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To expand game storage on an Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X, connect a USB 3.0 external hard drive or SSD and format it for Games and Apps in the console’s storage settings. Back up anything on the drive first: formatting erases its contents. Capacity guidance from published sources conflicts, so check the console’s current prompt and choose a drive with room to spare rather than buying at the disputed minimum.
What kind of external drive works with Xbox One?
Use a USB 3.0 external hard drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD). Xbox Wire’s 2014 announcement described support for external drives and said the console could use up to two at once. The announcement specified a drive of 256 GB or larger; see Xbox Wire’s announcement. Seagate also identifies USB 3.0 as the interface requirement in its Xbox One setup guidance.
Published capacity thresholds disagree. Seagate’s Xbox One guide says a minimum of 128 GB, while its support article and Xbox Wire’s 2014 announcement say 256 GB. The sources do not establish which threshold applies to every current console software version. Check the capacity accepted in your console’s setup prompt and, to avoid the discrepancy, select a drive comfortably above the highest published figure.
How to set up the drive for games and apps
- Back up files already on the external drive. Choosing the Games and Apps format erases the drive.
- Connect the drive to a USB port on the Xbox One.
- If the console displays a setup prompt, choose the option to format the drive for Games and Apps.
- If there is no prompt, open Settings > System > Manage Storage and start formatting there. Menu wording can vary by console software version.
- After formatting, select the external drive as a destination for game and app storage.
Seagate explains that Xbox One requires a particular USB-drive format to play and save games from the drive in its support instructions. Once configured for Games and Apps, games can run directly from the external drive, according to Seagate’s guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- BUILD YOUR GAME VAULT 2TB of capacity to build the ultimate Game Vault without sacrificing titles. Store your library to seamless move games between your internal storage and your Seagate External Game Drive. *Games cannot be played directly off of the external hard drive*
- XBOX-CERTIFIED Compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and all generations of Xbox One.
- BRILLIANT DESIGN A bold and refined design, crafted to compliment your Xbox
- LIGHT IT UP A built-in LED bar illuminates your gaming center in Xbox green
- WARRANTY Enjoy peace of mind with the included 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services and 1-year limited warranty
How to choose an Xbox One storage drive
| What to check | How to decide |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Estimate how much of your library you want installed at once. Published minimums conflict: Seagate’s guide says 128 GB, while Seagate’s support article and Xbox Wire’s 2014 announcement say 256 GB. Check the console prompt and leave ample headroom. |
| HDD or SSD | Either is a reasonable USB storage category. The cited sources do not provide controlled Xbox One comparisons, so they do not establish a performance advantage for one type. |
| USB interface and cable | Confirm the drive is USB 3.0 and that its cable and connector can connect to the console. |
| Power and portability | Check whether the specific model is bus-powered or needs a separate power supply, and whether its cable and size suit your setup. |
| Warranty | Compare the warranty terms for the specific drive; no particular model or warranty is established here. |
Buy based on the drive’s stated interface and capacity, and verify the individual model’s power and connection requirements. No specific model’s current availability or performance has been verified.
Games and Apps storage versus media storage
The console’s format choice determines how the drive is used. For installed games and apps, choose Games and Apps; do not accept that format until the drive is backed up, because the process erases its contents. If you want the drive for media files instead, follow the console’s relevant prompt rather than choosing the game-storage format.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Xbox One drives are not Xbox Series X|S expansion cards
This guidance applies to Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X using USB storage. The Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card is a separate product intended for the newer consoles; Xbox describes it as adding storage while maintaining internal SSD performance on its product page. It is not the USB expansion drive described here for Xbox One.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ultra fast data transfers: the external hard drive works with USB 3.0 thickened copper cable to provide super fast transfer speeds. Theoretical read speed is as high as 110MB/s-133MB/s and write speed is as high as 103MB/s.
- Ultra-thin and quiet: the motherboard adopts a noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- Compatibility: compatible with PS4/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac/Android,Stable and fast downloading on game console no difference from fast transmission when using on PC.
- Plug and Play: no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use. The hard drive chip is wrapped with aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data
- Package Contents: 1* portable hard drive, 1 *USB 3.0 cable, 1*USB to type C adapter，1 *user manual, shell packaging, three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services
Rank #4
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Rank #3
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
