More To Store –
Everyone knows the included 500GB hard drive simply isn’t enough storage space on Xbox One consoles. Until Microsoft starts including a significant memory upgrade out of the box, users are left to fend for themselves – enter Seagate’s 2TB USB 3.0 external storage Game Drive unit.
Comes with everything you see here.
Officially endorsed by Microsoft, this Game Drive is an easy-to-use alternative for users looking to install a few more games on their Xbox One consoles.
The green top side
Retailing for around $100, this Seagate model is a lower cost option and is simply plug-and-play. The packaging includes: the hard drive unit, a short USB 3.0 cable, some paperwork no one will read, and a 14-day Xbox Live trial subscription code.
The back is black but has the strange alien symbols written on it
Installation really could not be any easier. Just plug the unit into the USB 3.0 port found on the back of the console and follow the one on-screen prompt to format it. Besides the speedy initial formatting session, the user is also given the option to name the hard drive. This is handy if you plan on using more than one portable hard drive in the future since the unit itself is not physically customizable.
Here are your instructions – one picture.
Just slightly bigger than a deck of cards, this portable hard drive has a low profile and a single glowing indicator light when the unit is on. It is also worth pointing out that no external power is needed; the entire unit is powered via the single USB 3.0 port. The USB 3.0 cord is short but there is no need for it to be long as you will need it near the Xbox One anyway.
comparing sizes
The green casing is my only gripe. While I understand that the bright green is the trademark color of Microsoft’s consoles, it looks sort of awkward sitting next to the jet black Xbox One color. The underside is black and looks more integrated when placed next to the Xbox One system than the bright contrasting green. While flipping the unit belly up does not seem to affect the performance, the user will then be unable to see the glowing indicator light, which is not the end of the world.
Even the light is greenish
Luckily, this external hard drive has a silent operation and is pretty much set-it-and-forget-it. Once this hard drive is plugged into your console, you probably won’t ever need to move it. The Xbox One console is also smart enough to load content from both the console’s hard drive and this external hard drive at the same time. Clicking on the Games section, for example, will feature content stored on both the native hard drive and this external unit. Also, during the initial installation, the console asks if you wish to install all future content to the external unit.
1.8TB of usable space. But at least you can optionally name your drive.
Overall, the unit contains 2TB of storage space. Unfortunately, after initial formatting, the user has access to 1.8TB which is a little misleading. Just like the Xbox One packing states that the console has a 500GB hard drive, the reality is the user only has access to 300GB and some change after formatting.
This is it. Simple!
If you are a moderate to power Xbox One user, you will probably need more storage space sooner than later. Besides the contrasting green casing, there really is nothing to complain about here with this Seagate 2TB Game Drive. It is easy to use, quiet, and has been reliable for the weeks of testing we have put it through. Time will tell if this unit holds up but early indicators suggest it will be just fine. It is also compatible with Xbox 360 consoles.
Not As Good As: having 2TB already pre-installed
Better Than: a unit that requires external power
Also Try: waiting for the inevitable “slim” Xbox One
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
Twitter: @ZackGaz