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Choose an internal M.2 SSD if you want to launch PS5 games from added storage. Choose an external SuperSpeed USB drive to play compatible PS4 games directly or to keep PS5 games installed for transfer back to the console when you want to play them. Sony lists both options at 250 GB to 8 TB, but their roles are different.
What can you play from each drive?
| Use | Internal M.2 SSD | External USB drive |
|---|---|---|
| Launch PS5 games from added storage | Yes, when the SSD meets Sony’s requirements and is installed in the console. | No. Copy the game to console or M.2 storage before playing. |
| Launch compatible PS4 games from added storage | Yes. | Yes, directly from the drive. |
| Capacity specified by Sony | 250 GB to 8 TB. | 250 GB to 8 TB. |
| Connection or interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD, Key M. | SuperSpeed USB. |
| Best fit | Keeping more PS5 and PS4 games ready to launch. | Archiving PS5 games for later transfer, or playing compatible PS4 games. |
Sony says USB storage can free space on the console and make reinstalling a stored PS5 game quicker than downloading it again or installing it from disc. It still has to be copied back before play. PlayStation’s storage-solutions guide explains the storage options, while its external-storage guidance covers the USB requirements and game handling.
What to check before buying an M.2 SSD
Buying by advertised speed alone is not enough: Sony specifies the interface, supported sizes, capacity, cooling, and the maximum dimensions of the complete drive assembly. Use this checklist against the SSD and its heatsink or other cooling structure.
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe, Key M. M.2 SATA drives are not supported.
- Capacity: 250 GB to 8 TB.
- Form factor: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110.
- Sequential read speed: Sony recommends 5,500 MB/s or faster.
- Cooling: An effective heat-dissipation structure, such as a heatsink or heat-transfer sheet, is required.
- Maximum dimensions, including the cooling structure: 25 mm wide; 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm long; and 11.25 mm thick overall. Thickness above the board may be up to 8.0 mm and below it up to 2.45 mm.
- Other compatibility notes: Sony supports single- and double-sided SSDs, but not devices using Host Memory Buffer. Sony does not guarantee that every drive meeting the listed specifications will work.
- Before installation: Update PS5 system software and confirm the complete drive-and-cooling assembly fits the console.
These are Sony compatibility specifications, not proof that a particular model has been independently tested. Consult Sony’s M.2 SSD installation and compatibility guidance for the detailed requirements.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What to expect from external USB storage
Sony specifies SuperSpeed USB drives with 250 GB to 8 TB capacity. Its external-storage guidance lists SuperSpeed USB connection rates of 5, 10, and 20 Gbps. A compatible PS4 game can run from the drive; a PS5 game stored there must first be copied to console or M.2 storage.
Formatting a USB drive as extended storage erases the data already on it. Back up files you want to keep before formatting. See PlayStation’s PS5 storage-management guidance before setting up a drive.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Will an M.2 SSD perform like the PS5’s built-in SSD?
Do not treat Sony’s 5,500 MB/s recommendation as a guarantee of identical game performance. Sony cautions that games may not all perform exactly as they do on the console’s internal Ultra-High Speed SSD, even when an M.2 drive’s sequential read speed exceeds 5,500 MB/s. That is a compatibility recommendation, not a promise that every game will load or behave identically.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which option should you choose?
- Choose M.2 if the goal is to add space for PS5 games you can launch without moving them back and forth. Verify every compatibility and fit detail, not just the speed rating.
- Choose USB if you want an archive for PS5 games you are not currently playing, or direct storage for compatible PS4 games. Allow time to copy a PS5 title back when you want to resume it.
- Use both if you want an M.2 library ready to play and a separate USB archive. They serve different purposes rather than offering interchangeable ways to launch PS5 games.
Official guidance does not establish which option costs less or provide model-by-model speed benchmarks; prices and performance depend on the specific drive and use. Sony’s compatibility pages also do not promise identical M.2 performance across all games.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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.
