-speed NVMe SSD, like the official expansion cards, for seamless gameplay directly from the drive. Other external SSDs or HDDs are great for storing older Xbox One, Xbox 360, or original Xbox titles, or for archiving Series X|S games you’re not actively playing. If you want the best SSD for Xbox Series S to actually play the latest games, an official expansion card is typically your go-to.
The Top 5 SSDs for Xbox Series S Reviewed
Here are our picks for the best storage expansion options for your Xbox Series S, helping you make an informed choice.
Seagate Storage Expansion Card 2TB Solid State Drive
If you’re looking for the ultimate storage solution that truly matches your Xbox Series S’s internal performance, look no further. This 2TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card is officially licensed and designed in partnership with Xbox, meaning it plugs directly into the dedicated expansion slot and delivers the exact same speed and performance as the console’s internal SSD. With a massive 2TB capacity, you can collect hundreds of Xbox Series X|S optimized games without ever worrying about storage again. It’s truly plug-and-play, offering seamless gameplay without sacrificing graphics, latency, load times, or framerates.
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Key Features:
- Designed in partnership with Xbox for seamless gameplay from internal SSD or expansion card
- Highest 2TB capacity available for Xbox Series X|S storage
- Utilizes officially licensed Xbox Velocity Architecture for faster load times and immersive gameplay
- Included 3-year warranty for peace of mind
- Every game plays at the same peak levels as the console’s internal SSD
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Pros:
- Identical performance to the internal SSD
- Massive 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries
- Official Xbox licensed product ensures perfect compatibility
- Simple plug-and-play installation
- Excellent build quality and reliability
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Cons:
- Premium price point, making it a significant investment
- Proprietary form factor means you’re locked into specific options
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User Impressions: Users rave about the convenience and flawless performance, noting that games load instantly and play without a hitch. The high capacity is a game-changer for serious gamers, though the cost is frequently mentioned as the main drawback. Despite the price, many feel it’s worth it for the sheer convenience and performance.
Seagate Expansion Card for Xbox Series X/S, 1TB Solid State Drive
For many gamers, 1TB hits the sweet spot between ample storage and a slightly more manageable price tag than its 2TB sibling. This 1TB Seagate Expansion Card offers the exact same cutting-edge performance as the console’s internal drive, making it a stellar choice for expanding your Xbox Series S game vault. It’s officially licensed, integrates perfectly with the Xbox Velocity Architecture, and ensures that all your Series X|S optimized games run exactly as intended, whether they’re on the internal drive or the expansion card. Just like its larger counterpart, it’s incredibly easy to use – just plug it in and you’re ready to game.
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Key Features:
- Seamless gameplay directly from the card, matching internal SSD performance
- 1TB capacity, perfect for a growing library of modern games
- Officially licensed Xbox Velocity Architecture for optimal speed and responsiveness
- Backed by a 3-year warranty
- Ensures games play at peak levels, identical to the console’s internal SSD
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Pros:
- Provides true next-gen gaming performance
- Sufficient capacity for many gamers
- Officially licensed for guaranteed compatibility and reliability
- Extremely easy to install and use
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Cons:
- Still a premium-priced storage solution
- Limited to the proprietary expansion slot
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User Impressions: This 1TB card is highly praised for its seamless integration and performance. Gamers love not having to worry about transferring games or sacrificing quality. While still an investment, many find it more accessible than the 2TB version and equally effective for expanding their Xbox Series S storage.
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox 2TB External Hard Drive
While not an NVMe SSD for playing Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly, the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox 2TB External Hard Drive is an excellent, cost-effective solution for dramatically expanding your overall game vault. This external HDD is perfect for storing older generation games (Xbox One, Xbox 360, original Xbox) and for archiving your Series X|S titles that you’re not currently playing. Its plug-and-play compatibility with all Xbox consoles, combined with a stylish design that compliments your Xbox, makes it a great complementary storage device. Plus, it even lights up with an Xbox green LED!
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity to build a massive Game Vault
- Xbox-certified compatibility with Xbox Series X, Series S, and all Xbox One generations
- Bold and refined design crafted to complement your Xbox
- Built-in LED bar illuminates your gaming center in Xbox green
- Includes 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services and 1-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Very affordable per gigabyte compared to SSDs
- Huge 2TB capacity for storing a vast library of games
- Ideal for backward compatible titles and archiving Series X|S games
- Stylish design with Xbox flair
- Easy to use and set up
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Cons:
- Cannot play Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly from this drive (requires transfer to internal/expansion card SSD)
- Slower load times compared to SSDs
- Physically larger than SSD expansion cards
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User Impressions: Users appreciate this drive for its fantastic value and capacity, especially for older titles. It’s widely recommended as a secondary drive to offload games and free up precious internal SSD space, although users are clear about its limitations for modern Series X|S games.
WD_Black 1TB C50 Storage Expansion Card, Officially Licensed for Xbox
Western Digital, a trusted name in storage, has entered the official Xbox expansion card market with the WD_Black 1TB C50. This drive leverages the Xbox Velocity Architecture to deliver the exact same performance as your Xbox Series X|S internal storage, meaning you can play all your optimized games directly from it without compromise. With 1TB of capacity, it’s a direct competitor to Seagate’s official cards, offering seamless plug-and-play functionality. Its slick, industrial WD_BLACK aesthetics also make it a cool addition to your gaming setup, blending perfectly with your console.
