Increasing storage on a new gaming console was once anxiety-inducing. For Xbox Series X|S owners, transitioning from cramped space to hassle-free storage expansion has been an unexpectedly fascinating experience. Let’s dissect the ways the WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card disrupted Xbox storage—and why that matters if your game collection keeps expanding.
The Plug-and-Play Revolution
When Microsoft rolled out the Xbox Series X and S, they introduced a different kind of storage expansion. No need to open up the console, deal with screws, or figure out SSD specs. Instead, they gave us the Expansion Slot—a simple way to plug in an external SSD and instantly get more space. Just snap it in and you’re good to go. It was a clever, consumer-friendly step, but one that had a catch: the cards were in a proprietary format, and so were expensive. For years, Seagate held the sole position of manufacturing Expansion Cards for Xbox Series X|S. So if you needed more storage space, you had no recourse but to purchase Seagate, and they could do whatever they wanted and charge whatever they could get away with. Come in, Western Digital with the WD_BLACK C50, and Xbox gamers had a second choice. Not only did this shatter the monopoly, but it also ignited some much-needed competition in the marketplace.
Pricing and Value: How Competition Redefined the Market
The C50 didn’t introduce a new name to the party—it disrupted pricing as well. Western Digital launched the C50 for 512GB at $79.99 and 1TB at $149.99, undercutting Seagate’s prices straight out of the box. Seagate responded by resetting its pricing, but in most instances, Western Digital still has the bargain. Yes, it’s not as affordable as the SSDs PS5 owners can purchase, but at least now Xbox players no longer have only one choice to turn to—and that’s progress.
Design and Build: WD_BLACK C50 vs Seagate
Both expansion cards share the miniaturized M.2 2230 SSD form factor, and both are remarkably small and tough. The WD_BLACK C50 has a rugged, ridge-augmented design that suits Western Digital’s brand aesthetic. It’s a bit longer and a little lighter than the Seagate model, but those distinctions are hardly perceptible. They’re both so diminutive they could be stashed in your jeans’ coin pocket. One perk Western Digital has over Seagate is a five-year limited warranty, two years longer than Seagate gives.
Performance: Real-World Experience and Technical Parity
When it comes to performance, there’s no concession. The WD_BLACK C50 is every bit as capable as the Seagate alternative. It’s Xbox Series X|Sis officially licensed and fully compatible with the Xbox Velocity Architecture. That equates to the same lightning-fast load times and silky smooth gameplay as with the console’s onboard SSD. Quick Resume is seamless, and transferring games from internal to external storage is fast and effortless.
The Limitations: Capacity, Price, and the Need for More Competition
While it’s great to finally have some competition, there’s still room for improvement. The proprietary format means prices are still higher than they should be. And if you’re hoping for more than 2TB of storage, you’re out of luck—only Seagate offers a 2TB card, and it doesn’t come cheap. Many gamers are still waiting for more brands, like Samsung or PNY, to join the space and help push prices down further.
Current State of Xbox Storage Expansion
The WD_BLACK C50 has made expanding Xbox storage a lot easier and a bit more affordable. It’s simple to use, well-designed, and performs just as well as you’d hope. While the pricing and capacity options still leave something to be desired, Western Digital’s entrance into the market is a big win for gamers. Until other players enter the fray, the C50 is the best choice for anyone wanting to expand their Xbox storage without the hassle.
