When it comes to retro gaming, the eXoDOS collection stands out as one of the most comprehensive and exciting ways to relive classic MS-DOS games from the 1980s and 1990s. However, for anyone considering downloading or installing eXoDOS, the size of the collection can be a bit daunting. To put it into perspective, let’s dive into how large the eXoDOS installation is and compare it to some real-life examples to help you visualize it better.
What is eXoDOS?
eXoDOS (short for “ExoDOS Collection”) is a curated collection of thousands of MS-DOS games, spanning from the early days of the personal computer to the late 1990s. The collection includes not only the games themselves but also custom configurations, patches, and even additional enhancements to make them run smoothly on modern systems.
The eXoDOS project has amassed over 4,000 individual games, making it a treasure trove for retro gaming enthusiasts. But how much space does all this nostalgia require?
eXoDOS Installation Size
As of January 2025, the eXoDOS collection weighs in at a hefty size of over 350 GB when fully installed. This includes the games, configuration files, and all the other bits and pieces that make up the entire library.
To put this into context, here are some real-life comparisons:
1. Smartphone Storage
- A high-end smartphone in 2025, such as the iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23, typically offers anywhere between 128 GB to 1 TB of internal storage. If you own a smartphone with 512 GB of storage, installing eXoDOS would consume almost 70% of the total available space.
2. Blu-ray Movies
- A standard Blu-ray movie in 1080p resolution takes up about 25 to 50 GB of storage. So, with 350 GB, you could store roughly 7 to 14 full Blu-ray movies in high quality before hitting the full size of the eXoDOS library. This comparison underscores just how much data is involved in preserving all of these vintage games.
3. Modern Video Games
- Modern AAA video games can take up a significant amount of storage. For instance, games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare or Red Dead Redemption 2 can easily exceed 100 GB. The eXoDOS collection, which contains thousands of titles, is much larger than even several current-generation console games combined. If you’re accustomed to installing a few large games on your PC, think of eXoDOS as a multi-game bundle that might exceed the total space of your typical gaming library.
4. Cloud Storage
- If you store data in the cloud, you might have a subscription with services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Many of these services offer storage plans that range from 100 GB to 1 TB. eXoDOS would easily fit into a 1 TB plan, but it could also use up more than half of a 500 GB plan, depending on the number of other files you store.
Why is it So Big?
You might be wondering why eXoDOS needs so much storage for a collection of relatively old games. The size comes from several factors:
- Game Files and Variants: Many of the games in the eXoDOS collection come with multiple versions or editions, which can include different languages, resolutions, or even patched versions that help them run on modern hardware.
- Enhanced Audio and Graphics: Some games have enhanced audio or graphical versions, which can increase their file sizes. This helps ensure that these classic titles offer the best possible experience for today’s players.
- Compatibility Tools and Emulators: The collection includes emulation software, like DOSBox, which enables these old games to run on modern systems. These tools, along with game configuration files, add significant size to the overall installation.
- Metadata and Extras: eXoDOS also provides metadata, artwork, and documentation for each game. These assets help bring the collection to life, offering descriptions, box art, and in some cases, manuals and other materials that enhance the gaming experience.
Is It Worth the Space?
For retro gaming enthusiasts, the 350 GB eXoDOS installation size is certainly worth the space, offering access to a wide array of classic games. However, for those with limited storage, it might be a good idea to consider which titles you’re most interested in before committing to the full download.
For context, let’s say you were to play just 1% of the games in the collection. That would still give you access to around 40+ games—a massive library in itself, even if you don’t want to download the entire thing. Plus, since eXoDOS can be installed on external hard drives or SSDs, managing the space can be more flexible.
Conclusion
At 350 GB, eXoDOS is not a small download. It’s comparable in size to a good portion of your smartphone’s storage or several high-definition Blu-ray movies. However, for those passionate about retro gaming, the collection’s sheer volume of games, emulation tools, and enhancements makes it an enticing treasure trove, well worth the space it occupies. Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer or a history buff of early PC games, eXoDOS offers an unparalleled journey into the past of gaming.
