Data Backup Digest

The Xbox One is a huge hit with console gamers. Pioneered by Microsoft, it combines the next-gen graphics of computer gaming with the convenience and comfort of playing games from your own couch. However, as store-bought bundles only feature 500 GB or 1 TB of storage space, and as more game developers are making a push for digital downloads, gamers are soon find that their hard drives are full.

In order to combat this, the developers behind the Xbox One have recently teamed up with Seagate to offer a whopping 8 TB of storage space within a single external device. The resulting product, which was unveiled at E3 2017, is already available on the market.

Storage Space and Additional Connectivity

Dubbed as the Seagate Game Drive Hub, the recent project between Seagate and Microsoft isn’t focused on hard drive space alone. In fact, the device includes two additional USB 3.1 ports. Of course the drive itself takes up one of the slots on the Xbox console itself, so you’ll ultimately end up with one extra port. This lets you connect controllers or even another hard drive if 8 TB isn’t quite enough for your game collection.

Seagate explained the enhanced functionality in a recent press release by stating: ''"The new Seagate Game Drive Hub for Xbox features 8TB of storage and a multi-purpose USB hub for players with massive game libraries demanding peak game storage capacity for today's most advanced games. Designed and tested in collaboration with Xbox, Game Drive Hub for Xbox works seamlessly with any console in the Xbox One family of devices (Xbox One, Xbox One S and Xbox One X)."''

The external hard drive also matches nicely with the default look of the Xbox One. Gamers who have special editions or custom paintjobs might not enjoy such aesthetic appeal, but the device is neither bulky nor unsightly. It measures just less than 5” x 2” x 8” and comes in at just under 2 pounds. The device includes a USB cable and power adapter.

Although Seagate hasn’t recently a comprehensive spec sheet, the drive contained within the Seagate Game Drive Hub is capable of achieving transfer speeds up to 160 MB/s. This is more than enough to keep up with the most demanding games on the market today.

It’s also important to note that this isn’t Seagate’s first foray into the world of console gaming. They’ve recently released the Game Drive for Xbox HDD as well as the Game Drive for Xbox SSD. While both products add extra storage space to your console, limited storage space has hampered their success amongst hardcore gamers.

Focusing on Hardcore Gamers

With a retail price of $199, the Seagate Game Drive Hub is for those who are serious about gaming. If you’re the type who is always playing the latest releases, or even if you just like to marvel at your extensive game library from time to time, you might have little other choice but to opt for additional storage such as this.