How Many Games Can the PS5 Hold on Average? A Deep Dive into Storage and Gaming

The simple answer? It depends. A PlayStation 5 (PS5) comes with an 825GB SSD, but only 667GB is usable for games and applications due to system files. Considering that many modern AAA games require between 40GB and 150GB of storage, you can realistically expect to store anywhere from 5 to 15 games on the internal drive simultaneously. However, this range varies significantly based on the specific games you install. Titles like Call of Duty or Star Wars Jedi: Survivor can eat up a substantial portion of your storage space, leaving less room for other games. Understanding these factors will help you better manage your PS5 storage.

Understanding PS5 Storage Capacity

The usable storage on a PS5 is less than the advertised 825GB due to the operating system and pre-installed software. While the PS5’s SSD is incredibly fast, its capacity can be limiting for avid gamers. The large file sizes of modern games, driven by high-resolution textures and complex game worlds, contribute to this issue. Consider Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, which can take up a whopping 175GB! Games like NBA 2K23 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor also require huge chunks of storage. This is why PS5 storage management has become a critical part of the gaming experience.

External and Internal Expansion

Fortunately, Sony allows you to expand your PS5 storage. There are two main options:

• Internal SSD Expansion: You can add a compatible NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD inside the console. This offers the best performance, matching the speed of the internal drive.

• External USB Storage: You can connect an external hard drive via USB. While you can store PS5 games on an external drive, they must be transferred to the internal SSD to be played. This is perfect for archiving games you don’t play often. This also allows you to play PS4 games directly from the external drive, freeing up space on your internal SSD.

By upgrading the PS5’s storage, you can alleviate storage concerns and enjoy a larger library of games. Options like 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and even 8TB drives are available, each with its own pros and cons.

Choosing the Right Storage Size

Selecting the correct storage size depends on your gaming habits and budget. Here’s a general guideline:

• 1TB: A good starting point for moderate gamers. It can hold around 20-30 games, depending on their size.

• 2TB: A sweet spot for many players. With 2TB, you can store around 50+ titles without constantly deleting and re-downloading games.

• 4TB: Ideal for avid gamers who want to keep a vast library installed. It can accommodate 100+ games, giving you plenty of room for expansion.

• 8TB: An overkill for most, but perfect for those with an extensive collection and large media files. This can hold up to 200 games.

Always consider the long-term storage and future game sizes when making your decision. Also, remember the concepts presented at Games Learning Society, where gaming principles are analyzed and applied in various contexts. The ability to strategically manage resources, in this case your storage, reflects real world problem solving skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS5 Storage

Here are some frequently asked questions to further help you understand PS5 storage:

1. How much usable storage does the PS5 actually have?

The PS5 has 825GB of internal storage, but only 667GB is usable for games, apps, and media. The remaining space is reserved for the system’s operating system and other essential files.

2. Can I play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive?

No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive. You can store them on an external drive, but you must transfer them to the internal SSD to play.

3. What type of SSD is compatible with the PS5’s internal expansion slot?

The PS5 requires a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD with a read speed of at least 5500MB/s to ensure optimal performance.

4. How many games can a 1TB SSD hold on the PS5?

A 1TB SSD can typically hold between 20 to 30 modern PS5 games, depending on the size of each game.

5. Is it better to use an internal or external SSD for PS5 game storage?

An internal SSD offers superior performance because it matches the PS5’s internal drive speed. An external drive is a good choice for archiving games or playing PS4 titles.

6. What is the maximum storage capacity I can add to my PS5?

You can add up to 8TB of storage via the internal SSD expansion slot and an external USB drive, but performance considerations are crucial.

7. How do I move games from the PS5 internal storage to an external drive?

Go to Settings > Storage and choose the game you want to move. Select “Move to USB Extended Storage.”

8. Will adding more storage improve the PS5’s performance?

Adding storage primarily increases the number of games you can store and play without deleting. The internal SSD offers the fastest load times.

9. What happens if my PS5 storage is full?

If your PS5 storage is full, you’ll need to delete some games or transfer them to an external drive to free up space for new installations.

10. Can I use a regular external hard drive with my PS5?

Yes, you can use a regular external hard drive, but loading times will be significantly slower compared to the internal SSD or an internal NVMe SSD.

11. What are the best practices for managing PS5 storage?

Delete games you no longer play, archive large files on an external drive, and regularly monitor your storage usage.

12. How do I check how much storage space I have left on my PS5?

Go to Settings > Storage to see a breakdown of your available storage and what’s taking up space.

13. Is a 2TB SSD enough for PS5 gaming?

For most gamers, a 2TB SSD strikes a good balance between storage capacity and cost. It can hold around 50+ titles, providing ample space for a diverse library.

14. Can I install PS4 games on the PS5’s internal SSD?

Yes, you can install and play PS4 games on the PS5’s internal SSD, but you can also choose to install them on an external drive to save internal SSD space.

15. Does the size of the game affect the performance of the PS5?

The size of the game itself doesn’t directly impact the performance of the PS5. However, poorly optimized games, regardless of size, might exhibit performance issues.

Conclusion

While the PS5’s initial storage can be a limiting factor, understanding how to manage and expand it allows you to enjoy a vast library of games. By choosing the right storage solution and adopting good storage management practices, you can maximize your gaming experience on the PlayStation 5. Whether you opt for an internal SSD upgrade or an external drive for archiving, the key is to be proactive and informed about your storage needs.