Does your PlayStation 5’s internal storage feel like it’s shrinking faster than a melting ice cream cone on a hot day? You’re not alone! Modern games take up massive amounts of space, and soon you’re staring at that dreaded “Storage Full” message. It’s frustrating when you have to delete your favorite adventures just to make room for the newest blockbuster title.
Choosing the best extra storage for your PS5 can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need an M.2 SSD? Is an external hard drive good enough? The options are confusing, and you want to make sure you spend your money wisely on something that actually works perfectly with your console.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know about expanding your PS5’s library without breaking the bank. By the end of this post, you will know the best, fastest, and most reliable ways to store all your games, ensuring you never have to delete a save file again.
Top Extra Storage For Ps5 Recommendations
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED Built with matching firmware to seamlessly work with all models of PS5 and PS4.
- PS5 READY Store your PS5 games and transfer them to the console when it’s time to play.
- WORKS WITH PS4 Store and play all your PS4 games directly from the external hard drive.
- BUILD YOUR GAME VAULT 2 TB of capacity means no more sacrificing, deleting or redownloading games.
- NO TOOLS REQUIRED Launch into action in under two minutes with easy plug-and-play setup.
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED Built with matching firmware to seamlessly work with all models of PS5 and PS4.
- PS5 READY Store your PS5 games and transfer them to the console when it’s time to play.
- WORKS WITH PS4 Store and play all your PS4 games directly from the external hard drive.
- BUILD YOUR GAME VAULT 5 TB of capacity means no more sacrificing, deleting or redownloading games.
- NO TOOLS REQUIRED Launch into action in under two minutes with easy plug-and-play setup.
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
- 【Officially Licensed SSD 】This external SSD uses specially-selected materials and has passed our exclusive quality inspection to work with PS5 / PS4.
- 【Eliminate PS5(R) Storage Shortages】You can expand the free space on your system by saving PS5(R) game data and PS4(R) game titles onto this product.
- 【Reduce Loading Times on PS4(R)】 Reduce game loading times for more enjoyable gameplay experiences.
- 【Compact Stick Type】The cable-free and compact USB stick design enables easy connection with your game console without taking up space.
- 【Accessories】 Setup Guide / Warranty Statement
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- 【Plug and play for home and office equipment】YOTUO HDD01 USB 3.0 external hard drive. Suitable for Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10/11, Linux, Mac OS system. As well as laptops, desktop computers, PS4, PS5, XBOX 360, XBOX ONE, XBOX series X/S and other office equipment and gaming equipment. The product is plug-and-play when used in Windows. For Mac users, first format the drive and select the ExFat format.
- 【The first time you use this product in your gaming device, you will need to install an external hard disk into your gaming device】XBOX Simply follow the steps prompted by the system pop-up window to use it in the device. PS5 may receive the message "This USB drive's file system is unsupported" when plugging in an external hard disk and may display an incorrect storage capacity. There is no need to worry. You can simply find "USB Storage Device" in the "Settings" screen, follow the steps prompted by the system to install the drive and format it, and it will be ready for use. PS4, please find "USB Storage Device" in "Device" interface in "Settings".
- 【Gaming device manufacturer restrictions for different generations of games】Due to restrictions imposed by gaming device manufacturers, the PS5 can read and run PS4 games directly from an external hard drive, but cannot run PS5 games directly from an external hard drive; PS5 games on the external hard drive need to be moved to the device in order to run. Similarly, the Xbox X Series and Xbox S Series can only run Xbox One games directly from an external hard drive.
- 【Patented silicone sleeve protects hard drive】 The patented silicone sleeve inside wraps around the hard disk. It protects the hard disk more effectively against shocks and drops.
- 【About the discrepancy between the nominal capacity and the actual capacity】The actual capacity of the hard disk is not the same as the nominal capacity because the measurement method (binary) used by the hard disk manufacturer is different from the measurement method (decimal) used by the computer system. This is normal.
- 【Plug and play for home and office equipment】YOTUO HDD01 USB 3.0 external hard drive. Suitable for Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10/11, Linux, Mac OS system. As well as laptops, desktop computers, PS4, PS5, XBOX 360, XBOX ONE, XBOX series X/S and other office equipment and gaming equipment. The product is plug-and-play when used in Windows. For Mac users, first format the drive and select the ExFat format.
- 【The first time you use this product in your gaming device, you will need to install an external hard disk into your gaming device】XBOX Simply follow the steps prompted by the system pop-up window to use it in the device. PS5 may receive the message "This USB drive's file system is unsupported" when plugging in an external hard disk and may display an incorrect storage capacity. There is no need to worry. You can simply find "USB Storage Device" in the "Settings" screen, follow the steps prompted by the system to install the drive and format it, and it will be ready for use. PS4, please find "USB Storage Device" in "Device" interface in "Settings".
- 【Gaming device manufacturer restrictions for different generations of games】Due to restrictions imposed by gaming device manufacturers, the PS5 can read and run PS4 games directly from an external hard drive, but cannot run PS5 games directly from an external hard drive; PS5 games on the external hard drive need to be moved to the device in order to run. Similarly, the Xbox X Series and Xbox S Series can only run Xbox One games directly from an external hard drive.
- 【Patented silicone sleeve protects hard drive】 The patented silicone sleeve inside wraps around the hard disk. It protects the hard disk more effectively against shocks and drops.
