SanDisk launches storage expansion cards for Xbox Series X/S
SanDisk has entered the market for Xbox Series X/S storage expansion cards, becoming the third supplier after Seagate and Western Digital. The new Optimus GX C50 cards are available in multiple capacities, offering expanded storage options for gamers.
SanDisk has officially launched its storage expansion cards for Xbox Series X/S gaming consoles, positioning itself as the third supplier in this market segment, following Seagate and Western Digital. The new Optimus GX C50 cards are offered in three capacities: 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
Initial pricing at launch was set at $109.99 for the 512GB card, $199.99 for the 1TB version, and $339.99 for the 2TB model. However, these prices might be introductory offers. SanDisk's website lists potentially higher regular prices of $137.99 for 512GB, $249.99 for 1TB, and $424.99 for 2TB.
The 1TB card's potential regular price of $249.99 exceeds the launch price of Seagate's 1TB expansion card, which was $220 when the Xbox Series X/S consoles debuted in November 2020. The high cost was attributed to the demanding performance requirements needed to match the console's internal SSD storage, utilizing the 'Xbox Velocity Architecture'.
Seagate later introduced more capacity options and reduced prices. Western Digital also joined the market as a second supplier. Despite SanDisk's entry, the high cost of expanding Xbox Series X/S storage is unlikely to decrease significantly, partly due to general price increases in memory and storage products.