However, it’s still too expensive to upgrade your Xbox Series X|S storage versus more traditional SSDs.
I also wish there was a 2TB option for this card, too.
It’s functionally identical to Seagate’s alternative, but dons a unique design.
It’s a tiny yet powerful card, massively expanding the storage of your Xbox Series X or Series S console.
Disclaimer:This review was made possible by a review unit provided by Western Digital.
The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.
It’s not one-for-one, though.
Even the new lowered prices still don’t approach the average NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD, though.
At least sales can make the expansion cards more lucrative, even if prices aren’t low enough yet.
Specs-wise, the WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card is every bit a match for the Seagate Expansion Card.
Western Digital’s distinct design language helps the C50 stand out.
Both cards fully support the Xbox Velocity Architecture to achieve maximum performance in all Xbox Series X|S Optimized titles.
In these respects, both expansion cards are functionally identical to the Xbox Series X|S internal SSD.
It’s also a few grams lighter (25 vs. 30g).
The outside shell of the WD_BLACK C50 is quite distinct, but the part that matters is the same as Seagate’s card.
The differences are negligible, though both cards are tiny.
Where the WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card stands out is its aesthetic.
Seagate’s original card is clean and boring, with a forgettable and flat design.
In every way other than that external shell, the C50 seems utterly identical to Seagate’s original Expansion Card.
Western Digital employed its iconic, ridged industrial design language here, so the WD_BLACK C50 does look distinct.
When it comes to build quality, both cards feel excellent and premium.
These cards are built very well.
The WD_BLACK C50 has only one real competitor, and it tends to undercut that card by just a little.
Quick Resume worked exactly as expected, too.
The WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card sadly has exactly one true competitor: theSeagate Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S.
That’s a large part of why prices for these cards are still higher than they probably should be.
So, which one should you choose?
That largely comes down to three factors: personal preference, price, and size.
For most people, I’d recommend the WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card.
In those cases, you’re better off saving money and getting a more affordable external SSD.
Honestly, there’s almost nothing wrong at all with this card.
However, that’s all moot when it’s possible for you to’t afford the card.
This space needs more competition, and I hope we see it from other companies like Samsung and PNY.
I wish there were more competitors driving down prices, but right now the WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card is the one I’d recommend to most people.
