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On an Xbox Series X|S, open Settings > Storage, select the drive that currently holds the game, then choose the game and move it to the other storage volume. A Storage Expansion Card is optional: it lets you play compatible Series X|S games directly from the card, while a USB drive can store optimized games that must be moved back before you play them.
Move a game between the internal SSD and an expansion card
- Install the card. Remove its sleeve, then push the compatible Storage Expansion Card into the dedicated expansion port until it clicks. Turn on the console; Seagate says the Xbox configures and formats the card automatically. See Seagate’s installation guide.
- Open storage settings. Go to Settings > Storage and select the volume that currently contains the game. Seagate’s FAQ says the volume view lists installed titles and offers controls to move them between storage volumes: Storage Expansion Card FAQ.
- Select the game and destination. Choose the title or titles, select the other volume as the destination, and confirm if prompted. Seagate’s transfer guide describes choosing the source drive and using Transfer; exact on-screen labels and prompts can vary with console software: Seagate’s game transfer guide.
To move a game back to the internal SSD, follow the same process but select the expansion card as the source and the internal storage as the destination. The key is to select the volume where the game is currently installed before choosing where it should go.
Choose storage based on whether you want to play or archive games
| Storage | Can play Series X|S-optimized games directly? | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Internal SSD | Yes | Install and play games on the console’s built-in storage. |
| Storage Expansion Card | Yes. Seagate says the card supports direct play of Series X|S games and is engineered to match the internal SSD’s peak performance. | Keep optimized games installed and ready to play without moving them back to internal storage. This performance description is Seagate’s product claim, not an independent test. |
| External USB HDD or SSD | No. Optimized Series X|S games can be stored on USB, but must be moved to the internal SSD or expansion card to play. Non-optimized games can be played from USB. | Free internal space or hold games for later transfer. Seagate specifies USB 3.0 or later and at least 128GB capacity. Details: Seagate’s USB compatibility guidance. |
If you only need to make room on the internal SSD, a compatible USB drive can hold an optimized game until you want to play it again. If you want optimized games to remain playable from additional storage, use the expansion card instead.
Set the expansion card as the default install location
New games do not automatically install to the expansion card just because it is connected. Seagate’s FAQ directs users to Xbox console support documentation for changing the default storage device. Choose the preferred install location in the console’s storage settings; menu wording may differ by software version.
#1 Best Overall
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED STORAGE FOR XBOX. Play effortlessly with full Xbox integration and enjoy gaming experiences that adhere fully to Microsoft’s quality standards.
- SPACE FOR MASSIVE GAMES. With up to 2TB[1] of storage, you have plenty of room to grow your game library and explore massive worlds.
- SUPERSPEED NVMe CORE. Revolutionize your gaming experience with reduced wait times, fast responses, and full immersion.
- OPTIMIZED FOR XBOX. Xbox Velocity Architecture unlocks the full potential of the WD_BLACK C50, allowing it to achieve blazing-fast performance and seamless, high-speed access to your favorite games.
- QUICK RESUME SUPPORT. The storage expansion card seamlessly integrates with your console's Quick Resume, enabling instant transition between multiple suspended games — so you can pick up exactly where you left off without delay.
Expansion card capacities
Seagate’s support page lists Storage Expansion Card models in 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. Its product page describes 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options. Product availability and listings vary by country and over time, so check the exact model and capacity with the seller before purchasing. The card is not required to move games; it is an optional upgrade for additional storage and direct play of optimized titles.
Seagate’s cited capacity and compatibility information is available from its card FAQ and support page and its USB drive compatibility article. The published material does not establish a current price comparison between expansion cards and USB drives.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
- EFFORTLESS XBOX INTEGRATION. Officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S consoles.
- ROOM FOR MORE GAMES. Up to 2TB(1) of storage gives you space to grow your library by up to 50(4) more games.
- NVME SPEED YOU CAN FEEL. Low-latency performance matches Xbox Velocity Architecture, so games play directly from the card.
- QUICK RESUME READY. Instantly switch between multiple suspended games without losing progress or waiting.
- XBOX GAME PASS ULTIMATE. Enjoy a 1-month trial with access to hundreds of games across console, PC, and cloud(2).
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.
