The Growing Need for Expansion Storage in Consoles
In the gaming world, the demand for storage space is ever-increasing, especially with AAA titles requiring more space each year. While PC gamers have benefited from the declining costs of fast storage, console gamers, particularly those with the latest PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, face unique challenges. This guide delves into the best expansion storage solutions for these current-gen consoles, considering their specific requirements and limitations.
Dec 29, 2023 - 01:24
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Xbox Series X/S: Storage Options and Limitations
Built-in Storage Capacities
The Xbox Series X offers a 1TB SSD, providing approximately 800GB of usable space for games and apps. The Series S has a 512GB version with about 364GB available to the user. These storage capacities might be limiting for gamers who have extensive game libraries or frequently play large-scale games.
For expanding storage on the Xbox Series X/S, players are somewhat restricted. Current-gen games can only run from official expansion cards produced by Seagate or WD. However, these consoles still support playing older Xbox One titles from any USB 3.0 drive. Additionally, they allow for the transfer of current-gen games to and from such USB drives, which can be a convenient feature for managing game libraries.
PlayStation 5: SSD Requirements and Upgradability
Inherent SSD Storage
The PlayStation 5 is equipped with an 825GB SSD, but only 667GB of this is allocated for games and apps. This limitation can be a concern for players who frequently download large games.
Internal M.2 Slot and Compatibility
Unlike the Xbox Series, the PS5 offers more flexibility with its internal M.2 slot for storage expansion. However, there are stringent requirements for compatibility. Only certain drives are officially endorsed for the PS5, while others may be promoted by manufacturers without official endorsement.
Specific Requirements for PS5 SSDs
PCIe 4.0 Support: The drive must support PCIe 4.0 speeds and utilize four PCIe lanes.
Recommended Read Speed: The advised sequential read speed is at least 5,500MB/s.
Lack of Host-Memory Buffer Support: Drives without dedicated DRAM could suffer from longer load times and potentially shorter lifespans.
Heatsink Dimensions for PS5 Drives
The PS5 has specific size limitations for SSD heatsinks: a maximum width of 25mm, a height of up to 2.45mm below the drive, and up to 8mm above it. For gamers with compatible drives but unsuitable heatsinks, affordable generic heatsinks are available.
Choosing the Right Drive for Your Console
Current-Gen Games on Xbox and PlayStation 5
When selecting a drive for current-gen Xbox or PlayStation 5 games, it's crucial to adhere to the respective console's specifications and compatibility requirements. For the Xbox Series X/S, choosing from the officially supported expansion cards is key, while for the PS5, ensuring the SSD meets the console's PCIe 4.0 and speed requirements is essential.
External Drives for Legacy Titles
For playing previous-gen games or storing current-gen titles, external USB drives are a viable option for both console types. These drives offer a practical solution for gamers needing additional space without the need for high-speed internal storage.
Conclusion: Navigating Storage Expansion for PS5 and Xbox Series
Expanding the storage of current-gen consoles requires careful consideration of the unique specifications and limitations of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. While the Xbox Series relies on specific expansion cards, the PS5 allows for more flexibility with its internal M.2 slot, albeit with stringent compatibility requirements. Understanding these nuances ensures that gamers can effectively enhance their console storage, keeping pace with the growing demands of modern gaming titles. Whether it’s for running current-gen games or storing legacy titles, the right storage solution can significantly improve the gaming experience on these advanced consoles.
