Microsoft is actively testing support for external USB drives exceeding the previous 16TB limit on Xbox Series X and S consoles. This development is part of a new beta software update available to Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring. The update allows users to partition larger drives, enabling the archiving of more games, apps, and media. However, drives formatted before the update will need to be erased and reformatted to utilize this new feature fully.
Current Storage Options and Limitations
The Xbox Series X comes with a 1TB internal SSD, while the Series S includes a 512GB SSD. Given the substantial size of modern games, these storage capacities can quickly become insufficient. Previously, users could expand storage using external drives up to 16TB or through proprietary Storage Expansion Cards, which are available in sizes up to 2TB. The introduction of support for larger external drives aims to provide gamers with more flexibility in managing their game libraries.
This update is a significant step toward addressing the growing storage needs of gamers. By supporting larger external drives, Xbox is offering a more cost-effective and flexible solution for expanding storage. However, it’s important to note that some external drives may not display correct information and free space available after formatting. Therefore, users are advised not to format drives larger than 16TB until these issues are resolved.
Future Developments
As this feature is currently in the testing phase, it is expected that Microsoft will address any issues before a wider rollout. Gamers can look forward to more robust storage solutions in the near future, enhancing the overall gaming experience on Xbox Series X and S consoles.
