Archive - 2025

HAN SOLO AND BOBA FETT HEADLINE NEW STAR WARS MARVEL COMIC SERIES

Marvel Comics is thrilled to reveal two new comic series set in the galaxy far, far away, STAR WARS: BOBA FETT – BLACK, WHITE & RED and STAR WARS: HAN SOLO – HUNT FOR THE FALCON, both launching in September. Exploring different eras of the Star Wars mythos, the two limited series are perfect standalone entry points into Marvel Comics’ acclaimed Star Wars storytelling. Packed with revelations about two of the franchise’s greatest icons and tying up a longstanding Star Wars mystery also make them must-haves for longtime fans!

Announced yesterday at StarWars.comSTAR WARS: BOBA FETT – BLACK, WHITE & RED is the third Star Wars title under Marvel’s hit Black, White & Blood imprint. Starring only the most ruthless characters, Boba Fett follows in the footsteps of previous Black, White & Red headliners Darth Vader and Darth Maul. Set across Boba’s storied history, each issue sees all-star creators team up to tell the most notorious exploits of the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunter!

The first issue will be by acclaimed writer Benjamin Percy (Wolverine) and superstar artist Chris Allen (Black Panther). Titled “The Impossible Job,” the story finds Boba Fett trapped in a situation he seemingly can’t get out of when both the Empire and an extreme Rebel faction after the same bounty as him! Fett needs to track down a deadly individual who has played both sides, and – to make things even more impossible – his target is hiding out in a volatile volcanic system!

“We’re setting a major sequence in a lava system that Fett has to navigate to hunt down the best thief in the galaxy,” Percy told StarWars.com. “I’m so lucky to join forces with artist Chris Allen, who brings his eye for dynamic action, wild layouts, and granular detail to this twisty, turny story that will keep you guessing until the end.”

“We’re really excited about this talent and stories in these issues,” Editor Mark Paniccia added. “All of them weave seamlessly into a galaxy filled with rogues, criminals, assassins and other bounty hunters and there are some very cool surprises and deep dives.”

Announced earlier this week at NewsaramaSTAR WARS: HAN SOLO – HUNT FOR THE FALCON reveals an untold adventure set between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. The five-part saga comes from two acclaimed modern Star Wars storytellers, writer Rodney Barnes (Star Wars: Ahsoka) and artist Ramon Rosanas (Star Wars), known for their work together on last year’s Star Wars: Inquisitors.

IN THE TIME BEFORE THE FORCE AWAKENS, WHERE IS THE MILLENNIUM FALCON?!

Less than satisfied with a settled life, Han Solo lands on the idea of reclaiming the Falcon and returning to a life of adventure. The problem is, he can’t find it. After enlisting a less than enthusiastic Chewbacca, the duo embarks upon a quest to reclaim the greatest ship in the galaxy. Standing in their way are a laundry list of rogues who have staked a claim to the Millennium Falcon as well, like the villainous scoundrel who stole the Falcon, Ducain.

Han Solo – Hunt for the Falcon is a dream come true,” Barnes told Newsarama. “Han, Leia, Chewbacca and Lando were my heroes when I was a kid. To write an adventure that includes that quartet (and more!) is truly an honor. One huge check off my bucket list!”

“Rodney is pulling all these characters who’ve had history with the Falcon and having them cross their deadly paths,” Paniccia explained. “It’s a very fun ride that captures the heart of who Han Solo is while throwing him into some ‘uncomfortable’ situations. And Ramon Rosanas is doing some of the best work of his career on this. This is a special project for him and the detail he brings to the ships and locations is magnificent.”

Check out the main covers for the debut issues of both series and preorder them at your local comic shop today!

The Elder Scrolls Online – Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 Launch Trailer

The Elder Scrolls Online: Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 and free Update 46 base-game patch are now available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 consoles, following the launch on PC and Mac on June 2. Starting today, console players can explore the island of Solstice and begin to uncover the plans of the resurgent Worm Cult. Update 46, a free base-game patch for all players, brings the new Subclassing system where they can mix and match class skill lines—adding over 3000 new combinations.

