Microsoft’s decision to permanently drop the price of Seagate’s Xbox Series X and Series S Expansion Cards is a welcome development for gamers who are in need of additional fast storage for their consoles. The announcement comes after several retailers offered the cards at all-time low prices, prompting Microsoft to follow suit and offer a permanent price reduction.

As of May 8th, 2023, the 512GB model is priced at $89.99, down from the original $139.99 price tag. The 1TB and 2TB variants are priced at $149.99 and $279.99, respectively, down from their original prices of $219.99 and $399.99. While these prices may still seem expensive to some, the permanent price cut is a positive step in the right direction for Microsoft’s ninth-generation consoles.

• Seagate Storage Expansion Card (512GB) for $89.99 (reg. $139.99) — Amazon / Walmart / B&H Photo
• Seagate Storage Expansion Card (1TB) for $149.99 (reg. $219.99) — Amazon / Best Buy / Walmart / Adorama / Staples
• Seagate Storage Expansion Card (2TB) for $279.99 (reg. $399.99) — Amazon / Best Buy

It is worth noting that the Seagate Expansion Cards are a proprietary storage solution for the Xbox Series X and Series S, which means they can only be used with these consoles. This has been a point of contention for some gamers, who argue that Microsoft’s approach limits their options and drives up the cost of storage.

However, the Seagate Expansion Cards do offer some advantages over regular NVMe drives. They are designed specifically for the Xbox Series X and Series S, which means they can deliver faster load times and better performance than standard drives. They also have a sleek design that matches the look and feel of the consoles.

Related / Western Digital unveils affordable Xbox expandable storage options

Despite these benefits, the high cost of the Seagate Expansion Cards has been a barrier for many gamers. With the permanent price cut, the cards are now more competitively priced compared to regular NVMe drives. This is good news for gamers who are looking to expand their storage without breaking the bank.

Furthermore, Microsoft has hinted that more price relief could be on the way. This is a positive sign for gamers who are concerned about the high cost of storage for the Xbox Series X and Series S. It suggests that Microsoft is listening to feedback from its customers and is willing to adjust its pricing strategy accordingly.