Seagate Technology, a renowned brand in the data storage industry, has garnered significant attention recently for its innovative external storage solutions. While I have predominantly relied on their IronWolf drives for my storage needs, it’s clear that Seagate is also excelling in the external SSD market. My recent experience with the LaCie Thunderbolt 5-enabled rugged SSD revealed just how powerful these drives can be, although my high-end gaming machine, sporting an RTX 5090, seems limited in fully harnessing the SSD's impressive capabilities. For those who do not require Thunderbolt connectivity, the One Touch SSDs also represent a fantastic choice.

Seagate's latest introduction certainly piques interest, particularly for enthusiasts of the immensely popular video game, Genshin Impact. In a unique collaboration with the game's developer, MiHoYo, they have launched the Genshin Impact Limited Edition External SSD, which boasts a breathtaking design. The recent surge in Genshin Impact-themed accessories, including a delightful package of uniquely styled power banks and chargers from UGREEN, only highlights the game's growing influence in the tech accessory space. Seagate's new SSD beautifully blends aesthetic appeal with reliable performance, embodying the essence of the beloved game.

The design of this external SSD is inspired by Cyno, a character from Genshin Impact, and it is adorned with a distinct etched pattern that sets it apart from typical SSDs. The vivid purple color scheme captures attention, while the intricate runic designs etched on the sides and back enhance its overall flamboyance. In a market saturated with external drives, the Genshin Impact model stands out visually like no other I have encountered, making it a true collector’s item for fans of the game.

This SSD connects via USB-C 3.2, equipped with a small LED indicator that lights up during operation. Notably, a purple LED light bar runs along one end, further enriching the product's vibrant aesthetics. Seagate has clearly dedicated significant effort to customizing this SSD, distinguishing it from other gaming-themed accessories that often settle for mere logos or decals.

While the Genshin Impact SSD is slightly wider than most external SSDs, its portability remains intact, weighing only 65 grams, which is hardly noticeable in a bag. The package includes a USB-C to USB-C cable, albeit on the shorter side, which presents no issues when connecting to devices such as smartphones, tablets, and handheld gaming consoles like the Steam Deck.

In my practical tests, I utilized the SSD to transfer data between various devices, including the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Vivo X200 Pro, Honor Magic 7 Pro, and the iPad Pro M4. The SSD performed flawlessly, demonstrating robust data transfer speeds and reliability. However, the bundled cable was too short to accommodate my gaming setup fully, leading me to opt for a USB 4 cable instead.

Aside from this minor inconvenience, I encountered no issues while transferring files from a Windows computer. The drive ships formatted in exFAT, ensuring compatibility with a broad array of devices. For users needing NTFS format, reformatting is a straightforward process. Performance-wise, this SSD is competitive, achieving read speeds of up to 980MB/s and write speeds of approximately 300MB/s during testing.

While I typically prefer external SSDs with larger storage capacities—most of which offer around 4TB—Seagate's Genshin Impact Limited Edition SSD is only available in a single 1TB variant. However, this capacity should suffice for average users looking for additional storage. Gamers might find this limitation restrictive, as more demanding titles consume substantial space, making a 2TB option a missed opportunity.

In conclusion, Seagate has truly excelled with the design and functionality of the Genshin Impact Limited Edition External SSD. The main drawback lies in its availability; it is exclusively sold on Seagate’s U.S. website. Priced at $139, it carries a notable premium compared to the standard 1TB One Touch SSD, which can retail for as low as $84. Nevertheless, for dedicated Genshin Impact enthusiasts seeking a standout addition to their tech arsenal, this SSD is undoubtedly the ideal choice. Seagate has indicated that this limited edition drive will only be available until supplies last, prompting fans to act quickly if they wish to secure one.