I've Used This Brilliant Xbox Series X Memory Card for Years and It's Never Been Cheaper

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Xbox Series X memory card deals might not sound like the most exciting purchase for your gaming setup, but having had Seagate's official model since the console launched, I could simply not enjoy games the way I do without it.

Microsoft avoided the option to let gamers install any compatible SSD like you can with the PS5, instead opting for a super simple, plug-and-play memory card. Initially only available in a 1TB capacity, with larger and smaller ones eventually released a long time later, choice was minimal and pricey. But with a leaked model from WD on the way in the not-too-distant future, marking the first time any other brand is releasing a card, Seagate has finally launched an official price cut on the 1TB card, and it's never been cheaper, even in the big sale events.

So if you head to Amazon today, instead of $214.99, you can pick one up for just $149.99. Previously, the best deal was around the $190 mark. The upcoming WD 1TB card's leaked price was $180, so this is still the best value option. And as I'll detail below, I've been using this card for two and a half years now and can't recommend it enough.

A few years back, I used to run the hardware department at GamesRadar and nabbed one of the memory cards at launch to test on the new Xbox Series X console. I've been using it ever since and it's undoubtedly an essential part of my gaming ecosystem, mainly because of the abundance of titles I download from Xbox Game Pass.

My internet connection isn't the quickest, so I like to hoard an extensive collection of downloaded games. That way, if something takes my fancy, I can dive into my expansive digital library without waiting for pesky downloads. Between the onboard storage and a 1TB card, I've always got everything to hand.

The performance is outstanding too. I completed a range of tests comparing load times against the internal SSD and this Seagate card matched it in every game and was even a tiny bit faster in some cases. All this time later, often running it at nearly full capacity, and it hasn't slowed down one bit.

If you think that 1TB isn't enough for you, I'd still opt for this version, as the 2TB card is exceptionally poor value per GB of storage. Usually $400(!), it's also been given a price cut, down to $279.99 at Best Buy today, for example. That's a bad deal.

Instead, I'd recommend the 1TB card and also picking up a much cheaper USB HDD, as you can store Series X titles here and switch them over to your card/internal storage when you want to play them. You can also play them straight from the USB drive if they're last-gen titles. I have a bunch of games like this on a WD P10 drive and you can get a 5TB one for $119 and smaller ones for even less at Amazon.

Looking for some more add-ons? Take a look at our guide to the best Xbox accessories. If you're yet to decide on a new console, they're both finally readily available in stores. Still, need help deciding? Head on over to our PS5 vs. Xbox Series X guide.

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