The Best Expansion Storage for PS5 and Xbox Consoles

When selecting a drive for your PlayStation 5 console, capacity is a key factor to consider. For those needing 8TB of storage, the WD Black SN850X is a top choice. With denser flash memory than other versions, it can use the same number of dies as the 4TB model without any performance loss. An empty 8TB drive has a large enough writing cache to copy over the entire content of a full PS5 Pro drive at full speed.

Currently, the version without a heatsink is $80 cheaper than the one with a heatsink. You can save money by pairing it with a third-party heatsink that fits double-sided drives, costing around $9.

The SN850P is essentially the same drive, with a special heatsink design that allows for a larger PlayStation logo display, at an additional cost.

For a 4TB drive, the SN850X is still a solid choice, but there are two other options with a single-sided design that simplify cooling and come with reasonably priced heatsinks. The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is a better fit for PS5 Pro users due to its superior sustained write speeds, while PS5 users may prefer the Samsung 990 Pro for greater efficiency and slightly faster game load times.

For those requiring 2TB of storage, the single-sided SN850X 2TB is a strong contender. Another good option is the SK Hynix P41, although it does not come with a heatsink. While these drives are also available in 1TB versions, they typically offer lower performance or a higher cost per terabyte.

With the current Xbox lineup, expanding storage is a straightforward process. Both the WD Black C50 and the Seagate storage expansion card offer the same functionality. Simply choose the capacity you need and opt for the more affordable option available.

These drives come in 2TB, 1TB, and 500GB versions. If your budget allows, it is recommended to go for the 2TB card as it offers better performance and greater flexibility compared to purchasing two separate 1TB drives at different times.

While Xbox Storage Expansion Cards are more expensive per GB than M.2 drives, they are much easier to install. This simplicity makes the Xbox a more user-friendly option, while the PlayStation 5 caters more to power users who prioritize performance.

Xbox One and PlayStation 4 games were designed to run off a spinning disk but can benefit from the faster load times of an SSD. The Crucial X9 Pro stands out due to its dedicated DRAM, especially when housing a large amount of data. When connected to the PlayStation 5’s USB-C port, it can transfer games from other drives at 1050MB/s. Unlike its predecessor, the X8 Pro, the X9 Pro consistently maintains this speed.

For Xbox users, connecting the Crucial X9 Pro requires a USB-C to USB-A adapter. While transfer speeds are capped at 400MB/s in this setup, game load times remain comparable to those on the PlayStation. The X9 Pro is built for durability, with two-meter drop resistance and an IP55 rating for water and dust protection – ideal for a drive that is unlikely to be moved frequently.

A viable alternative is the Samsung T7 Shield, usually available at a similar price per GB. While lacking DRAM, it features a USB-A connector and offers the same data transfer speeds as the Crucial drive. It also boasts three-meter drop resistance and an IP65 rating for water and dust protection.

For users looking to store a vast library of previous-gen AAA titles on a single drive at an affordable price, the Western Digital My Book series (offering multiple TBs of storage) remains a good option. However, when used with an SSD, it may experience a bottleneck as transfer speeds max out at around 175MB/s.

For those willing to trade off more load-time performance for a compact drive that does not require an external power source, the WD Passport series is a suitable choice. While data transfer speeds are limited to 130MB/s, slower than other options, it is still adequate for storing legacy games.