Check out the Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 trailer here.

Seasons of the Worm Cult
In this two-part adventure continuing ESO’s original main quest storyline from 10 years ago, the dreaded Worm Cult has returned and is threating the island of Solstice, concealing their activities behind the massive and magical Writhing Wall. Players arrive on the tropical island in Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 to explore the Western Solstice zone—there is no shortage of action and rewards to uncover with new World Bosses, Delves, a Public Dungeon, and a brand-new Trial: the Ossein Cage.

Subclassing
With the new Subclassing system, all ESO players can further customize their characters and play their way. Now, players on all platforms may utilize the powers of up to three of ESO’s seven classes at once, offering greater flexibility and creativity in gameplay. See Subclassing in action here.

Hero’s Return
Also free with this update, the Hero’s Return feature automatically detects when players haven’t logged in to ESO for an extended period and offers them handy tools and guidance to help get back into the thick of things more swiftly. The first of these is a brief, optional adventure you can choose to complete to help refresh your combat skills and secure additional rewards.

Update 46 introduces additional base game quality-of-life improvements, including an updated in-game map—making traversing Tamriel easier than ever—and updated tutorials for the Wayshrine system. More details on Update 46 can be found here. For the full patch notes, visit our official forums.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 is now live on PC/Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Players can purchase the new content with the 2025 Content Pass, which will also give access to every update planned for this year’s adventure, including access to Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 2, two dungeon packs, and a server-wide Writhing Wall in-game event. For the latest updates and information, remember to keep an eye on our official website and forums.

Logitech G G522 Lightspeed Review: The Best Gaming Headset for College Students?

My old headset finally gave up the ghost mid-raid last week. You know the story—one side goes quiet, the cord is frayed, and suddenly my team sounds like they’re yelling at me from the bottom of a well. As a college student, my budget isn’t exactly unlimited, but I live in my headphones. They’re for gaming, for online classes, for late-night study sessions with music, and for just zoning out. I needed a do-it-all wireless replacement that wouldn’t break the bank, and after some searching, I landed on the new Logitech G G522 Lightspeed.

The first thing I noticed right out of the box was how incredibly light it is. At just 290 grams, I’ve honestly forgotten I was wearing it a few times, which is a massive plus. The comfort is next-level. The memory foam earcups are covered in this soft, breathable fabric that’s a huge improvement over the sweaty pleather on my old pair. I pulled an all-nighter studying for a midterm and then jumped straight into a gaming session with friends, and I never felt that familiar clamping pressure or ear fatigue. The only weird design choice is the headband. Instead of a normal slider, it has this elastic band with only two adjustment points. It fits my head perfectly, but I can definitely see how it might be too loose or tight for some people, which is a strange limitation for a headset that gets so much else right.

When it comes to sound, the G522 is a beast for gaming. The bass is fantastic; explosions in shooters have a real, satisfying rumble, and engine roars sound full and meaty without turning into a muddy mess. The spatial audio is also on point. I was able to hear footsteps and reloads with crystal clarity, giving me a genuine edge in competitive matches. For music and movies, the sound is generally great and well-balanced, but it’s not perfect. In really chaotic scenes with a lot going on, the middle frequencies can get a little washed out. I also noticed that very high-pitched sounds can sometimes have a slightly raspy, distorted quality. It’s not an audiophile headset by any means, but for the price, the sound is rich and immersive where it counts the most.

Where this headset absolutely destroys the competition is the microphone. It’s not just good for a gaming headset; it’s genuinely fantastic. The first time I hopped on Discord, my friends immediately asked if I’d bought a new standalone mic. My voice comes through incredibly clearly, with no distortion or background noise. The mic boom is also detachable, which is great for when I just want to use them as regular headphones for music on my way to class. Plus, the built-in BLUE VO!CE tech works directly on the headset, so my custom mic settings carry over from my PC to my PS5, which is a killer feature.

