For storage on the go, Kingston have you sorted.

This year’s (2025) XS1000 portable SSD series sees 1TB to 4TB in storage options via SSD packed into a casing that is smaller than  a credit card.

Kingston sent STG Play a 2TB Kingston XS1000R to test out.

Now, let’s mention portable PC gaming, which is on the rise.

With differing manufacturers offering anywhere 2TB down to a laughable 512GB for your onboard storage, it does not take long for that to get chomped up by data heavy games from Steam.

If you have a substantial games library, and like me, want game options on the go, and try to cram as many games on to the portable PC as you can, the Kingston XS1000R series is a must have.

The SSD has a singular USB-C port with USB-A 3.0 to plug in to your device. Thankfully Kingston provide a USB-A to USB-C in the box.

This is especially necessary if you are going to use on a later model Apple laptop.

Having that extra 2TB on the go is excellent, but can you play games directly from it?

Yep, the Kingston XS1000R doesn’t miss a beat, with 1050 Mbps read and 1000 Mbps write.

Secure and reliable, the palm sized SSD does not miss a beat.

An Apple MacBook Pro was able to write at around 147 Mbps, read at 78 Mbps. An OneXPlayer Pro 2 was around the same for read, but write speed was a higher at 112 Mbps.

Trying this on a gaming laptop, the ASUS ROG X13 beat all of the above.

Write speed climaxed at 286 Mbps, read 174 Mbps.

A 2025 Android smartphone saw the slowest though. Write at 52Mbps and read a very low 18 Mbps.

If you have a microSD card in your portable device, to save regular data corruptions, my advice is to swap out for one of these. Small, pocketable and of course ready to go.

Totally reliable and a trusted triple AAA brand that is focused on both quality and speed the Kingston XS1000R SSD is going to see you right for multimedia rendering, gaming on any platform or simply expands on local storage.

Game on the go without interruption with Kingston XS1000R Series.

The post Kingston XS1000R 2TB SSD Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Kingston Technology announced the refreshed Kingston XS Series of External SSDs, featuring a bold new design that highlights Kingston’s commitment to performance, reliability, service and innovation.

The new look proudly features Rex, Kingston’s iconic redhead mascot, representing the company’s nearly 40-year legacy of leadership in the global tech industry. Paired with the ‘Built on Commitment’ tagline, the refreshed design reflects Kingston’s ongoing promise to deliver high-performance, dependable storage solutions.

Compact yet powerful, the XS Series, including the XS2000 and XS1000 family, delivers impressive storage performance in a sleek, pocket-sized form, tailored to meet the needs of both professionals and everyday users.

The XS2000 stands as Kingston’s professional-tier external SSD, offering speeds up to 2,000MB/s and large capacities up to 4TB. Designed for content creators, videographers, and media teams, it supports Apple’s ProRes direct video recording, enabling seamless integration with mobile devices and production workflows. It’s the ideal solution for creators who demand studio-grade performance in the palm of their hand.

Meanwhile, the XS1000 and XS1000R are Kingston’s mainstream solutions for everyday storage, file transfer and backups. With read speeds up to 1,050MB/s and capacities up to 2TB, they offer versatile, lightweight storage solutions for a wide range of users, from students and business travelers to hybrid workers, balancing performance, portability, and everyday value.

“At Kingston, our commitment goes beyond just building products, it’s about building trust.” says Kevin
Wu, Sales/Marketing and Business Development Vice President of APAC region. “The refreshed XS Series, featuring Rex and the ‘Built on Commitment’ tagline, reflects our promise to deliver reliable, innovative, and adaptable technology that evolves with our customers’ needs.”

With the XS Series, Kingston strengthens its leadership in memory and storage, blending trusted performance with modern design to empower creators, professionals, and consumers alike.

The post Kingston Refreshes XS Series External SSD appeared first on Shane the Gamer.