Since the Xbox One is based, in part, on Windows 10, it follows the same update conventions as Windows 10. Because of this, we’ll discuss the Xbox One first. Sony and Nintendo both choose a bit more of an one-size-fits-all update process when compared to Microsoft. Xbox One vs PS4 vs Switch Update Conventions This catch-up update system applies primarily to the Xbox One and not to the PS4 or Switch. This means that if the base update is 1GB, you might have another 1GB of catch up before the newest update can be applied. This means that your update may be larger than someone who updates their console every new update. If your console is way out of date (i.e., if you last turned it on 6 months ago), your console will have some catching up to do. If it’s a smaller release, it could be 1GB. If it’s a full blown point release (5.0 to 5.1), it could be several gigabytes in size. If it fixes only a small set of things, it could be 50-100 megabytes. Not Microsoft, not Sony and not Nintendo publish their update sizes in advance. With that said, there’s no way to gauge even that size in advance. For example, if you’ve kept your console up to date all along the way, the next update will only be sized whatever the newest update is. How much data is needed is entirely dependent on how recently you’ve upgraded your console. There is no way to know … let’s pause to soak this in … However, this process is unpredictable and can cause folks who are on metered Internet connections no end of frustration.
The PS4, Xbox One and Switch periodically patch and update their console operating systems for maximum performance, to squash bugs and to improve features. If the reason you are asking this question is because you’re simply curious, then please keep reading.
It seems this is a common question regarding the most recent gaming consoles.