The other two massive wins are battery life and connectivity. I’ve been using these for over a week straight—gaming, classes, music—and I still haven’t had to charge them. The battery life is just insane. And the tri-mode connectivity is a lifesaver. I can use the lag-free LIGHTSPEED dongle on my PC for gaming, then instantly switch to Bluetooth to take a call on my phone or connect to my laptop for a lecture. It’s the kind of seamless flexibility that’s perfect for a student lifestyle. The on-ear controls are also perfectly designed, with distinct, tactile buttons that are easy to find and use without having to take the headset off.

Overall, the Logitech G G522 is a phenomenal all-rounder. It nails the three things that matter most to me: marathon-session comfort, a mic that makes me sound like a pro, and a battery that just refuses to die. While the audio isn’t flawless and the headband adjustment is a bit of a head-scratcher, the positives overwhelmingly outweigh the negatives. For any student or gamer looking for a versatile, high-performing wireless headset that delivers a premium experience without the premium price tag, this is an easy recommendation.

Overall Rating 4 out of 5

Pros:

  • Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long gaming or study sessions.
  • Exceptional, broadcast-quality microphone clarity.
  • Incredible, multi-day battery life.
  • Versatile tri-mode connectivity.

Cons:

  • Limited two-point headband adjustment may not provide a secure fit for all head sizes.
  • Audio can exhibit some distortion at very high frequencies.

Dustwind: Resistance Out Now

Independent development studio Z-Software GmbH releases Dustwind: Resistance, a single-player tactical game, on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S today. A downloadable demo version of the game is also available on Steam.

Dustwind: Resistance is an immersive game set in a gritty post-apocalyptic world. Players lead a battle-hardened squad—and their loyal dog, Diesel—against a ruthless raider army. Every mission demands strategic thinking and creative combat, offering the freedom to charge in guns blazing, rely on stealth, set traps, or fortify positions with turrets and barricades. From smashing enemies with an armored car to precise stealth takedowns, every approach is on the table—except surrender.

The game features a brand-new campaign in the Dustwind universe, redesigned for a refined single-player experience. With updated mechanics, a streamlined UI, expanded skill trees, and a diverse arsenal of rebalanced weapons, the gameplay is smoother and more immersive than ever. Players will explore varied environments, face tough choices, and adapt their tactics to survive the wasteland’s brutal challenges.

At the heart of the story is Jake, a farmer turned fighter, seeking justice and survival after raiders destroy his peaceful life. Backed by his squad, he must reclaim his homeland by any means necessary. In addition, a user-friendly map editor allows players to create and share their own missions via Steam Workshop, expanding the world of Dustwind with endless player-driven possibilities.

ARROW Unveils Scorching July 2025 Lineup

Arrow Video is excited to announce the July 2025 lineup of their subscription-based ARROW platform, available to subscribers in the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland. Enjoy a selection of new titles, from carefully cultivated curations to shorts by new talent. For serious enthusiasts, ARROW offers deep dives into the tastes of filmmakers that changed the way we see the genre.

The ARROW July 2025 lineup includes a new 4K restoration of Larry Cohen’s The Stuff, streaming exclusively on ARROW. Coming courtesy of horror auteur Larry Cohen (director of the It’s Alive series and scribe behind the Maniac Cop trilogy), The Stuff is a titillating treat for the tastebuds which blends elements of films such as Street Trash with the straight-up B-movie flavor of The Blob. Grab a spoon and dig on into The Stuff – the taste that delivers… much more than you bargained for!

The lineup starts with fireworks on July 4 with Cruel Summer (UK/ IRE/ US/ CAN).

Sun’s out, screams out. The days are long, the nights are deadly, and in this scorching selection of summer-set shockers, the temperature quickly rises.

From lakeside slashers to beachside bloodbaths, Cruel Summer is a collection of twisted stories where the season of freedom turns fatal. So grab your backpack and say your goodbyes, because this summer is going to be murder!

Titles Include: Deadly Manor, Slaughterhouse, Mako: The Jaws of Death.

Also debuting on July 4 are two very different films about women on a mission.

