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Choose PS5 storage based on how many games you want installed and ready to play at the same time—not how many games you own. Keep regularly played PS5 titles on the console or a compatible M.2 SSD for direct play; use USB extended storage to archive PS5 games or keep PS4 games playable. Sony lists compatible M.2 SSD capacities from 250 GB to 8 TB, but it does not specify one ideal size or a fixed number of games per terabyte.
How to decide how much storage you need
Start with your playing habits: how many games do you want available without waiting for a download or storage transfer? That number—not the total size of your library—is the useful basis for sizing expansion.
- Mostly play a few games at a time: Keep those titles on console storage or an M.2 SSD. Move games you have finished or paused to another location.
- Switch among many PS5 games: Consider a larger compatible M.2 SSD so more titles stay installed and playable without moving them back from USB storage.
- Keep a large library but play a small rotation: USB extended storage can hold PS5 games as an archive; copy a title back to console or M.2 storage before playing it. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage.
Game installation sizes vary, and Sony’s guidance does not provide an average game size or a representative number of games per terabyte. Treat any estimate of how many games a drive holds as dependent on the particular games and their installed content.
Compare the PS5 storage options
| Storage location | PS5 games | PS4 games | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Console storage | Store and play directly | Store and play directly | Games you want ready to launch |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | Download, store, update, and play directly | Store and play | Adding capacity while keeping PS5 games playable |
| USB extended storage | Store; copy back to console or M.2 storage before playing | Store and play directly | Archiving PS5 games or keeping PS4 games accessible |
A game’s data cannot be split between console storage and an expansion location, so plan for each game to occupy one location at a time. Sony also says that if a game on M.2 storage has problems, move it to console storage.
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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.
When an M.2 SSD is the right expansion
Choose M.2 when you want additional space for PS5 games that remain directly playable. Sony’s US support guidance lists these requirements and recommendations for PS5 M.2 expansion:
- PCI-Express Gen4x4 NVMe SSD, Key M; M.2 SATA drives are unsupported.
- Capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB.
- Supported sizes: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110.
- Recommended sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. This is a recommendation, not a guarantee of identical performance in every game.
- Effective heat dissipation is required. The drive and cooling structure must fit within Sony’s limits: up to 25 mm wide, 30/42/60/80/110 mm long, and 11.25 mm thick, with additional limits above and below the board.
Check the exact SSD and heatsink dimensions together before buying. Sony cautions that meeting the listed specifications does not guarantee that every drive will work. A drive may include its own cooling structure, so do not assume an additional heatsink is needed or will fit.
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- 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.
For the full, current requirements, see Sony’s guide to adding an M.2 SSD to a PS5. Compatibility guidance is for the US support page; check the live guidance for your region and console model before purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When USB extended storage makes sense
USB extended storage is useful when you want to keep games without using space reserved for directly playable titles. Sony’s US preparation guidance lists USB 3.0 or later storage with a capacity of 250 GB to 8 TB. PS5 games stored on USB must be copied back to console storage or M.2 storage before they can be played; PS4 games can be played from the USB drive.
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- 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.
That makes USB a practical archive for PS5 games, but not a substitute for M.2 if your goal is to launch PS5 games directly from added storage. Read Sony’s PS5 extended-storage guidance and Sony’s storage-management instructions for setup and moving games.
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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.
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- 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
A simple storage plan
- Choose your ready-to-play rotation. Count the PS5 and PS4 games you want to launch without a transfer.
- Reserve directly playable space. Use console storage and, if needed, a compatible M.2 SSD for games you want ready. Select M.2 capacity based on your rotation and budget; Sony’s 250 GB–8 TB range is a compatibility range, not a recommendation for a particular library size.
- Decide what can be archived. If you are comfortable copying PS5 games back before playing, USB extended storage can hold those titles. It can also host PS4 games you want to play directly.
- Check fit and compatibility before buying. For M.2, verify interface, size, capacity, read-speed guidance, and cooling dimensions against Sony’s current page. For USB, verify the drive meets Sony’s current requirements.
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.
