Affordable Xbox Storage Seagate vs. Western Digital Showdown
Xbox Series console owners have had to contend with expensive proprietary storage options, and this issue has been further exacerbated by the plummeting prices of PlayStation 5 and PC internal storage expansions. Microsoft and Seagate have finally responded with a permanent price drop, but it remains to be seen whether this will be sufficient to attract consumers. Upcoming competition from Western Digital could potentially improve the situation.
When it comes to gaming, storage is a crucial aspect. Xbox Series consoles come with limited internal storage capacity, and additional storage options are necessary to expand the available space for game downloads, saves, and installations. Unfortunately, proprietary solid-state drives (SSDs) for Xbox consoles have been significantly more expensive than off-the-shelf options for PCs and the PlayStation 5. However, the situation has begun to change as Seagate, the sole manufacturer of additional internal storage for Xbox consoles, has reduced its prices by around 30 percent. Additionally, Western Digital is reportedly entering the market with a new option that could further improve the affordability of Xbox storage.
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Seagate’s Price Drop
Seagate’s internal storage expansion cards for Xbox Series consoles have recently seen a significant permanent price drop. Previously, the proprietary SSDs had maintained static prices for over a year, even as off-the-shelf SSDs for PCs and the PlayStation 5 became increasingly affordable. Now, users can acquire 512GB for $90 (down from $140), 1TB for $150 (previously $220), or 2TB for $280 (formerly $400). While this is a step in the right direction, those purchasing NVMe drives for a PC or PlayStation 5 will still find substantially lower prices. For instance, Samsung’s 990 Pro – one of the higher-end models – currently costs just $110 for 1TB and $190 for 2TB.
When the 1TB Xbox Series SSD was launched alongside the consoles in 2020, its original price was comparable to generic NVMe drives of the time. However, recent NAND oversupply has dragged standard SSD prices down by over 30 percent since the beginning of the year, and analysts are uncertain when they’ll stop falling. Prices may stabilize around the fourth quarter. Part of the problem with the Xbox drives stems from Seagate’s monopoly on them, which will end sometime soon. Images of a 1TB Western Digital variant leaked last month, but the company has not officially confirmed its existence, let alone a release date. The leak suggested a price of $180, but Seagate’s new price undercuts it, so an adjustment would not be surprising.
The Problem with Proprietary Storage
The situation with Xbox storage prices highlights a problem that has repeated itself in the gaming industry: off-the-shelf storage experiences price reductions much more rapidly than proprietary units. This phenomenon was evident with the Xbox 360, where Microsoft used proprietary storage, and with the PlayStation 3, which used PC SSDs. Similarly, the PlayStation Vita’s costly proprietary memory cards drew much criticism, especially when compared to the Nintendo 3DS’s use of standard SD cards.
The costs of proprietary storage outweigh the benefits for consumers, and the battle for affordable Xbox storage is a testament to this fact. Xbox SSDs are smaller, and sliding them into the back of the console is much simpler (and less dangerous) than opening a PS5 or PC chassis. However, as more games like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II exceed 100GB, price per gigabyte becomes a significant concern.
Ways to Bypass Seagate’s Monopoly
Fortunately, there are ways to bypass Microsoft’s and Seagate’s hold on. However, there are ways to bypass Microsoft’s and Seagate’s hold on Xbox internal storage. In 2021, a user on BiliBili published a method for connecting a standard m.2 2230 drive to the expansion port. iFixit also has a guide for replacing the Xbox Series X’s main SSD with a store-bought 2230. Although Seagate’s price drop aligns with current typical 2230 SSD prices, the fact remains that they are competing against the PS5 and its compatibility with more affordable drives.
While the price drop for the Seagate drives is certainly welcome news for Xbox Series owners, it’s clear that there’s still room for improvement. As mentioned earlier, the NVMe drives for PCs and PlayStation 5 are significantly cheaper than the Seagate drives, and upcoming competition from Western Digital could further disrupt the market. This competition could be just what Xbox Series owners need to see a significant drop in prices for their internal storage.
Overall, the situation with Xbox Series internal storage prices is far from ideal, but there are options available for those who are looking to save money. While Seagate’s price drop is certainly welcome news, it may not be enough to win over those who are already frustrated with the high prices of proprietary storage options. However, with the potential for competition from Western Digital and other companies in the future, it’s possible that prices will continue to drop, making it more affordable for Xbox Series owners to expand their storage capacity.
In conclusion, the Xbox Series internal storage situation is still evolving, and it’s important for users to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments. While the current Seagate drives are an option, there are also other ways to expand storage that may be more cost-effective. Ultimately, the choice comes down to the user’s budget and personal preferences, but it’s always good to have multiple options available.