The World of Kanako (US/ CAN): When Kanako, a model daughter and a brilliant student, disappears, her mother asks her ex-husband, a violent former policeman, to find her. As his investigation progresses, his idealized image of Kanako cracks: the girl hides a dark life that her father can not even imagine.

Starfish (UK/ IRE/ US/ CAN): With reality rapidly fraying at the edges, Aubrey finds herself following a string of clues left by her friend. Clues that will unlock the secrets of The Signal and could end up either saving the world… or condemning it.

On July 11, North American subscribers can enjoy a pair of chilling titles about isolated characters whose worlds shrink and twist even further.

Tower. A Bright Day. (US/ CAN): Mula lives with her husband, daughter and ailing mother in the country. Just before her daughter’s First Holy Communion, Mula’s long lost sister pays them a visit. The family believes in reconciliation, but Mula has her reasons to feel afraid of Kaja.

Ladyworld (US/ CAN): After a catastrophic event, eight girls find themselves stranded in a house without electricity. As they run out of food and water, their sanity begins to crumble, and soon they regress to their baser instincts.

On July 14, the theme of the day is robbery!

Deacon (short) (UK/ IRE/ US/ CAN): Deacon is an introspective thief who finds jobs through his best friend and accomplice, Patrick. Their discrete operation takes a sudden turn when Deacon uncovers a mysterious photograph that leads him to a distant admirer, Vanessa. Together they plan to rob an ominous house. Unbeknownst to them, it contains malignant energy.

Medusa (US/ CAN): By day, Mari and her friends broadcast their spiritual devotion through pastel pinks and catchy evangelical songs about purity and perfection. By night, they form a masked, vigilante girl gang, prowling the streets of Brazil in search of sinners who have deviated from the rightful path. After an attack goes wrong, Mari is forced to reflect on her actions and confront her paralyzing inner demons.

On July 18, step into the ARROW archives with Ted Geoghegan Selects (UK/ IRE/ US/ CAN).

Ted Geoghegan, the writer/director of We Are Still Here (starring horror icon Barbara Crampton), Mohawk (starring Kaniehtiio Horn), and Brooklyn 45 (starring Anne Ramsay), walks through the ARROW vault and selects his favorite slashers.

“Growing up an 80s “slasher kid”, I was a huge fan of the studio franchises – but as I dug deeper into the genre, I was over the moon with the litany of fantastic titles that had snuck past me. Slasher cinema is more varied than almost any other sub-genre of horror, and picking out something that fits one’s mood is amazingly easy, given the wild variety out there.

Below are lesser-known slasher favorites of mine, each with their own particular vibe, specific sleaze, and buckets of that silly, over-the-top violence that fans of the genre have come to expect and love.”

Titles Include: Terminal Exposure, The Coming of Sin, Dark August.

On July 21, in a stunning new 4K restoration, get overcome by The Stuff (UK/ IRE/ US/ CAN), exclusively on ARROW.

Are you eating it …or is it eating you? The Stuff is the new dessert taking supermarket shelves by storm. It’s delicious, low in calories and better still doesn’t stain the family carpet… What’s not to like? Well, for a start, it has a life of its own, and we’re not talking friendly live bacteria… Young Jason seems to be the only one who doesn’t love The Stuff – in fact, he won’t go anywhere near it, after having seen the pudding crawling around the fridge one night. What’s more, everyone who eats The Stuff has started acting really weird… Now, teaming up with wise-cracking industrial saboteur Mo, Jason must put a stop to The Stuff and the organisation behind it or face a gooey, gloopy demise.

The lineup concludes July 28 with a hair-raising crowd pleaser, Shaky Shivers (US/ CAN).

Bitten by a mysterious creature, Lucy believes she’ll become a werewolf. With her best friend by her side, they face a throat-slashing creature in this campy adventure filled with magic and mayhem.

Channel37 Unveils Exciting The Last Caretaker Gameplay Trailer

Fresh from a world of news during Summer Game Fest, Boutique Studio, Channel37 is delighted to share more details of its upcoming survival action-adventure, The Last Caretaker.

