Can I Play PS5 Games Off An External SSD? The Ultimate Guide
The short answer is no, you cannot directly play PlayStation 5 (PS5) games from an external SSD or HDD storage device. This is a key difference from the PlayStation 4 (PS4). The PS5’s architecture requires the speed and bandwidth of its internal SSD (or an installed M.2 SSD meeting specific criteria) to run games optimally. However, external storage still plays a vital role in managing your PS5 game library.
While you cannot launch PS5 games directly from an external drive, you can use it to store them. This means you can offload PS5 games to an external SSD or HDD to free up space on your console’s internal storage. When you want to play a game stored externally, you’ll need to transfer it back to the PS5’s internal SSD before launching it. This process is significantly faster than redownloading the entire game from the PlayStation Network, making it a convenient way to archive games you’re not currently playing but might want to revisit.
For PS4 games, the situation is different. You can play PS4 games directly from an external SSD or HDD connected to your PS5. This is a great way to expand your storage and enjoy your PS4 library on the new console without sacrificing space on the internal SSD for PS5 titles.
In summary, while external SSDs aren’t a direct solution for playing PS5 games, they offer a valuable way to manage your game storage and avoid the hassle of constant redownloading. Understanding this functionality is crucial for optimizing your PS5 gaming experience. The following FAQ section will address other key questions. Also, see the Games Learning Society website if you wish to learn more about games. GamesLearningSociety.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS5 Storage
1. What type of external storage devices can I use with my PS5?
You can use both external HDDs and SSDs with your PS5. However, for storing PS5 games, an SSD will offer faster transfer speeds when moving games back to the internal storage. For PS4 games, an SSD is also recommended for improved loading times compared to an HDD. The PS5 requires a USB connection. USB 3.0 or higher is recommended for the fastest transfer speeds.
2. How do I move PS5 games to an external storage device?
- Connect the external storage device to your PS5.
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Select Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Choose the PS5 games you want to move.
- Select Move and choose your external storage device.
3. Can I use an external SSD to play PS4 games on my PS5?
Yes, you can play PS4 games directly from an external SSD or HDD connected to your PS5. This frees up space on your internal SSD for PS5 games and can even improve loading times for PS4 titles.
4. What are the storage requirements for the internal M.2 SSD expansion slot on the PS5?
The PS5 has strict requirements for M.2 SSDs used in the internal expansion slot. The drive must be:
- PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD
- Capacity: 250GB – 4TB
- Sequential read speed: 5500MB/s or faster
- Form factor: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110
- Socket type: Socket 3 (Key M)
- Heatsink: Recommended, and sometimes required depending on the drive.
5. How much storage space does the PS5’s internal SSD have?
The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD, but only about 667GB is usable for games, apps, and other data due to the operating system and system files.
6. How many PS5 games can I store on the internal SSD?
The number of games you can store depends on the size of the games. Many PS5 games range from 40GB to 100GB or more. Realistically, you can expect to store around 6-12 large PS5 games on the internal SSD.
7. Is it safe to unplug my external hard drive while the PS5 is on?
No, it is not safe to unplug your external hard drive while the PS5 is powered on or in rest mode. Always safely eject the drive through the PS5’s settings to prevent data corruption or damage to the drive.
8. Will using an external SSD improve the performance of PS5 games if I could play them from there?
No, even if you could play PS5 games directly from an external SSD, it is unlikely that it will provide the same level of performance. The PS5’s internal SSD is specifically designed for its architecture and offers faster speeds than even the best external SSDs. This is why PS5 games can’t run off of them.
9. What happens if I try to launch a PS5 game from an external storage device?
If you attempt to launch a PS5 game directly from an external storage device, the PS5 will prompt you to move the game back to the internal SSD before you can play it.
10. Is it better to have an external HDD or SSD for storing PS5 games?
While both HDDs and SSDs can store PS5 games, an SSD is generally recommended. SSDs offer significantly faster transfer speeds when moving games back to the internal storage, saving you time.
11. Can I use the same external hard drive for both PS4 and PS5 games?
Yes, you can use the same external hard drive for both PS4 and PS5 games. However, it’s recommended to dedicate the drive primarily to PS4 games since PS5 games cannot be played directly from external storage. You can then use the drive for backing up PS5 games that you are not actively playing, as well as PS4 Games.
12. Does an external SSD need to be formatted in a specific way for the PS5?
Yes, when you connect an external storage device to your PS5 for the first time, you will be prompted to format it. The PS5 will format the drive to a compatible file system.
13. What are the benefits of upgrading the internal storage with an M.2 SSD?
Upgrading the internal storage with a compatible M.2 SSD allows you to store and play more PS5 games directly without needing to transfer them from external storage. This provides a seamless gaming experience and reduces the time spent managing storage space.
14. Does using an external storage device affect the PS5’s warranty?
Using an external storage device does not void your PS5’s warranty, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safely eject the drive when disconnecting it. Similarly, installing a compatible M.2 SSD will not void your warranty.
15. How do I safely remove an external storage device from my PS5?
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Select External Storage.
- Choose the external storage device you want to remove.
- Select Safely Remove.
- Wait for the PS5 to confirm that it’s safe to disconnect the drive, then unplug it.
By understanding the storage limitations and capabilities of the PS5, you can make informed decisions about managing your game library and optimizing your gaming experience. While you can’t play PS5 games directly from an external SSD, using it for storage is an essential strategy for any serious PS5 gamer.