Can You Have PS4 and PS5 Games on the Same External Hard Drive? The Definitive Guide
Yes, you can store both PS4 and PS5 games on the same external hard drive. However, there’s a crucial distinction: you can play PS4 games directly from the external drive, but you cannot play PS5 games directly from it. PS5 games must be transferred to the internal SSD of the PS5 before you can launch them. This difference is due to the PS5’s need for the lightning-fast read/write speeds of its internal SSD to ensure optimal performance for its next-gen titles. Think of it like this: the external drive is a storage locker, and for PS5 games, you need to move them into your house (the internal SSD) before you can use them. For PS4 games, the external drive is like an extra room – perfectly fine to use directly.
Understanding External Storage for PS4 and PS5
The PlayStation 5’s architecture, designed to minimize load times and maximize graphical fidelity, relies heavily on its internal SSD (Solid State Drive). While the PS5 offers a substantial amount of storage, it can quickly fill up with large game installations. External hard drives provide a cost-effective way to expand your storage capacity, allowing you to keep more games readily available without needing to constantly delete and redownload them.
For PS4 games, the performance difference between the internal PS4 hard drive and a decent external hard drive connected via USB 3.0 is often negligible. Therefore, playing PS4 games directly from an external drive is a practical and widely used solution.
PS5 games, on the other hand, are built to leverage the speed of the internal SSD. Attempting to play them from an external drive would result in significantly reduced performance, longer loading times, and a compromised gaming experience. This is why Sony requires PS5 games to be transferred to the internal SSD before being played.
How to Store and Manage Games on an External Hard Drive
Formatting the External Drive
Before you can use an external hard drive with your PlayStation, it needs to be formatted correctly. The PS4 and PS5 both support USB 3.0 (or faster) hard drives. The recommended file system is exFAT, as this allows for files larger than 4GB (which almost all games are).
To format your drive:
- Connect the external hard drive to your PS4 or PS5.
- Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices.
- Select your external hard drive.
- Choose Format as Extended Storage.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Important Note: Formatting the drive will erase all data on it. Make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
Moving Games to and from the External Drive
Moving PS4 Games:
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Select either System Storage (internal) or Extended Storage.
- Choose Games and Apps.
- Select the games you want to move.
- Choose Move to Extended Storage (or Move to System Storage).
Moving PS5 Games:
- Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage.
- Select Games and Apps.
- Choose the PS5 tab.
- Select the games you want to move.
- Choose Move to Extended Storage.
To move PS5 games back to the internal SSD, follow the same steps, but choose the Move to Console Storage option.
The Benefits of Using an External Hard Drive
- Increased Storage Capacity: Expand your storage space without having to delete games.
- Easy Game Management: Quickly move games between your console and external storage.
- Backup Solution: A convenient way to back up your game data.
- Portability: Take your PS4 games with you and play them on another PS4 console.
Limitations and Considerations
- PS5 Games Must Be on Internal SSD to Play: This is a fundamental limitation.
- USB Speed Matters: Use a USB 3.0 or faster drive for optimal performance.
- Drive Size Restrictions: The PS4 and PS5 support external hard drives up to 8TB in size.
- Not All Games May Work Perfectly: While compatibility is high, some older PS4 games might have minor issues when played from an external drive.
FAQs About PS4 and PS5 External Storage
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the use of external hard drives with your PlayStation consoles:
1. What type of external hard drive is best for PS4 and PS5?
A USB 3.0 or faster hard drive with a capacity of at least 250GB and up to 8TB is recommended. A 7200 RPM HDD or an external SSD are both good options, with SSDs offering faster loading times, especially for PS4 games.
2. Can I use an external SSD for PS4 games?
Yes, you can. In fact, an external SSD can improve loading times for PS4 games compared to a traditional HDD.
3. Can I install PS5 games directly onto the external hard drive?
No, you cannot install PS5 games directly onto the external hard drive. You can only move them there after they have been installed on the internal SSD.
4. Will playing PS4 games from an external drive affect performance?
In most cases, the performance difference is minimal. However, using an external SSD can potentially improve loading times.
5. Can I use the same external hard drive for both my PS4 and PS5?
Yes, but it’s not recommended to connect it to both consoles simultaneously. You would need to disconnect it from one console and connect it to the other. Keep in mind, both consoles should not attempt to access the drive simultaneously.
6. How do I transfer save data to the external hard drive?
Save data can be transferred via USB drive (separate from the game storage drive) or through PlayStation Plus cloud storage. For PS4, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management.
7. Does formatting the external hard drive erase all my data?
Yes, formatting the drive erases all data. Be sure to back up any important files before formatting.
8. Can I play PS3 games on PS5 using an external hard drive?
No, the PS5 does not natively support PS3 game discs. You can only play PS3 games on the PS5 through PlayStation Plus Premium’s streaming or downloadable titles. The ability to play PS3 games requires the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.
9. What happens if I disconnect the external hard drive while playing a game?
The game will stop running, and you may lose unsaved progress. Always eject the drive safely through the PlayStation’s settings before disconnecting it.
10. Can I use an external hard drive to back up my entire PS5 system?
No, the PS5 does not offer a full system backup to an external hard drive. You can only back up game saves and captures.
11. Why can’t I play PS5 games directly from the external hard drive?
Due to the high bandwidth and low latency requirements of PS5 games, they must be played from the console’s internal SSD.
12. How much storage space do I need for an external hard drive?
The amount of storage you need depends on your gaming habits. 1TB to 4TB is a good starting point for most users.
13. Can I use multiple external hard drives with my PS5?
No, the PS5 only supports one external hard drive for extended storage at a time.
14. Are there any games that are not compatible with external storage?
While rare, some very old PS4 games might have compatibility issues when played from an external drive. However, the vast majority of games work without problems.
15. How do I safely eject the external hard drive from my PS4 or PS5?
Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices, select your drive, and choose Stop Using This Extended Storage.
Conclusion
Using an external hard drive with your PS4 and PS5 is a great way to expand your storage capacity and manage your game library. While PS5 games require the internal SSD for optimal performance, you can still effectively use an external drive for storage and for playing your PS4 games. By understanding the limitations and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can maximize your gaming experience on both consoles.
For more information on gaming and learning, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They offer resources and insights into the intersection of education and game-based learning.