In a near-future, vast, uncharted ocean world, remnants of the past linger amongst the waves, and the future of humanity rests in the hands of a single caretaker.

Players will navigate the unforgiving ocean, scavenging lost knowledge, reactivating dormant systems, and ensuring the survival of what remains of humanity. Deep within the Seed Vaults, the last human seedsawait their journey to the stars. But not all that remains is dormant. Some machines still whisper, still move, still watch.

Watch The Last Caretaker gameplay trailer:

Additionally, please check out the recently released TC-250 Manual, Chapter 01:

The Last Caretaker will be released into Early Access for Windows PC on Steam and the Epic Games Store in 2025 with a console release to follow. Future caretakers can wishlist the game now.

Subscribe to Channel37’s YouTube and Twitch channels to watch the weekly developer livestream series, showcasing more of the world and gameplay mechanics of The Last Caretaker.

For more information about Channel37 and The Last Caretaker, visit www.channel37.co, follow on Bluesky, X (Twitter), and Instagram, and join the community on Discord.

Assetto Corsa EVO Premieres 0.3 Update Content Live at 2025 Spa 24H

Assetto Corsa EVO is ready to hit the track with exclusive content — and what better place to do it than at the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps?

From June 26th to 29th, during the iconic Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa, sim racing fans will get an exclusive chance to experience a playable preview of the upcoming BMW M4 GT3 EVO and the Circuit of Spa Francorchamps. Both will be part of the third Assetto Corsa EVO Early Access Update (0.3), arriving this summer, which will also introduce the first Multiplayer release, additional new cars, the Red Bull Ring circuit, and a long list of gameplay and performance improvements.

Hosted by E-Motion on their brand-new esports truck “E-Motion on Tour truck” – located at the Fan Village – and organized by AK Esports in collaboration with SRO Esports, BMW M Motorsports and Fanatec, this event marks the first-ever on-site challenge featuring Assetto Corsa EVO.

The challenge will be open to all event attendees, and participation will be free: each driver will take part in a timed session with a stock setup. The fastest driver overall will receive the Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel BMW M4 GT3, with official BMW Motorsport merchandise for second and third place. All participants will also be entered into a Fanatec prize draw for another Podium Steering Wheel. The first 400 participants will receive a limited edition Assetto Corsa EVO t-shirt (available while supplies last). Winners will be announced on-site on June 29th, and the podium ceremony is expected to take place on the official stage of the 24 Hours of Spa.

To make it even more special, members of the KUNOS team – Marco Massarutto and Davide Brivio – will be on-site, available for interviews, meet & greet with participants, and conversations with fans and media.

“Introducing the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, updated to its latest layout and presented live from its real-world counterpart, is the kind of experience that makes us feel privileged and proud to do what we do” says Marco Massarutto, Co-Founder & Executive Manager at KUNOS Simulazioni. “We can’t wait to share with all of you the latest additions and updates to the upcoming version of Assetto Corsa EVO, which will soon be available in multiplayer mode. This marks the first step toward enabling online competition and will allow us to refine and expand the features our community has been eagerly waiting for.”

Davide Brivio, Brand & Creative Director Assetto Corsa Franchise, says: “We are proud to team up with some of our long-time partners — including SRO Motorsports Group, Fanatec-Corsair, and AK Informatica — as well as our new friends at E-Motion, for this incredible on-site showcase. It’s a unique opportunity for part of the community and for us to share unforgettable moments during the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, while having fun on our favourite sim. Assetto Corsa EVO players: see you on track!”

Assetto Corsa EVO is currently available on Steam Early Access with a limited-time 20% discount off the standard price of $39.99 | £32.99.

For more information, please visit the game’s official site, www.assettocorsa.gg,  follow the hashtag #wearesimracing, and stay tuned across Assetto Corsa social channels. To learn about publisher 505 Games and its products, visit www.505games.com.

