
Western Digital Offers Xbox Series X/S Expansion Cards at Historic Discounts | Image Source: www.theverge.com
NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2024 — Gamers who found an Xbox Series X or Series S under the Christmas tree this year may already be considering storage upgrades. With modern game installations often exceeding 100GB, the built-in storage on these consoles can fill up quickly. As per The Verge, Western Digital has introduced significant discounts on its WD_Black C50 expansion cards, providing a cost-effective solution to this issue.
Massive Discounts on WD_Black C50 Expansion Cards
According to The Verge, Western Digital’s 2TB WD_Black C50 expansion card is now available for $189.99, a $70 discount from its regular price. This marks a historic low for the card, making it an attractive option for gamers looking to expand their storage. Additional configurations include the 512GB model at $69.99, reduced by $10, and the 1TB version at $109.99, offering a $48 discount. However, the 2TB model provides the best value for long-term use, especially for players with extensive game libraries.
Proprietary Storage Format on Xbox Series X/S
The Xbox Series X and Series S consoles rely on a proprietary storage format for running games optimized for the platform. Unlike the PlayStation 5, which allows users to install standard NVMe SSDs, the Xbox Series X/S mandates the use of expansion cards like the WD_Black C50 to meet its performance standards. Standard external SSDs and hard drives can store games, but they cannot run games designed with the Xbox Series X/S’s advanced features in mind.
Understanding Xbox’s Velocity Architecture
Central to the necessity of expansion cards is Xbox’s proprietary “velocity architecture.” This technology integrates specific hardware and software optimizations to enable console features like Quick Resume and faster loading times. Additionally, the architecture ensures developers can leverage high-speed storage to enhance game performance. Expansion cards like the WD_Black C50 meet these stringent requirements, making them the only viable option for seamlessly playing optimized games directly from the storage.
Addressing the Storage Squeeze
Many gamers encounter storage challenges shortly after setting up their Xbox Series X/S, especially if they prefer to maintain a large rotation of installed games. Titles such as “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II” or “Halo Infinite” often exceed 100GB, quickly consuming the consoles’ internal storage. The WD_Black C50 expansion card offers a practical solution, enabling users to expand their storage capacity without compromising performance. The 2TB option, in particular, is ideal for gamers who frequently download and play large AAA titles.
Benefits Beyond Capacity
While the primary draw of the WD_Black C50 expansion card is its additional storage capacity, it also ensures compatibility with the Xbox ecosystem. The card’s design allows it to plug directly into the console, eliminating the need for external cables or enclosures. Furthermore, the expansion card supports the same speed and performance levels as the internal SSD, ensuring a seamless gaming experience. The discounts offered by Western Digital make this high-performing storage solution more accessible than ever.
With these discounts, Western Digital has made it easier for Xbox Series X/S owners to future-proof their consoles against increasing storage demands. As gaming continues to evolve with larger and more complex titles, the importance of reliable and high-capacity storage solutions cannot be overstated.