Is It Recommended to Use a Non-Microsoft Brand External SSD for Storing Xbox Series X/S Games?

When considering external storage options for your Xbox Series X or Series S, it's worth exploring whether non-Microsoft brand external SSDs are a viable and recommended solution. Microsoft does not manufacture their own external storage devices but does certify them from other manufacturers. This means that reputable brands like Seagate or Western Digital offer certified USB hard drives and solid state drives (SSDs) that meet Xbox's standards.

The primary concern is whether these external devices will work with your games and facilitate seamless gameplay. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

Game Compatibility and Storage

The key decision factors include:

Game Availability: Xbox Series X and Series S games not available on Xbox One can only be played directly from the console's built-in storage. Games that are exclusive to Xbox One can still be played from USB storage devices, including external SSDs if they are certified. Xbox Smart Delivery: This feature allows games to update from the Xbox One version to the Series X/S version without needing to repurchase them. However, it varies by game. Generally, the Xbox One version can be played from USB storage. Non-Smart Delivery Games: Games that are available on both platforms and use non-Smart Delivery are treated as being exclusive to the console you purchased them from, meaning you would need to store and copy the game back to the internal storage before playing.

Ultimately, the ability to play your games directly from the external storage is the primary consideration. If you're okay with storing the games and copying them to the internal storage before playing, then non-Microsoft branded certified SSDs can be a practical and cost-effective solution. However, if you want to avoid the hassle of copying games, certified USB hard drives and solid state drives are often significant overpriced options compared to non-certified versions.

Why Non-Certified SSDs are a Viable Alternative

Non-certified SSDs from reputable manufacturers like Seagate or Western Digital are often functionally equivalent to their certified counterparts. Here are some key points to consider:

Performance: Certified USB SSDs are typically high-performance, offering fast read and write speeds necessary for gaming. Non-certified SSDs from reputable brands often match or exceed these performance benchmarks. Compatibility: As long as the SSD is certified by Microsoft, it should work flawlessly with Xbox Series X and Series S consoles. Non-certified SSDs from reputable brands will also work, assuming they meet the required specifications. Cost: Non-certified SSDs are often significantly cheaper, offering a cost-effective solution for expanding your storage without sacrificing performance. Reliability: Reputable brands have rigorous quality control processes ensuring that even non-certified SSDs are reliable and durable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you want a straightforward, cost-effective solution for storing additional Xbox Series X or Series S games, a non-Microsoft brand certified external SSD is highly recommended. These devices offer the same performance and compatibility as certified models from Microsoft, but often at a lower price point. If you need the convenience of playing directly from the external storage and don't mind the additional step of copying games to the internal storage, you can save money without compromising on quality.

Keywords: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, External SSD