Video game consoles have evolved in recent years to become entertainment and multimedia centers. In them we can store many video games and multimedia content, from images of our last trip, going through our favorite music to videos with our favorite movies. In order to have all this in our model, we are going to need a large storage capacity . A solution that we propose in this compilation article is a disk to expand memory.
Consoles include an internal disk, but we will need an external disk if we want to expand the memory and be able to save more and more files. And although it may seem like it, when you think you have enough memory, it never is.
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about external discs for game consoles, such as Microsoft Xbox One and Sony PlayStation 4. Follow our recommendations to achieve the best secondary storage medium and thus make the most of your device enjoying all the content you need.
What do I need to know to buy the best disk?
In other articles we have already talked about HDD or SSD disks, to choose the best disk for our console we must take into account exactly the same parameters as to choose the best disk for our PC, either internal or external:
- SSD or HDD: In summary, a game console with HDD can take much longer to perform any task. Compared to an SSD, absolutely everything will have a higher performance, so if you want a fast game console, you will choose an SSD without much doubt about it.
- Intensity: It has an intensity of 500 mAh maximum since this will save you compatibility problems.
- Speed: The quality of these is directly linked to their data transmission speed , so it is a point to highlight.
- Design: Its ergonomics is key, its size and weight will be crucial to make it not clutter near your console.
- Capacity: It will depend on the use . If you are looking for a disc these devices we recommend that the storage does not exceed 2 TB if you need to record.
- Operating System: In most operating systems, 2 TB is the maximum supported. So it is very important that before buying, we look at the maximum allowed that our OS supports.
- File system: The disk must use a FAT32 or NTFS file system.
- Connectivity: It is recommended that it be USB 3.0, since this way you are sure that the data transfer rate allows you to enjoy or record quality content
- Brand: the brand is important to know if we bought a disc fi able or not.
Format an external disk for your console
Before using a disc as a storage device for your PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, you must format it. A simple process on the Microsoft console and a little more convoluted on the Sony console, but with a few instructions and in not many steps you can adapt your disk to your console and enjoy almost unlimited games and saved games.
Install a disc on the PlayStation 4
If you have a PlayStation 4 and your storage is low, you can increase the memory of your console using an external disk in a few steps. Of course, before using it you must take into account the requirements that Sony asks for this external disk to be compatible with your console. For starters, the file system compatible with PS4 is FAT32 , so perhaps before connecting it to the console you will have to go through the computer. In addition, PS4 asks for a series of requirements to the disk you want to connect, some necessary characteristics that we detail below:
- USB 3.0 or later connection
- Minimum capacity of 250 GB and maximum of 8 TB
- Directly connected to PS4 system
How to install a disc on Xbox One
The process of installing a disc on Xbox One is much simpler and will take less steps and time than on PS4. When we connect our external disk to the console, a pop-up window will appear that will notify us that the device has been connected. At that time we have to choose if we want to use that disk to store multimedia content (music, videos and photos) or if we are going to use it to save games and applications.
Best options on the market
We have compiled some of the best disc models for your game console.
Seagate Game Drive Hub
With a massive 8TB of space, you can store more than 200 titles on an external disk drive designed exclusively for Xbox. The Game Drive Hub for Xbox offers two front USB 3.0 ports and has the power to charge mobile devices, controllers and accessories for games, making it the perfect centerpiece for any area intended for consoles. Take action with step-by-step setup, USB Plug & Play connectivity and high-speed performance. For information on the commercial warranty offered by the manufacturer, see the terms and conditions on its official website.
WD My Passport SSD
My Passport SSD consists of portable storage with ultra-fast transfers. Protecting your password through hardware encryption will help you keep your content secure. Easy to use, My Passport SSD is compact, impact resistant storage with a cool, durable design.
Western Digital Gaming Drive
When the disk capacity of your PS4 or Xbox console is not enough to conquer an unlimited number of new worlds, you can expand it up to 4 TB with WD gaming memory. Configuration is simple. Just connect the WD gaming memory to a PS4 console using a USB 3.0 cable. Thanks to quick formatting, you’ll be playing in the blink of an eye.
SanDisk Extreme SSD
The rugged Sandisk extreme portable SSD offers high-speed transfers of up to 550 Mb / s. This makes it perfect for saving and editing high-resolution photos and videos. IP55 certified, it also resists rain, splashes, spills and dust.
WD My Passport Go
My Passport Go is the rugged SSD memory designed for travel. It is resistant to falls of up to 2 meters thanks to a protective rubber bumper on the outside. The memory withstands shocks and jolts even when connected, this pocket memory is durable and has an integrated cable, making it convenient to carry. With solid-state memory inside, the memory speed of this disc is more than 2.5 times faster than most discs.
Seagate Expansion
Store and easily access 4TB of content wherever you go with the Seagate Expansion Portable. Designed to work with consoles, this compact external drive allows you to back up in no time. And enjoy the simplicity of Plug & Play technology with the included 45cm USB 3.0 cable.
WD My Passport 4TB
The My Passport unit comes in new colors, black, blue and red, while it is midnight blue. It is formatted for game consoles and will have a USB 3.0 connector compatible with version 2.0. The unit offers Type C compatibility.
WD 5 TB My Passport
The My Passport portable drive can store the vast number of photos, videos and music that you love. It’s available in a variety of fun and vibrant colors, with a stylish look that fits comfortably in your hand, so you can take your precious content with you wherever you go.
Toshiba Canvio Basics
Transfer files quickly with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and store up to 3TB of data on Canvio Basics external drives. These devices are ready to use with Microsoft Windows and require no software installation, so it couldn’t be easier to start storing all your favorite files.
Seagate Expansion Portable
Store and easily access 1TB of content wherever you go with the Seagate Expansion Portable. Designed to work with Windows computers, this compact external drive allows you to back up in no time. And enjoy the simplicity of Plaug & Play technology with the included 45cm USB 3.0 cable.
