Is 1TB enough storage for your Xbox Series X? Here's what gamers should know
With games increasingly taking up valuable space on consoles, we take a look at whether going for the extra storage on the Xbox Series X is really worth it.
When shopping for a new gaming console, one important factor to consider is the storage capacity. The Xbox Series X, while not as popular anymore, still offers some advantages. Backward compatibility allows access to games from decades ago, and Xbox Game Pass remains a more cost-effective option compared to Sony's subscription. Personally, I find the Xbox gamepad design appealing, though this is subjective.
Most Series X models come with a generous 1TB of storage, while the PlayStation 5 Slim has 825GB and Nintendo's Switch 2 only has 256GB. This difference matters because games nowadays require significant storage space, even if purchased on disc. As of 2026, even installing hundreds of gigabytes of data is common. Optical drives cannot match the speeds of SSDs, so the type of storage becomes crucial.
Determining if 1TB is enough depends on your gaming habits. Most games are likely to be fine on a 1TB Xbox, but hardcore gamers might prefer a 2TB model to avoid storage issues later. Remember that a portion of the storage is occupied by the operating system on any console. The Series X might leave you with around 802GB (or less) for games and apps.
High-end games often exceed 100GB in size, with titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Grand Theft Auto 6 taking up over 100GB each. Depending on your gaming choices, a 1TB Xbox may only have space for a few games at a time, forcing you to delete others if you want to keep playing. Although expanding storage is possible, there are limitations.
An Xbox-compatible NVMe expansion card is needed for a drive to run games, and external SSDs can only store games, not load them. These expansion cards are expensive, especially for larger capacities.
In conclusion, while 1TB may be sufficient for some gamers, particularly those who play fewer games or prefer 2D and indie titles, a 2TB model could be worth the extra upfront cost for hardcore gamers. Looking for a used or discounted 2TB Xbox could be a more cost-effective choice.
Written by urgent.news from Engadget's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
