Back up game saves separately from game installations. First confirm each game’s latest save has synced or export it using the platform’s documented method; then make a separate copy of eligible game files, account and purchase records, and test your backups. A copy can preserve files, but it does not guarantee that a storefront will let you authenticate, reinstall, or play a game after services change.
What to do before a storefront changes or closes
- Identify the platform and each game. Backup options and save locations differ by device and game, so there is no universal library-backup procedure.
- Check cloud saves and sync status. Confirm that the newest save has synchronized before copying files or moving to another device. If the platform reports a conflict, compare the local and cloud versions before choosing one; overwriting the newer save can erase progress. Steam says cloud support and the files a game uploads depend on its developer. Steam Cloud support
- Locate and copy saves separately. Look up the game’s documented save location and platform rules. Do not assume an installation backup includes progress, settings, or custom content.
- Copy eligible game files using the platform-supported method. Follow the platform’s current instructions for that specific game or device. Some games or installers may not be compatible with a backup feature.
- Keep the copies away from the original device. Preserve account and purchase records, along with any recovery information needed to access the account.
- Test the backup. Check that the copied files are readable or follow the documented restore process, where possible. Keep the original files until you know the copy is usable.
Why saves and game installations need separate backups
A game installation is not the same thing as its saved progress. A backup tool may copy some or all of the game files while leaving saves, settings, or custom files behind. Save locations can also vary by game, and a cloud-save feature may upload only selected files.
Steam’s backup feature supports eligible game files, but Valve notes that third-party installers may not be compatible and that backups of Valve games omit saves and custom files. Steam says save locations for third-party games vary and recommends testing backups. Steam Backup Feature instructions
Cloud saves are useful, but they are not a complete archive by default. Steam says developers choose how their games use Steam Cloud and which user files are uploaded. Check the individual game’s store page and verify sync behavior rather than assuming every save is protected. Steam Cloud details
#1 Best Overall
- Customize your drive’s RGB lighting with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to show off your style and make every play personal.
- Kick loading into overdrive with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and speeds up to 2,000MB/s. (Based on read speed. 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.)
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}
- Keep more of the latest and largest titles installed and ready to launch with capacities of up to 2TB. (1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.)
- Built with WD_BLACK toughness thanks to a shock-resistant structure, this durable drive can survive a drop of up to two-meters.
Platform examples: what the documented options preserve
Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShop
Nintendo ended new purchases through the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShop on March 27, 2023. Its support FAQ said previously purchased content and updates remained available to redownload “for the foreseeable future.” Separately, online play and other online communication for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS software ended on April 8, 2024. These are distinct service changes; the redownload statement is not a guarantee of future availability for other storefronts or a permanent commitment. Nintendo’s Wii U and 3DS eShop discontinuation FAQ
Nintendo 3DS saves and SD cards
Nintendo says saves for downloadable 3DS software are stored on the SD card, while saves for cartridge games are stored on the game card. Its downloadable-software FAQ also warns that deleting downloaded software can delete its save data. Preserve the correct SD card and check Nintendo’s save-data backup instructions and game-specific limitations before deleting, transferring, or replacing data. Nintendo downloadable retail software FAQ · Nintendo 3DS Operations Manual
Rank #2
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Steam
Steam provides a backup feature for eligible installed game files. Its scope does not make it a guaranteed save archive: confirm a game’s cloud behavior, copy saves separately when needed, and test the resulting backup. Some third-party installers may not work with the feature. Steam Backup Feature instructions
PlayStation 3
A PlayStation 3 system software manual for models CECH-2101A and CECH-2101B documents copying or moving certain saved data to USB mass storage. It is a legacy-model reference, not instructions for every PS3 game or for PS4 and PS5. Check the manual and game-specific restrictions before relying on a USB copy. PlayStation 3 System Software Manual
Rank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
What a backup cannot guarantee
Saved files and game files do not by themselves establish a right or technical ability to authenticate, reinstall, or run a game later. Account access may still be required, and a service operator can change redownload or online-service availability. Treat a backup as preservation of the files it actually contains—not proof that a game will remain independently installable or playable.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Rank #4
- 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.
- Keep account recovery details and purchase records in a secure place.
- Check the platform’s current instructions and the individual game’s limitations before copying, deleting, or restoring data.
- Maintain more than one copy when the data matters; storage media can fail.
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.
