Which Xbox Has the Most Storage? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of which Xbox boasts the most storage is not as simple as looking at the model name. While some consoles offer larger base storage, others offer more flexibility with expansion options. The short answer is that the Xbox One S, in certain configurations, offers the most out-of-the-box storage, with models going up to 2TB, while also supporting external drives that can be much larger. However, focusing purely on base storage can be misleading. Let’s break down the specifics.
Understanding Xbox Storage Options
Base Storage vs. Expandable Storage
Before diving into specific models, it’s essential to differentiate between base internal storage and expandable storage. Base storage refers to the drive built into the console at the time of purchase. Expandable storage, conversely, is additional storage you can add via external drives or proprietary expansion cards. Both types play a crucial role in the overall capacity of your Xbox gaming library.
Xbox One Series: A Look at Storage Capabilities
The Xbox One family of consoles has various models each with different storage options:
- Xbox One: Typically comes with either 500GB or 1TB of internal storage.
- Xbox One S: This model originally came with 500 GB, or 1 TB, but later was released with 2TB models. This makes the Xbox One S the model with the most storage capacity offered in standard models.
- Xbox One X: Offers 1TB of internal storage.
Xbox Series X|S: The New Generation
The newest generation of Xbox consoles offers different storage configurations:
- Xbox Series X: Comes with 1TB of internal storage. However, it’s important to note that this translates to roughly 800GB of usable space after accounting for the operating system.
- Xbox Series S: Initially, the Series S came with 512GB of internal storage, with about 360GB of usable space. However, a new version of the Series S has been released with 1TB of storage, giving it about 800GB of usable space.
External Storage and Expansion Options
Microsoft allows users to expand their storage on Xbox consoles through external hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). On Xbox One consoles you can add up to 16TB of external storage. Both Xbox Series X|S consoles support official storage expansion cards from Seagate, which come in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities. These expansion cards provide performance on par with the internal SSD, allowing users to fully take advantage of next-gen games. Using these storage expansion cards, the Xbox Series X and S models can greatly exceed the storage capabilities of the Xbox One models with external storage.
The Verdict: The Xbox One S (2TB) Takes the Crown (Technically)
In terms of base storage capacity, the Xbox One S with 2TB of storage is the winner. However, when considering modern options with the storage expansion options, the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S with 2TB expansion card can store more games at high speeds. It really comes down to the priorities of the gamer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Xbox has the largest internal hard drive?
The Xbox One S has the largest internal hard drive with models up to 2TB.
2. How much storage does a 1TB Xbox have?
A 1TB Xbox typically provides around 800GB of usable space after accounting for system files and software.
3. Can you upgrade the internal storage on an Xbox Series S?
No, you cannot upgrade the internal storage on the Xbox Series S. However, you can use an official Storage Expansion Card from Seagate (which acts as a virtual internal drive) or external hard drives to increase storage space.
4. What is the largest external hard drive you can use with an Xbox?
You can use an external hard drive up to 16TB with Xbox One consoles.
5. Is 512GB enough for an Xbox Series S?
512GB is adequate for the basic needs, but many gamers may find it insufficient, especially with larger modern games and game pass. Gamers will have to manage storage frequently to avoid running out of space if they have the 512 GB model. The new 1TB model provides much more space for games.
6. How much storage does the new Xbox Series S have?
The latest version of the Xbox Series S comes with 1TB of internal storage with roughly 800GB of usable space.
7. How many games can a 1TB Xbox hold?
On average, a 1TB Xbox can hold about 50-60 modern games, depending on the game’s size. Some games are much bigger than others so it is a general estimation. Some games, such as ARK: Survival Evolved, can take up more than 250GB of storage!
8. Is the Xbox Series S disc-less?
Yes, the Xbox Series S is completely disc-less. All games must be purchased and downloaded digitally.
9. What is the difference between the Xbox Series X and Series S?
The Xbox Series X is the more powerful console with 4K resolution, higher processing power, and a disc drive. The Xbox Series S is the more budget-friendly model with 1080p or 1440p resolution, less processing power, and no disc drive.
10. What is the advantage of the new black Xbox Series S?
The black Xbox Series S has the advantage of having double the internal storage of the first model (1TB vs 512GB).
11. Can you use external SSDs with Xbox?
Yes, you can use external SSDs with Xbox consoles, including both the Xbox One and Series X|S. They offer faster loading times compared to traditional hard drives.
12. How does the Xbox Storage Expansion Card work?
The Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is a proprietary SSD that adds 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage, depending on the model. It works identically to the internal SSD, providing the same performance and speed.
13. Is the Xbox Series S worth buying?
The Xbox Series S is a worthwhile option for gamers on a budget or for those who primarily game digitally. It can play all the same games as the Series X at a lower price, but with less powerful graphics and resolution.
14. What is the best Xbox console of all time?
Determining the best is subjective, but the Xbox 360 and the Xbox Series X often rank high due to their diverse game libraries and innovative features.
15. What are the largest video games by storage space?
Some of the largest video games by storage space include ARK: Survival Evolved (250GB+), Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (180GB), and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (155GB).
Conclusion
While the Xbox One S technically holds the crown for the largest base storage with its 2TB model, modern consoles like the Xbox Series X and the 1TB Series S provide comparable, or greater, storage with the inclusion of external hard drives and expansion cards. The choice of which Xbox offers the “most” storage really depends on the gamer’s budget, usage patterns, and willingness to invest in storage expansion options. If you’re looking for sheer storage out of the box, a used Xbox One S (2TB) might be the best option. But for modern gaming with the best speed and loading times, the Xbox Series X or 1TB Series S paired with a storage expansion card is the better choice.