Seagate has been announced by Microsoft as the exclusive partner in providing 1TB storage expansion cards for their upcoming next-gen console, the Xbox Series X.
These SSD expansion cards are slotted behind the console to support the built-in 1TB internal drive (Yes, that means the console can have up to 2TB storage). Games meant for the Xbox Series X can run from either the internal storage or from the expansion card.
You can also continue using your USB 3.1 HDD to play games from Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Neither Microsoft nor Seagate mentioned how much the 1TB SSD expansion cards will cost.
Having an SSD in the console mean games will load faster and players can “Quick Resume” from where they left off even after a system update reboot.
As for general specs, the Xbox Series X is looking really beefy. AMD Zen 2 CPU with eight cores, clocked at 3.8GHz each and 16GB GDDR6 RAM. Microsoft is looking to provide 60, up to 120 frames per second at 4K resolution. There is also an improved cooling system that uses a 130mm fan to draw air from the bottom and upwards.
The overall design of the Xbox Series X, powered by their SSDs and Seagate’s expansion cards will allow dynamic loading of high fidelity worlds. That sounds incredible news for massive open world games.
In light of 8K TVs, Microsoft also mentioned that the Xbox Series X can run at 8K up to 120fps. The upcoming console is said to support all current Xbox controllers.
Microsoft will reveal more key details – most likely the final product design – in June.