500GB can work if you keep only a small set of games installed and regularly delete or redownload titles. It gets cramped when you want several large games ready to play at once. For a bigger on-console library, a compatible 1TB or 2TB USB game drive is the practical upgrade. The same basic trade-off applies to PS4 and Xbox One, though their documented expansion details differ.
What does “500GB” mean for game storage?
500GB is the drive’s nominal capacity, not the amount available for games. The console’s operating system, formatting and reserved data use some of that space, and the remaining amount varies with console model and installed software. Check the free-space figure on your own console rather than relying on a universal usable-capacity estimate.
As a simple illustration, two games requiring about 100GB each would take roughly 200GB before updates, downloadable content, captures or other installed titles. That leaves less room than the label on the drive might suggest.
How large are PS4 and Xbox One game installs?
Two documented examples show how quickly large installs add up. These are the cited installation requirements, not permanent sizes: patches and optional content can change how much space a game uses.
#1 Best Overall
- BUILD YOUR GAME VAULT 2TB of capacity to build the ultimate Game Vault without sacrificing titles. Store your library to seamless move games between your internal storage and your Seagate External Game Drive. *Games cannot be played directly off of the external hard drive*
- XBOX-CERTIFIED Compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and all generations of Xbox One.
- BRILLIANT DESIGN A bold and refined design, crafted to compliment your Xbox
- LIGHT IT UP A built-in LED bar illuminates your gaming center in Xbox green
- WARRANTY Enjoy peace of mind with the included 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services and 1-year limited warranty
| Game | PS4 documented requirement | Xbox One documented requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | 95GB (Activision, 2020) | 93GB (Activision, 2020) |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 99GB (Rockstar Games support documentation) | 107GB (Rockstar Games support documentation) |
These figures are useful examples, not a reliable average for every game. Actual space needs can change as games receive updates or add optional content.
Does PS4 or Xbox One support an external game drive?
PS4
The original PS4 shipped with a 500GB hard drive. Sony added the ability to download and store games and apps on an external HDD with system software 4.50 in 2017, as announced on the PlayStation Blog. Sony’s current PS4 extended-storage guidance supports compatible USB drives from 250GB up to 8TB.
Rank #2
- 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.
Xbox One
Xbox One games install to local storage, and Seagate publishes Xbox-specific external Game Drive products in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities. Those are product capacities, not guaranteed free space: Seagate notes that formatting and other functions reduce the available amount. Check the requirements for the exact console and drive before buying.
What to check before choosing a drive
- Confirm that the drive is compatible with your exact console model.
- Check the console’s USB requirements and supported capacity range.
- Verify whether the drive can run games or is intended only for storage; do not assume every USB drive supports both uses.
- Allow for usable space to be lower than the drive’s labeled capacity.
How much external storage should you get?
The right size depends on whether you are happy to manage a short rotation or want a larger collection installed and ready. For compatible external drives, 1TB or 2TB gives more room than the original 500GB without requiring you to replace the internal drive.
Rank #3
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
| Your play style | Practical choice | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| A few installed games, with regular deletion and redownloading | Keep the 500GB drive | Less upfront effort, but you will need to manage space as your installed library grows. |
| Several large games kept installed | A compatible 1TB or 2TB USB 3.0 external game drive | More room for a ready-to-play library; confirm compatibility and whether games can run from the chosen drive. |
A PS4 internal-drive replacement is a separate, model-dependent option. An external drive is the more broadly applicable route described in Sony’s extended-storage guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do disc games still use storage?
Yes. Having a disc does not eliminate the need to account for a game’s installation space: PS4 and Xbox One games install to local storage. A disc-based library can still fill a 500GB drive, so count installed games—not just downloaded purchases—when planning capacity.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ultra fast data transfers: the external hard drive works with USB 3.0 thickened copper cable to provide super fast transfer speeds. Theoretical read speed is as high as 110MB/s-133MB/s and write speed is as high as 103MB/s.
- Ultra-thin and quiet: the motherboard adopts a noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- Compatibility: compatible with PS4/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac/Android,Stable and fast downloading on game console no difference from fast transmission when using on PC.
- Plug and Play: no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use. The hard drive chip is wrapped with aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data
- Package Contents: 1* portable hard drive, 1 *USB 3.0 cable, 1*USB to type C adapter，1 *user manual, shell packaging, three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services
Rank #4
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
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.
