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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteOn your PS5, open Settings > Storage to see how much console storage is free and what is using it. If you have an M.2 SSD installed, check that separately under Settings > Storage > M.2 SSD Storage. Use the free-space figure to decide whether to remove an installed game, archive games on a USB drive, or add compatible M.2 storage.
Check how much PS5 storage is free
- From the PS5 home screen, select Settings.
- Choose Storage.
- Review the available space and the breakdown of space used by games and apps, media, and saved data.
The console’s storage screen is the quickest way to assess whether another download will fit. If an M.2 SSD is installed, select M.2 SSD Storage from the Storage menu to view its available space separately. PlayStation’s PS5 storage management guide and M.2 installation guide describe these menu paths.
See what you can remove or manage
- Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Review installed games and applications, then select items you no longer need installed and delete them.
- If a game offers Customize, check whether you can remove individual components, such as add-ons, rather than deleting everything.
Deleting an installed game or application does not remove the purchase from your account: PlayStation says you can download it again from your game library. Re-downloading later may be less convenient if your connection is slow or limited, so consider whether you want a title available to play without another download before removing it.
Choose storage based on how you want to play
| Storage option | Play PS5 games directly from it? | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Console storage | Yes | Games you want installed and ready to play. |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | Yes; it can store and play PS5 and PS4 games. | Adding internal storage for games you want ready to play. |
| USB extended storage | No for PS5 games; move them back to console storage or M.2 SSD before playing. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. | Archiving PS5 games or playing compatible PS4 games from an external drive. |
These functional differences are described in PlayStation’s storage solutions guide and storage management guide. USB extended storage is not interchangeable with a regular USB drive used to copy saves or captures.
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#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 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.
When to consider an M.2 SSD
Choose an M.2 SSD if your goal is to expand storage while keeping PS5 games playable from that added storage. Before buying, confirm that the commercially available drive meets PlayStation’s current specifications and is compatible with your specific PS5 model. The requirements and installation details are in PlayStation’s M.2 SSD installation guide. Do not assume every M.2 drive will work.
When USB extended storage is enough
A USB extended-storage drive can be useful when you want to keep PS5 games without using console or M.2 space, then transfer a game back when you are ready to play. It also supports playing PS4 games directly from the drive. Check PlayStation’s compatibility guidance before choosing a drive, and remember that a PS5 game stored there is archived rather than immediately playable.
Rank #2
- 【Officially Licensed SSD 】This external SSD uses specially-selected materials and has passed our exclusive quality inspection to work with PS5 / PS4.
- 【Eliminate PS5(R) Storage Shortages】You can expand the free space on your system by saving PS5(R) game data and PS4(R) game titles onto this product.
- 【Reduce Loading Times on PS4(R)】 Reduce game loading times for more enjoyable gameplay experiences.
- 【Compact Stick Type】The cable-free and compact USB stick design enables easy connection with your game console without taking up space.
- 【Accessories】 Setup Guide / Warranty Statement
Keep saves and captures separate from installed games
Saved data and screenshots or video clips are not the same as installed game files. PlayStation says PS5 and PS4 saves can use PlayStation Plus cloud storage; PS4 saves can also be copied to a regular USB drive. Screenshots and video clips can be copied to USB, subject to the limits in PlayStation’s storage management guide.
A regular FAT- or exFAT-formatted USB drive used for copying files is a different setup from a drive configured as USB extended storage. Use the appropriate instructions for the task rather than treating the two USB uses as interchangeable.
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Rank #3
- BEST VALUE SSD – Compact and reliable SSD to meet your on-the-go demand. Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs. Save space and loading time on your console by storing your game data on Buffalo SSDs.
- IDEAL ON-THE-GO ACCESSORY - Quickly copy your large data. If you are a professional in need of fast and secure storage, the Buffalo SSD is ready for on-the-go backup for photos, videos, docs, and more.
- FAST SPEEDS AND MULTI-TASKING - Faster speed than HDD enables you to connect the device to PC and do large intensive tasks simultaneously.
- COMPACT, DURABLE, & RELIABLE – Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection. Compact form factor to carry your data in your pocket. No matter if it’s for work or fun, you can easily use your Buffalo SSD on-the-go.
- USB 3.2 CONNECTIVITY & 3-YEAR WARRANTY – Supports USB-C / USB-A. Easily connect the Buffalo SSD to your PC and other mobile devices. THREE-YEAR WARRANTY for registered devices (two years if unregistered).
A quick decision before buying more storage
- Need room for one game? Check Games and Apps and remove an installed title or unused component if you can download it again when needed.
- Want more games ready to play, including PS5 games? Consider a compatible M.2 SSD after checking PlayStation’s current requirements for your console.
- Want to keep PS5 games but do not need them immediately playable? USB extended storage can archive them, but you must move a PS5 game back before playing.
- Mainly want to play PS4 games from an external drive? USB extended storage supports direct play for PS4 games.
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