- 【About the discrepancy between the nominal capacity and the actual capacity】The actual capacity of the hard disk is not the same as the nominal capacity because the measurement method (binary) used by the hard disk manufacturer is different from the measurement method (decimal) used by the computer system. This is normal.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Boosting Your PS5 Storage
Your PlayStation 5 is amazing, but those huge game files can fill up the internal storage fast! Don’t let storage limits stop your gaming fun. This guide helps you pick the perfect extra storage solution so you can keep downloading and playing without worry.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for extra PS5 storage, a few features really matter. Think about these before you buy:
- Speed (Read/Write): This is the most important thing for PS5 games. You need fast speeds so games load quickly, just like on the internal drive. Look for drives that match or come close to the PS5’s internal speed.
- Capacity: How much space do you need? Games like Call of Duty take up massive amounts of room. Decide if 1TB, 2TB, or even 4TB suits your gaming habits.
- Compatibility: Make sure the storage is officially compatible with the PS5. Not all external drives work perfectly for playing PS5 games directly.
- Form Factor (Size and Shape): Do you want a small, portable SSD, or a larger, stationary drive?
Important Materials and Types of Storage
The type of storage you choose heavily impacts performance and price. You generally have two main choices for PS5 expansion:
Internal M.2 SSDs (The Best Option for PS5 Games)
These drives install *inside* your PS5. They use fast flash memory chips, similar to the console’s own drive.
- Material: They use advanced NAND flash memory.
- Quality Factor: Look for drives that use PCIe Gen 4 technology. This technology ensures the blazing-fast speeds the PS5 requires to run games directly from the expansion slot.
External USB SSDs (Great for PS4 Games and Storage)
These plug into the USB ports on the outside of your console. They are easy to install—just plug them in!
- Material: These also use flash memory (SSD), but the connection speed is limited by the USB port.
- Quality Factor: While great for storing PS5 games (you must move them back to the internal drive to play) or playing PS4 games directly, they are slower than internal M.2 drives.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your storage upgrade depends on a few technical details. High-quality drives last longer and perform better.
What Improves Quality:
- Heatsinks: For internal M.2 drives, a heatsink is crucial. This metal piece draws heat away from the drive. Fast drives get hot, and heat can slow them down (this is called thermal throttling). A good heatsink keeps performance high.
- DRAM Cache: Drives with a DRAM cache manage data transfers more efficiently, leading to smoother performance, especially during heavy loading.
What Reduces Quality/Performance:
- Using Slow USB Ports for PS5 Games: If you try to play a PS5 game from a standard external USB hard drive (HDD) or a slow USB SSD, the game will likely not load, or it will run very poorly. The PS5 specifically requires the speed of the internal slot or a compatible M.2 SSD.
- No Heatsink: An internal drive without a proper heatsink will eventually slow down during long gaming sessions to protect itself from overheating.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your extra storage changes what you should buy. Think about your typical gaming routine.
Use Case 1: The Hardcore Gamer (Playing New PS5 Titles)
If you constantly download the newest, biggest PS5 games, you absolutely need an **Internal M.2 SSD**. This setup lets you install games directly onto the new drive and play them instantly without moving files around. The user experience is seamless—it feels like one giant internal drive.
Use Case 2: The Backlog Player (Storing Older or PS4 Games)
If you have a huge library of PS4 games or want to archive PS5 games you aren’t playing right now, an **External USB SSD** is a fantastic, cost-effective choice. You can store hundreds of PS4 games here and play them instantly. For PS5 games, you store them here, and then quickly transfer them back to the main drive when you want to play.
Choosing the right storage makes managing your game library easy. Decide if you need maximum speed for new titles or high capacity for older libraries, and you will find the perfect fit for your PS5 setup.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About PS5 Storage Expansion
Q: Can I use any external hard drive with my PS5?
A: You can use most external USB drives to store PS5 games (you cannot play them directly) and to play all your PS4 games. However, for playing new PS5 games directly, you need a specific, very fast M.2 SSD installed internally.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for the internal M.2 SSD?
A: Yes, Sony recommends or requires a heatsink for internal expansion drives. It keeps the drive cool so it maintains its super-fast speed.
Q: How fast does an M.2 SSD need to be for the PS5?
A: The drive must have a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500MB/s. Faster speeds are always better!
Q: Can I use a cheap external SSD for PS5 games?
A: You can use a cheaper external SSD to *store* PS5 games, but you cannot play them directly from that drive. You must move them back to the internal drive first.
Q: What happens if I buy an M.2 SSD that is too long?
A: If the physical size (the length) is too long for the expansion slot, it simply will not fit inside the console when you install it.
Q: Does adding storage slow down my PS5?
A: If you install a high-quality, compatible M.2 SSD internally, it will not slow down your console. It actually speeds up game loading compared to older hard drives.
Q: Is it hard to install the internal M.2 SSD?
A: No, it is not too hard. You need to open a small cover on the PS5, plug the drive in, and secure it. Sony provides clear instructions online.
Q: Will my old PS4 external drive work for PS4 games?
A: Yes! You can plug in your old external drive that held PS4 games, and the PS5 will recognize it immediately for playing your PS4 library.
Q: Are SSDs better than HDDs for PS5 storage?
A: Yes, SSDs (Solid State Drives) are much faster than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). For any PS5 game content, an SSD is necessary for good performance.
Q: Does adding external storage affect my warranty?
A: Installing the internal M.2 SSD might void the warranty on that specific part of the console if it is damaged during installation, but generally, adding an external USB drive does not affect the main console warranty.