A couple of weeks back, a reader actually dug up some interesting information that could identify the exact components inside the console. The
thereverendslim wrote in our forums:
Given that 1) the “debug port” on the Xbox Series X looks to be roughly 31mm x 4mm, 2) that a LinkedIn entry showed Phison’s PS5019-E19T controller being developed for or used by the Series X, 3) that Phison’s datasheet for that controller shows that it can be used in a CFExpress form factor, and that the dimensions of a Type B CFExpress card are 29.8mm x 3.8 mm… Do you think it’s possible that rather than having an internal non-replaceable NVMe-style SSD, they are using Compact Flash Express for the SSD so that you can expand in the future?
And I think he/she may be right, but keep in mind that CFExpress cards are not cheap with a 512GB cards currently being sold for around $600. At that price, Microsoft is betting that the technology will drop significantly in price over the lifespan of the console or they have found a way to utilize that style of port with different storage.
The last option is that Microsoft does use CFExpress cards and lets the customer decide if they want to really spend the same price as the console on expanding the storage but that seems unlikely. Regardless of the outcome, Microsoft is looking at ways to expand storage options for its next-generation console with high-speed options that USB does not currently offer.
What this all means is that the Xbox series X will offer flexibility in your storage options and that if needed, it should be easy to expand the storage with a high-speed solution. Keep in mind, the console is still in development and Microsoft could make changes that remove this port but for now, it looks like the company is moving ahead with this type of functionality.