Plays Switch 2 games
256GB microSD Express
A smaller installed library
See price
For someone who keeps a few larger games installed and is comfortable deleting finished titles.
See 256GB at SanDiskStorage gifts for Xbox, PS5, and Switch 2
Which storage gift should you buy?
Choose their console. We’ll show what works, what to avoid, and whether a larger capacity is worth the extra money.
Start here
Which console do they have?
The storage type matters more than the brand printed on the drive.
Xbox Series X or SChoose an Expansion CardPlayStation 5Choose an M.2 SSD with a heatsinkNintendo Switch 2Choose microSD Express
Not sure? Check the name on the console, its original box, or the recipient’s store receipt. Do not guess from its color or storage size.
The expensive mistake
A portable USB drive is not the same upgrade.
USB drives can hold current Xbox and PS5 games, but those games usually need to be moved back before they can run. Choose the console-specific storage below if the gift is meant to add playable space.
Console 01
What storage should I buy for Xbox Series X or S?
Choose a Storage Expansion Card made for Xbox Series X|S. It plugs into either Series console and plays current games directly.
- No tools needed
- Works with Series X and Series S
- Plays current-generation games
Paid link. How we make money.
Use · play
Runs Series X|S games directly
A smaller installed library
Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 1TB
Adds 1TB of playable space to any Xbox Series X or S. A balanced choice for several large games.
Use · play
Runs Series X|S games directly
More room between cleanups
Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 2TB
Adds 2TB of playable space for a larger installed library and fewer uninstalls.
Console 02
What SSD should I buy for PS5?
Choose a compatible PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a heatsink. Every drive shown below includes the heatsink and meets the fit and speed checks we use.
- Plays PS5 and PS4 games
- Heatsink already fitted
- About 15 minutes to install
Found a bare M.2 drive on sale?
Sony still requires a cooling structure. A separate heatsink can work, but the drive and cooler must stay within Sony’s size limits. For a gift, a compatible drive with the heatsink already fitted removes that extra fit check.
Paid link. How we make money.
Use · play
Runs PS5 games directly
A smaller installed library
WD_BLACK SN850P for PS5 1TB
Adds 1TB of playable space. A practical choice for a few large games.
Use · play
Runs PS5 games directly
More room between cleanups
WD_BLACK SN850P for PS5 2TB
Adds 2TB of playable space for a larger installed library and fewer uninstalls.
Console 03
What SD card should I buy for Nintendo Switch 2?
Choose a microSD Express card with the EX mark. An ordinary microSD card from the original Switch cannot store downloadable Switch 2 games.
- Look for the EX mark
- Slides into the card slot
- Size it around the games they keep installed
Paid link. How we make money.
Plays Switch 2 games
512GB microSD Express
More room between cleanups
See price
For a broader downloaded library or someone who would rather uninstall games less often.
See 512GB at SanDiskNot sure whether 256GB is enough?
Choose the games they keep installed. The checker can also say they do not need a card yet.
Before you wrap it
Two checks prevent most returns.
Ask about current storage
Xbox Series consoles and PS5 each have one expansion slot. If it is already in use, a new drive may replace the old one rather than add beside it.
Keep the receipt
Check the retailer’s holiday return window and keep the packaging until the drive is installed and recognized by the console.
Know which games they want to keep installed?
Check the capacity before buying