Out Fishing – First-Person Fishing Sim Horror Reveal Trailer

Somewhere in the Woods, Probably (in reality, it’s Paris and Perth). It’s just you, a rod, and whatever that’s crawling through the fog.

Out Fishing is a new first-person horror fishing game that lures players to a remote lake where the forest whispers and the fish aren’t the only things watching. Announced by developer Mūn Mūn Games and publisher UNIKAT Label (behind POOLS, Dystopika), Out Fishing is coming to PC. You can watch the debut trailer below.

Out Fishing blends the chill routine of a job sim with the creeping dread of psychological horror, all wrapped in a foggy wilderness you probably shouldn’t be in. In short: fish by day, flee by night.

Build your camp. Upgrade your tools. Catch that fish. Make profit. And try not to lose your mind as you’re freaking out wondering “Why is this fish that I’m holding is talking to me?!?”

FEATURES:

🎣 A horror story you experience at your own pace, told through exploration, fishing, strange visions, and unsettling finds.

🛠️ Upgrades and tools to access deeper waters, stranger areas, and the woods, even though the woods do not want you. And profit. Can’t forget profit.

🔥 Light survival mechanics that focus on tension, not inventory spreadsheets.

🌙 A shifting day-night cycle that affects the fish, the forest, and the things you were told aren’t real.

👁️ A hauntingly quiet world full of memory echoes, half-truths, and one unspeakable goal: Reel in the thing that should’ve stayed buried.

Out Fishing is coming to PC. Wishlist it on Steam now. Or don’t. That’s your choice. But the lake remembers.

Dora: Rainforest Rescue is Coming to Consoles and PC this October

Outright Games, the leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, in partnership with Paramount, today announces Dora: Rainforest Rescue, an all- new adventure based on the CG-animated DORA series. The game will launch on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC on October 24, 2025.

Arriving during the franchise’s 25th anniversary year, Dora: Rainforest Rescue invites players to join Dora and Boots in a brand-new puzzle solving platform adventure. Embark on an exciting journey to stop Swiper’s latest scheme and restore the vibrant Alebrije Tree. Players will run, jump, and swing through colorful environments while collecting magical leaves and solving puzzles that blend fun with Spanish language learning.

“We’re thrilled to introduce a new generation to Dora’s world through this interactive adventure,” said Stephanie Malham, Managing Director of Outright Games. “The new CG-animated series laid the perfect foundation for creating a game that captures Dora’s spirit of exploration, problem- solving, and bilingual education in a format the whole family can enjoy together.”

Throughout the adventure, players will encounter fan-favourite characters including Tico, Isa, Benny, and Big Red Chicken as they help Dora save the magical Alebrije Tree. The game incorporates Spanish words and phrases that kids can learn through gameplay, staying true to the educational roots of the beloved franchise. Parents and children can play and learn together in the 2-player local co-op mode, as they embark on an adventure fun for the whole family!

Since its launch on Nickelodeon on August 14, 2000, Dora the Explorer quickly emerged as a global pop-culture phenomenon and, nearly 25 years later, remains one of the most-watched preschool shows of all time. Dora has crossed social, racial and language boundaries and stands as a hero and friend to millions of children around the world. The series is seen in more than 150 countries and territories and translated in 32 languages on Nickelodeon channels and Paramount+ around the globe and through syndication. Throughout its eight-season run, Dora the Explorer received countless accolades, including Emmy®, Peabody, NAACP, Alma, Imagen, Latino Spirit, Gracie Allen, Parents’ Choice, Common Sense Media and Television Critics Association awards.

Dora: Rainforest Rescue will be available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC on October 24, 2025. For more information, please visit OutrightGames.com.

Seagate 4TB Xbox SSD Review: The King of Convenience at a Royal Price

In the world of modern console gaming, storage is the new frontier. With the breathtaking visuals and expansive worlds of the Xbox Series X and Series S comes an insatiable appetite for drive space. Blockbuster titles frequently command over 100 gigabytes, turning the console’s internal drive into a constantly contested territory. For the dedicated gamer, especially those immersed in the vast library of Xbox Game Pass, the cycle of deleting old favorites to make room for new arrivals is a familiar and frustrating ritual. Into this arena steps the Seagate 4TB Storage Expansion Card, a product that presents itself as the ultimate and final solution to this persistent problem. It is, in every functional sense, a masterpiece of convenience and engineering, but it achieves this status at a cost that is impossible to ignore.

