Here’s Why PlayStation 5 Has the Better SSD Offering Than the Xbox Series X

We’ve reported on both the in-depth specifications for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which you can read about by clicking here and here respectively. Both are expected to offer expandable SSD storage but the PS5 is the clear winner compared to the Xbox Series X. But first, let’s understand what both of them have to offer.

Xbox Series X Expandable SSD Storage

The Xbox Series X will offer expandable SSD storage in the form of a proprietary Xbox Series X Storage Expansion Cards which are developed in partnership with Seagate. They look similar to memory cards from the old days of gaming, just with bigger capacity and far better speeds.

From what we know thus far, there is a 1TB storage option but there is expected to be more storage options available for the Xbox Series X Expansion Cards. This will give gamers a hassle-free way of upgrading storage space, which is a bit tedious in the current generation gaming consoles and often result in gamers buying the high capacity storage variant from the get-go.

For a more cost-effective option, you can always connect an external HDD to the console via USB. Just be mindful that this will not be fast and is also not ideal to install games on it as loading speed will be far slower.

PlayStation 5 Expandable SSD Storage

The PlayStation 5 will also offer expandable SSD storage but in the form of M.2 drives. There will be an accessible M.2 slot on the PS5 that will allow you to install an M.2 SSD, similarly to how you would on a PC.

In this particular case, you have a wide variety of options immediately as M.2 SSDs aren’t new in the market. You can even buy it now and install it on the PlayStation 5 as soon as it has been launched. Just keep in mind that M.2 is form factor, and it doesn’t guarantee that the speed will be similar to the internal SSD. With that being said, there is a good chance that even SATA III SSD speeds should suffice for most consumers for an external solution.

You also have the cost-effective option of connecting an external HDD via USB. Like the Xbox Series X, I wouldn’t recommend installing games on this as you will suffer from slower speeds.

How the PlayStation 5 Has the Better Expandability

We have zero doubts on Seagate’s ability to create a storage device that is both reliable and fast. However, the biggest problem with the Xbox Series X’s solution is the method itself, with the keyword here being “proprietary”.

While no pricing has been announced, this does give Microsoft more control of the pricing as they’re the only ones you can get it from. Furthermore, you will only be able to use it on the console itself. An M.2 SSD on the other hand has become relatively affordable over the years.

Furthermore, you have a wide variety of M.2 SSDs to choose from which allows the consumer to tailor the speed and capacity accordingly with their budget. While we still aren’t aware of the extent of options for the Xbox Series X Expansion Cards, we can easily name a bunch of M.2 SSD storage options you can get right now. Need something reliable, yet affordable for an SSD? Phidisk WrathKeeper M.2 is a good option as we’ve reviewed here.

Sure, the M.2 drives may require more effort to install compared to the expansion cards, but it’s so easy that virtually anyone can do it. Based on what we know thus far, the PlayStation 5 is the clear winner when it comes to expandable SSD storage. It’s not to say that the Xbox Series X is bad in this regard, because the experience may be more consistent this way.

Do you think it’s enough for you to side with Sony or will you go for Microsoft? Join the discussion right below here: