Fastest free fix: uninstall a game or app you are not using, then install the new game. On PS5, check what is taking up room in Settings > Storage; purchased games can be downloaded again from your game library. If you want to keep older games installed, an external drive or platform-specific storage expansion can help—but whether you can play a game directly from that storage depends on the console and drive type.
Free space quickly by removing a game you are not playing
Deleting an installed game is usually the quickest option when you need room now and do not want to buy an accessory. You can reinstall it later, though you will need to download it again before playing.
On PS5
- Open Settings > Storage to see how space is used by games, media, and saved data.
- Choose Console Storage > Games and Apps to find installed items you can remove.
- Select a game or app you are not using and delete it, then try installing the new game.
Sony says purchased games and apps remain available to download from your game library. Sony’s PS5 storage-management guide explains the controls and storage categories.
On Xbox
Open the console’s storage-management interface, identify an unplayed game or removable content, and uninstall it. Xbox lists uninstalling games as one way to make room, but the official guidance cited here does not give a current menu path, so the exact labels may depend on your console and system software. Xbox’s getting-started page outlines its storage options.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Keep less-used games on an external USB drive
An external drive can hold games you want to keep locally without using as much internal console storage. Storage and playability are not always the same thing: check the rules for your platform before moving a game.
PS5: USB storage can hold PS5 games, but does not launch them
PS5 games stored on USB extended storage must be copied back to console storage or an installed M.2 SSD before you can play them. PS4 games can be played directly from PS5 USB extended storage. See Sony’s USB extended-storage guidance before choosing a drive or moving games.
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.
Xbox: an external hard drive is an option, but check your console and game
Xbox identifies an external hard drive as a way to gain storage space. The cited official guidance does not establish detailed USB playback rules for every Xbox model and game type, so do not assume every title can be played directly from every external drive.
Choose expansion if you keep running out of space
If uninstalling and moving games is a recurring chore, an internal or console-specific expansion can keep more games available. These options differ by platform; check compatibility for your exact console and the particular product before buying.
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.
PS5-compatible M.2 SSD
Sony supports compatible M.2 SSD storage for downloading, storing, managing, and playing PS5 and PS4 games. Drives must meet Sony’s compatibility and performance requirements. Review the PS5 M.2 SSD requirements and Sony’s storage-solutions guidance before selecting one.
Xbox Series X|S expansion card
The Xbox Series X|S expansion card is a distinct option from a general external hard drive. Xbox Wire describes it as supporting game installation, direct play, and moving or copying games between storage. Confirm that a card is compatible with your specific Series X|S console and check current availability. Xbox Wire’s expansion-card overview describes its capabilities.
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
Compare the space-saving options
| Option | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Delete and download again | Making room immediately without buying hardware | You must install the game again before playing. Sony says purchased games and apps can be downloaded from the library. [Sony] |
| External USB storage | Keeping less-used games stored locally | On PS5, PS5 games must be copied back to console or M.2 storage to play, while PS4 games can play directly from USB. Xbox lists external hard drives as a storage option; the cited guidance does not specify all direct-play rules. [Sony; Xbox] |
| PS5-compatible M.2 SSD | Adding storage for games you want to launch from that storage | Choose a drive that meets Sony’s compatibility requirements. [Sony] |
| Xbox Series X|S expansion card | Adding Series X|S storage for direct installation and play | It is a console-specific expansion product; verify compatibility and availability. [Xbox Wire] |
To choose, weigh whether you want the game to stay installed, whether it can launch from the storage you select, and compatibility with your console. Current prices are not established here, so compare them at the point of purchase.
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.
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.
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