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Key Features:
- Leverages Xbox Velocity Architecture for identical performance to internal storage
- 1TB capacity (other sizes available) to keep more top titles installed
- Officially licensed Xbox storage expansion card for plug-and-play compatibility
- WD_BLACK industrial aesthetics match Xbox console design
- Allows direct play of Xbox Series X|S games without transfer
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Pros:
- Matches internal SSD performance for true next-gen gaming
- Officially licensed, ensuring full compatibility and reliability
- Easy plug-and-play installation
- Offers a stylish alternative to Seagate’s official cards
- Eliminates the need to transfer games back and forth
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Cons:
- Remains a premium-priced item due to its proprietary nature
- Limited alternative choices in this official segment
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User Impressions: Gamers are thrilled to have another official option for expanding their Xbox Series S storage. The WD_Black C50 is praised for its reliability, seamless performance, and stylish look. It’s seen as a strong, reliable alternative to the Seagate official cards, with many appreciating the WD_Black brand’s reputation.
Tianken 512GB Storage Expansion Card NVMe Solid State Drive for Xbox Series X|S
Looking for a more budget-friendly entry into Xbox Series X|S expansion cards? The Tianken 512GB Storage Expansion Card offers a compelling alternative. While not officially licensed by Xbox, it claims to provide seamless gameplay directly from the card, matching the performance needed for Xbox Series X|S games—without sacrificing graphics, latency, or load times. Its ultra-slim design, made with all-aluminum for excellent heat dissipation, makes it a sleek and portable option. If you need a direct performance boost for a handful of new-gen games and want to keep costs down, this could be a viable choice.
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Key Features:
- Seamless gameplay for Xbox Series X|S games directly from the card
- 512GB capacity, increasing console storage significantly
- Ultra-slim (0.3 inch thick) all-aluminum design for durability and heat dissipation
- Claims excellent performance: faster load times, richer environments
- Plug-and-play functionality, no software installation needed
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Pros:
- More affordable price point than official expansion cards
- Compact and portable design with good heat management
- Allows direct play of Series X|S optimized games
- Simple plug-and-play setup
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Cons:
- Not officially licensed by Xbox (potential for future compatibility issues, though unlikely with this form factor)
- Smaller 512GB capacity might fill up quickly for avid gamers
- Less established brand compared to Seagate or WD
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User Impressions: Users are generally pleased with the performance-to-price ratio, noting that it works as advertised for playing Series X|S games. The compact design is a plus. Some users express caution regarding its unofficial status, but many are happy to save money while still getting next-gen game performance.
FAQ: Boosting Your Xbox Series S Storage
Q1: What kind of SSD do I need for my Xbox Series S?
For playing Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly, you need a high-speed NVMe SSD that supports the Xbox Velocity Architecture. Currently, this primarily means the official Seagate or WD_Black Storage Expansion Cards that plug into the dedicated port on the back of your console. Other NVMe drives, even if fast, won’t work for direct play of optimized titles unless they are specifically designed for the Xbox expansion slot.
Q2: Can I use any external SSD with my Xbox Series S?
Yes, you can use almost any external USB 3.0 (or faster) external SSD or HDD with your Xbox Series S. However, there’s a crucial distinction:
– Xbox Series X|S Optimized Games: Can ONLY be played directly from the internal SSD or an official Storage Expansion Card. You can store these games on other external drives, but you’ll need to transfer them back to the internal or expansion SSD to play them.
– Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Original Xbox Games: Can be played directly from any external USB 3.0 (or faster) HDD or SSD.
Q3: How much usable storage does the Xbox Series S have internally?
The Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB NVMe SSD, but after accounting for the console’s operating system and system files, you typically have about 364GB of usable space for games and apps.
Q4: Is an official Xbox Storage Expansion Card worth the price?
If you frequently play Xbox Series X|S optimized games and want to avoid constantly deleting and re-downloading them, an official expansion card is absolutely worth it. It provides seamless, identical performance to the internal SSD, ensuring quick load times and smooth gameplay for your latest titles. It’s the only plug-and-play solution for playing modern games directly from external storage.
Q5: What’s the difference between an expansion card and an external hard drive for Xbox Series S?
The main difference lies in performance and game compatibility:
– Expansion Card (e.g., Seagate/WD_Black): Uses the proprietary expansion slot, provides NVMe SSD speeds matching the internal console, and allows direct play of Xbox Series X|S optimized games.
– External Hard Drive (HDD) or USB SSD: Connects via USB. While great for storing older generation games (Xbox One, 360, Original Xbox) and archiving Series X|S games, they are generally too slow to play optimized Series X|S games directly. You’d need to transfer these specific games to the internal or expansion SSD to play them.
Q6: Can I transfer games between my internal storage and an external drive?
Yes, you can easily transfer games back and forth between your console’s internal storage and any connected external drive. This is a common strategy for managing space, allowing you to “archive” Series X|S games you’re not currently playing on a slower, cheaper external HDD.
Q7: Will an SSD improve my game’s performance on Xbox Series S?
If you’re using an official expansion SSD, yes, it will ensure that games load quickly and run smoothly with next-gen features, just as they would from the internal drive. For Xbox One or older games, using a fast external USB SSD (instead of an HDD) can also significantly reduce load times, though it won’t impact framerates or graphics quality.
Conclusion: Picking the Best SSD for Your Xbox Series S
Expanding your Xbox Series S storage is almost a necessity for serious gamers. While the internal 512GB SSD is fast, it fills up quickly. For the absolute best SSD for Xbox Series S when it comes to playing optimized Series X|S games directly, the official expansion cards from Seagate and WD_Black are unparalleled. They offer seamless, identical performance to your console’s internal drive, ensuring you never miss a beat.
However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to store a massive library of older-gen games or to simply archive your Series X|S titles, a standard external HDD like the Seagate Game Drive is an excellent, cost-effective choice. And for those seeking a balance of performance and price without the official licensing, third-party expansion cards offer an intriguing alternative.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, how many games you play, and whether you need to play all your games directly from external storage. Happy gaming!