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How Many Games Can a 4TB External Drive Hold on Your Xbox Series S?

The burning question for any Xbox Series S gamer eyeing a 4TB external drive is simple: how many games can I actually store? The straightforward answer is that a 4TB external drive can hold upwards of 100 Xbox Series S games, depending on the individual game sizes. However, the real answer is nuanced, factoring in game sizes, optimized titles, and how you plan to use your storage. Let’s dive deeper into optimizing your Xbox Series S storage.

Understanding Storage on the Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series S offers a fantastic entry point into next-gen gaming, but its internal storage of 512GB (with about 360GB usable) can quickly become a bottleneck. Modern games are notoriously large, often ranging from 30GB to over 100GB, and that space evaporates quickly.

The Role of Game Size

The biggest determinant of how many games you can fit on your 4TB external drive is the size of the games you want to keep installed. Games like Call of Duty, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Forza Horizon 5 can easily exceed 100GB. Conversely, smaller indie titles might only take up a few gigabytes.

Here’s a rough estimation based on average game sizes:

Smaller Games (20-30GB): 130-200 games
Average Games (50GB): 80 games
Larger Games (80-100GB+): 40-50 games

Keep in mind that these are just averages, and your actual storage capacity will vary depending on your specific game library.

Optimized vs. Non-Optimized Games: A Crucial Distinction

The Xbox Series S (and X) have introduced a new wrinkle in storage management: optimized games. These are games that have been specifically enhanced to take advantage of the consoles’ faster processors and SSD storage.

Crucially, Xbox Series X/S optimized games cannot be played directly from a standard external USB hard drive. They must be played from the internal storage or the official Xbox Storage Expansion Card (which is essentially a proprietary SSD).

This doesn’t mean your external drive is useless for optimized games! You can store these games on the external drive, freeing up valuable space on your internal storage. When you want to play an optimized game, you can transfer it from the external drive to the internal storage, which is faster than downloading the entire game again.

Utilizing Your 4TB External Drive Effectively

The best way to leverage your 4TB external drive on the Xbox Series S is to use it as a storage vault for games you’re not currently playing, especially optimized titles. Keep your frequently played games, especially those that are optimized, on the internal storage or the expansion card for the best performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you maximize your Xbox Series S storage:

Can I play Xbox Series X/S optimized games directly from a 4TB external USB drive?

No, you cannot play Xbox Series X/S optimized games directly from a standard external USB drive. These games require the faster speeds of the internal SSD or the official Xbox Storage Expansion Card.
What kind of external drive should I get for my Xbox Series S?

A USB 3.0 or 3.1 external hard drive with a capacity of 128GB or larger is required. While SSDs offer faster transfer speeds, they are also more expensive. A standard HDD provides a cost-effective solution for storing games.
How do I move games between my Xbox Series S internal storage and an external drive?

Go to Settings > Storage. Select the drive you want to move games from and choose “Transfer.” Select the games you want to move and the destination drive, then confirm the transfer.
Will a 4TB external drive improve the loading times of my Xbox Series S games?

Not necessarily. Loading times for optimized games will only improve when played from the internal SSD or the expansion card. However, loading times for non-optimized Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games can improve if played from an external SSD.
Is 4TB overkill for the Xbox Series S?

Not at all! Given the ever-increasing size of games, 4TB provides ample storage for a large game library. It allows you to keep many games installed and ready to play, avoiding the hassle of constantly downloading and deleting.
What’s the difference between an HDD and an SSD for my Xbox Series S?

HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) are mechanical storage devices that are cheaper but slower. SSDs (Solid State Drives) are flash-based storage devices that are faster, more durable, and more energy-efficient, but more expensive.
How much does the official Xbox Storage Expansion Card cost, and is it worth it?

The official Xbox Storage Expansion Card typically costs between $200-$300 for 1TB. It is worth considering if you frequently play optimized games and want the best possible performance, as it directly replicates the internal storage capabilities.
Can I use the same external drive for my Xbox Series S and my PC?

Yes, but you’ll need to format the drive each time you switch between consoles or PC. This will erase all data on the drive, so back up any important files first. It’s generally recommended to dedicate a specific external drive to your Xbox.
How do I format an external drive for use with my Xbox Series S?

Connect the drive to your Xbox Series S. Go to Settings > System > Storage devices. Select the external drive and choose “Format for games & apps.” Follow the on-screen instructions.
Will using an external drive void my Xbox Series S warranty?

No, using an external drive will not void your warranty. Microsoft officially supports the use of external storage devices with the Xbox Series S.
How can I manage my Xbox Series S storage more efficiently?

Regularly uninstall games you no longer play. Consider archiving games to the external drive instead of deleting them. Use the “Manage game and add-ons” feature to uninstall unnecessary content.
Are there any limitations to using an external drive with the Xbox Series S?

The primary limitation is that you cannot play Xbox Series X/S optimized games directly from a standard external USB drive. Additionally, the transfer speeds between the internal storage and the external drive will be slower than transferring between the internal SSD and the expansion card.
Can I run emulators from the 4TB external drive on my Xbox Series S?

Yes, you can run emulators and ROMs from an external drive on your Xbox Series S, provided you follow the guidelines for installing and using emulators on the console. Keep in mind that using emulators may have legal implications. The Games Learning Society has some interesting information on the benefits and challenges of game emulators.
Does the brand of the external drive matter?

While the brand isn’t critical, choosing a reputable brand like Seagate, Western Digital, or Samsung ensures better reliability and performance. Look for drives specifically marketed for gaming.
Can I use an external drive as the primary storage for my Xbox Series S?

While you can install and play games from an external drive, it’s not recommended to use it as the primary storage for optimized games due to performance limitations. The internal SSD or the expansion card should be your primary storage for the best gaming experience.

Conclusion: Storage Savvy Gaming

Investing in a 4TB external drive is a smart move for any Xbox Series S owner who wants to expand their game library without constantly juggling downloads and deletions. Understanding the distinction between optimized and non-optimized games, and using the external drive as a storage vault, will maximize its utility and keep you gaming without interruption. Embrace the expanded possibilities, and enjoy your ever-growing Xbox Series S collection! Don’t forget to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for fascinating insights into the world of games and learning.

How many games can 4TB hold Xbox Series S?