Xbox storage expansion options grow as Microsoft loosens external hard drive limits

Xbox storage expansion is a dilemma for gamers with large libraries. Games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle demand over 100 GB of space, forcing players to sacrifice older titles.  Participants of the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring of the Xbox Insiders Program just received some welcome news. Unfortunately, playing Xbox Series X games still requires a pricey SSD expansion card. Even so, these players can now boot older generation games and apps from USB hard drives larger than 16 TB.

Word of the relaxed storage limits spread after a recent Xbox Update Preview. Some of the largest external USB drives from brands like Seagate and WD provide 24 TB capacity. After this latest system update, Xbox consoles will format these supersized storage solutions with multiple partitions. Games and apps are kept separate, and the external drive appears as individual storage devices. Gamers must reformat an existing Xbox external hard drive to take advantage of this functionality.

Once set up, players can use their new Xbox hard drive to archive games. Although they avoid wasted bandwidth, the PS5 is still more flexible with storage choices. It requires opening the console, but there is a bevy of compatible SSDs for expansion. Unlike Microsoft, drives that can boot current-gen titles aren't restricted to a few brands.

If past history is any indication, the higher storage limits will soon be available for all Xbox gamers. Players who can't wait can apply for the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring through the Xbox Insider Hub app.