Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A nominal 500 GB can hold about 20 games averaging 25 GB each, 10 averaging 50 GB, five averaging 100 GB, or four averaging 125 GB. Those are simple estimates, not guaranteed console or PC install counts: use the free space your device actually reports, because system software, other files, updates, and platform rules reduce or affect what is available.
How to estimate the number of games
Divide the space available for games by the installed size of the games you plan to keep. For a nominal 500 GB, the arithmetic looks like this:
| Assumed average game size | Arithmetic estimate on 500 GB |
|---|---|
| 25 GB | 20 games |
| 50 GB | 10 games |
| 100 GB | 5 games |
| 125 GB | 4 games |
These examples use the full nominal capacity and do not account for system reservations, formatting, other files, or room for updates. For a realistic estimate, check the device’s storage settings, use the space actually free for games, and round down. If you have a particular set of games in mind, add their individual sizes rather than relying on an average.
Why the real count varies
Usable space depends on the device
The capacity printed on a drive or console is not necessarily the space available for game installs. System software and other stored data take room, and platforms may manage storage in different ways. PlayStation’s PS5 storage-management guide distinguishes console storage from other storage locations. Nintendo advises checking the storage available on the console and says additional storage needs depend on the game and downloaded content in its Data Management FAQ.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Game sizes and required space change
Published storage requirements are specific to a platform and can change with updates or selected content. Steam’s PC listing for Call of Duty: Warzone lists 125 GB of available space. Steam’s listing for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 specifies an SSD and 161 GB of available space at launch, and warns that mandatory updates may need additional space. Those are PC storefront requirements, not universal installed-size figures for console versions or later updates.
Leave headroom
A drive filled to the last gigabyte can leave too little room for updates or new content. The required extra space varies: Nintendo says it depends on the game and content downloaded, while Steam’s Black Ops 7 listing notes that mandatory updates may require more storage. Use the current requirement for each game and leave some free space instead of treating the arithmetic estimate as a target to fill exactly.
Rank #2
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Can an external drive increase gaming storage?
It can, if it is compatible with your specific console and you understand whether games can be played from it or must be transferred first. PlayStation documents compatible USB drives from 250 GB to 8 TB for adding storage and transferring compatible games and add-ons. On PS5, game data can be stored on USB extended storage, but PS5 games must be moved to console storage or an M.2 SSD to play. PlayStation describes M.2 SSD storage as another PS5 option; check its external-storage guidance before choosing a drive.
For Nintendo Switch storage, Nintendo’s guidance discusses microSD cards and says the need depends on the title and the storage available; check the game publisher’s requirement. Do not assume that a drive or card works with every console, or that every game can run directly from an external drive. Confirm the console model, supported storage type, and play-versus-transfer behavior before buying.
Rank #3
- Ultra fast data transfers: the external hard drive works with USB 3.0 thickened copper cable to provide super fast transfer speeds. Theoretical read speed is as high as 110MB/s-133MB/s and write speed is as high as 103MB/s.
- Ultra-thin and quiet: the motherboard adopts a noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- Compatibility: compatible with PS4/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac/Android,Stable and fast downloading on game console no difference from fast transmission when using on PC.
- Plug and Play: no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use. The hard drive chip is wrapped with aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data
- Package Contents: 1* portable hard drive, 1 *USB 3.0 cable, 1*USB to type C adapter，1 *user manual, shell packaging, three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services
Is 500 GB enough for gaming?
It may be enough if your library is small, your games are relatively compact, or you uninstall titles you are no longer playing. It fills more quickly if you keep several large games installed: the Steam requirements cited above show why a library of big releases can fit far fewer titles than the 25 GB example. Your device’s free-space display and the requirements for the games you want to keep are the useful numbers—not a universal games-per-500-GB rule.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Plug-and-Play Expandability】 With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use in Windows（For Mac，first format the drive and select the ExFat format.
- 【Fast Data Transfers 】The external hard drives with the USB 3.0 cable to provide super fast transfer speed. The theoretical read speed is as high as 110MB/s-133MB/s, and the write speed is as high as 103MB/s.
- 【High capacity in a small enclosure 】The small, lightweight design offers up to 500GB capacity, offering ample space for storing large files, multimedia content, and backups with ease. Weighing only 0.35 Lbs, it's easy to carry "
- 【Wide Compatibility】Supports PS4 5/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac and other operating systems, ensuring seamless integration with game consoles,various laptops and desktops .
- Important Notes for PS/Xbox Gaming Devices: You can play last-gen games (PS4 / Xbox One) directly from an external hard drive. However, to play current-gen games (PS5 / Xbox Series X|S), you must copy them to the console's internal SSD first. The external drive is great for keeping your library on hand, but it can't run the new games.
Rank #4
- High-capacity external hard drive with up to 2TB of storage The ModusTech Facet portable external hard drive gives you dependable HDD storage in a slim 2.5-inch design. Multiple capacities available up to 2TB — back up photos, videos, music, documents, and game libraries with room to grow. A trusted external storage solution for everyday backup, media archives, and creative work.
- USB-C and USB 3.1 connectivity with included 2-in-1 cable The Facet ships with a USB-C to USB-C cable and tethered USB-A adapter, so this external hard drive connects to modern laptops, USB-C iPhones, tablets, and older USB-A computers without buying an extra cable. USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) interface delivers real-world transfer speeds up to 100MB/s — fast enough to back up 50GB of files in about 8 minutes.
- Plug-and-play external hard drive for PC, Mac, and laptops Preformatted in exFAT and ready to use the moment you plug it in. The Facet works out of the box with Windows PCs, macOS Macs, MacBooks, Chromebooks, and laptops — no drivers, no software, no setup required. A true plug-and-play external hard drive built for everyday use across every major operating system.
- External hard drive for PS4, Xbox One, and Smart TV gaming The Facet is compatible with PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Smart TVs with USB support. PS4 and Xbox One games run directly from the drive — plug it in, format through the console, and add to your storage. Also works with Smart TVs that support USB recording or external media playback.
- Slim, shock-resistant portable external hard drive — 160g At 2.5 inches and just 160g, this portable external hard drive is bus-powered through a single USB-C cable — no separate power adapter, no extra cables. Slim enough for a laptop bag, jacket pocket, or camera bag, with a shockresistant casing and faceted diamond-texture top panel that resists fingerprints and everyday wear. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty from ModusTech, a consumer electronics brand specializing in external storage.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