The core promise of the expansion card is its seamlessness. This is not merely an external drive; it is a true extension of the console’s soul. Developed in close partnership with Microsoft, it is one of only two licensed products designed to perfectly replicate the console’s sophisticated Xbox Velocity Architecture. This deep integration means that games optimized for the Series X and S can be played directly from the card without any sacrifice in performance, graphics, or load times. The experience is functionally identical to using the internal drive. Load screens flash by with the same blistering speed, and the signature Quick Resume feature works flawlessly, allowing players to hop between massive open-world games as if they were changing television channels.

When examining the performance metrics, the card largely delivers on its promise of being indistinguishable from the console’s internal storage during gameplay. The expansion card’s performance is functionally identical to the internal storage where it matters most, a stark contrast to older technologies. A legacy game that might load in under 10 seconds on the expansion card could take more than 30 seconds on a traditional external HDD, truly highlighting the value of its deep architectural integration.

This plug-and-play simplicity is the card’s greatest strength. There are no menus to navigate, no compatibility checks to perform, and no files to manually shuffle back and forth. You simply insert the compact card into the dedicated slot on the back of the console, and your storage horizon expands dramatically. For players with slower or data-capped internet connections, this convenience transcends mere luxury and becomes a practical necessity, saving countless hours that would otherwise be spent re-downloading colossal game files. It transforms storage management from an active chore into a forgotten concern, allowing you to maintain a vast, ready-to-play library without a second thought.

However, this unparalleled convenience comes at a price that can only be described as staggering. With a suggested retail price that matches the launch cost of the Xbox Series X console itself, the 4TB expansion card is an accessory that costs as much as the machine it’s meant to augment. This positions it firmly as a luxury item, accessible only to a small fraction of the gaming audience. The high cost is a direct consequence of Microsoft’s proprietary approach to high-speed storage. Unlike Sony’s PlayStation 5, which uses a standard M.2 slot that fosters a competitive market, the Xbox ecosystem is a walled garden. This has created a duopoly for licensed card manufacturers, shielding them from the pricing pressures of the open market and leaving consumers to foot the bill for what many have termed an “Xbox tax”. So, who should buy this four-terabyte titan of storage? The answer is a very specific and niche type of gamer: the digital hoarder, the hardcore enthusiast with a massive library and the disposable income to match. This is the player who subscribes to Game Pass, buys new releases digitally, and wants their entire collection—from the latest AAA behemoth to every nostalgic title—instantly accessible. For this individual, the time and frustration saved by eliminating storage management may well justify the exorbitant cost.

For everyone else, more sensible options abound. The 1TB and 2TB versions of the expansion card from Seagate offers the exact same flawless performance at a more palatable, though still premium, price point. For the truly budget-conscious, a large external USB solid-state drive can offer a fantastic middle ground, providing speedy storage for a vast library of legacy games and serving as a “cold storage” archive for next-gen titles.

Ultimately, the Seagate 4TB Storage Expansion Card is a product of extremes. It is an impeccably engineered device that delivers on every performance promise, offering a truly seamless and convenient solution to the Xbox’s storage limitations. Yet, its price is so far removed from the realm of reasonable value that it feels less like a consumer product and more like a statement piece. It is the undisputed king of Xbox storage, but it demands a king’s ransom for the privilege of ownership.

Overall Score 4 out of 5

Pros:

  • Offers a massive 4TB of storage, the highest capacity available in an officially licensed card.
  • Performance is functionally identical to the console’s internal SSD, with full support for the Xbox Velocity Architecture.
  • Extremely simple plug-and-play setup provides ultimate convenience.

Cons:

  • The price is prohibitively expensive, costing as much as the Xbox Series X console itself.