On your PS5, open Settings > Storage to see what is taking up space. The quickest fix is usually to delete a game or app you can reinstall later, remove optional content where a game offers Customize, or move games you want to keep to another storage location. If you want to play PS5 games directly from added storage, a compatible M.2 SSD can do that; USB extended storage cannot.
Check what is using storage first
Go to Settings > Storage. The Storage screen shows how space is being used by games and apps, media, and saved data. Check the categories before deleting anything: a game install, a save, and a screenshot or video clip are different kinds of data and have different storage options.
Choose the fix that fits what you need
| Option | Best for | Can you launch PS5 games directly from it? | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete a game or app | Clearing installed data when you can install it again later | No; install it again first | Reinstallation or downloading takes time. PlayStation says purchased games and apps remain available from the Game Library after deletion. |
| Remove customizable game content | Removing unused add-ons or completed portions while retaining the rest | The remaining installed portions can be played where the game supports this | Available only for games that show Customize. |
| USB extended storage | Keeping PS5 games installed but archived, or playing PS4 games from external storage | No | Copy a PS5 game back to console storage or M.2 storage before playing it. |
| M.2 SSD storage | Adding space for games you want ready to play | Yes, with a compatible M.2 SSD | The drive must meet PlayStation’s interface, capacity, size, and cooling requirements; Sony does not guarantee every third-party drive that meets the listed specifications. |
Delete a game or app you can reinstall
- Open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Select one or more games or apps you want to remove.
- Choose Delete.
Deleting an installed game does not remove the purchase from your account. PlayStation Support says deleted games and applications can be downloaded again from the Game Library. A disc game may still require its disc to play, and reinstalling can take time, so deletion is not a way to launch the game immediately.
Remove only optional content when a game supports it
In Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, look for Customize next to a game’s name. When that option is available, you may be able to remove unused add-ons or portions of the game you have already finished while keeping the remaining content installed. Not every game offers this control.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 4TB[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.
Move games instead of deleting them
- Open Game Library and highlight the game.
- Press the Options button.
- Choose Move Games and Apps.
- Select an available storage destination and follow the on-screen prompts.
USB extended storage: archive PS5 games, play PS4 games
PlayStation Support states that “PlayStation®5 games can’t be played directly from USB extended storage.” Copy a PS5 game back to console storage or M.2 storage before playing it. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage.
PlayStation lists SuperSpeed USB at 5 Gbps or later and a capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB for USB extended storage. The drive should connect directly to the PS5 rather than through a USB hub, and Sony does not guarantee that every device will work. Formatting a drive as extended storage erases its data, so back up important files before formatting.
Rank #2
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- Match ur Next-level M.2 SSD - Compatibility ready for laptop, desktop or PS5 storage expansion, X7400 internal 1TB ssd is easy to install to extend lifecycle and storage. Speed up your bootups, file transfers, and game loads for tech-savvy users or hardcore gamer.
- Purpose Built - SIX X7400 m.2 nvme ssd ps5 is built for achieving immersive gameplay, experiencing uninterrupted gameplay and incredibly short load times. Breathe in. Focus. Breathe out, X7400 lightning-fast loading are ready for your final boss.
- 5 Years Limited Warranty & What u Get - Your X7400 nvme m.2 ssd is safeguarded for 5 years by SIX Limited Warranty Service. To improve your installation experience, X7400 provide all you need for installation(such as screw, screwdrivers, heatsink and so on).
M.2 SSD: keep games ready to launch
A compatible M.2 SSD can store and launch PS5 and PS4 games. PlayStation’s listed requirements are a PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe drive with 250 GB to 8 TB capacity; supported form factors are 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110. The drive width must be no more than 25 mm and total thickness, including its cooling structure, no more than 11.25 mm. M.2 SATA drives are unsupported.
Sony recommends sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster and requires effective heat dissipation, such as a heatsink or heat-transfer sheet. Meeting the published specifications does not guarantee that every third-party drive will work, and game performance may differ from the PS5’s internal SSD.
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Rank #3
- 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.
Installing an M.2 drive involves opening the expansion slot and formatting the new drive, which erases data on it. The physical installation steps differ by PS5 model group; follow PlayStation’s instructions for your exact model instead of improvising. Games can be moved between console storage, USB extended storage, and M.2 storage.
Know where saves and captures can go
Saved data is separate from the full installed game. PlayStation’s storage guidance lists PlayStation Plus cloud storage for PS5 saves; PS4 saves can use cloud storage or a USB drive. Screenshots and video clips can be copied to a USB drive, but PlayStation says media cannot be copied from USB back to console storage.
Rank #4
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
A USB drive used for captures or PS4 saves is not the same as a drive formatted as USB extended storage. PlayStation describes the former as FAT- or exFAT-formatted and not formatted as USB extended storage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Free space remotely with the PlayStation App
PlayStation’s setup guidance says the PlayStation App can manage the console’s internal storage, including freeing room remotely when a download needs space. The support guidance reviewed confirms that capability but does not specify the in-app menu sequence, so use the app’s current controls rather than relying on assumed steps.
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Best Value
- Cheetah-like explosive speed: The 2tb PS5 Storage Expansion boasts the racing performance of a cheetah, mainly used to accelerate program processing. With the explosive acceleration of 7350MB/s, it achieves a powerful speed and eliminates compatibility issues. Additionally, this 2tb nvme m.2 ssd supports real-time saving during 3D rendering and enables fast 4K game loading. The ps5 ssd with heatsink is also compatible with the PS5 game console, making it easy and worry-free to install and play.
- Stable and outstanding performance: The ps5 internal storage expansion ssd features HMB + dynamic SLC cache, achieving a synergy between software and hardware. The 2tb ps5 hard drive ssd has a read/write speed of up to 7350/6600MB/s, providing ultimate burst power for efficient, stable, and smooth loading - an excellent choice for professionals.
- Multi-layer heat dissipation structure design: The 2tb nvme m.2 ssd adopts unique dual-surface heat dissipation technology. Its innovative multi-layer internal design effectively increases the heat dissipation area compared to the standard single-layer heat sink. This structural advantage ensures excellent heat transfer and rapid heat dissipation. Additionally, it is equipped with a metal heat dissipation shell. The multi-layer structure heat dissipation design guarantees a stable and long-lasting operation at ultra-high speeds.
- PCIe 4.0 interface compatibility: The 2tb ps5 memory storage SSD can achieve the maximum speed only through PCIe 4.0. For external hard drive enclosures, USB usually limits the speed.
- Versatile applications for demanding users: Designed for gamers, video editors, and AI creators who require blazing-fast storage speeds for intensive workloads including 3D rendering, 4K gaming, and content creation tasks.
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