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How Many Games Can You Download on PS5 At Once? Unveiling the Truth

The short and sweet answer is: only one game or application actively downloads at a time on the PlayStation 5. While the PS4 allowed multiple simultaneous downloads, Sony opted for a different approach with its next-gen console. But don’t despair, there’s more to the story than meets the eye!

Understanding the PS5 Download System

While you can only actively download one game or application at a time, the PS5’s download management system is more sophisticated than its predecessor. It prioritizes the active download, dedicating the majority of your bandwidth to it. This means you’ll likely see faster download speeds for that single item compared to splitting the bandwidth across multiple downloads.

Furthermore, the PS5 employs a queuing system. You can add multiple games or apps to your download queue, and the console will automatically begin downloading the next item once the current download is complete. You can also manually prioritize downloads, ensuring your most anticipated game gets downloaded first. This feature lets you manage your downloads effectively.

Maximizing Your PS5 Download Speed

Even though you can only download one thing at a time, optimizing your network and console settings can significantly improve your overall download experience. Here are some tips:

Use a Wired Connection: An Ethernet cable provides a more stable and faster connection than Wi-Fi. This is crucial for large game downloads.
Download in Rest Mode: The PS5 can download games and updates in Rest Mode. This often results in faster speeds, as the console isn’t allocating resources to other processes. Ensure “Stay Connected to the Internet” is enabled in Rest Mode settings.
Pause and Resume Downloads: If your download speed seems unusually slow, try pausing and resuming the download. This can sometimes refresh the connection and improve the speed.
Limit Background Activity: Close any unnecessary applications or background processes on your PS5 to free up processing power and bandwidth for downloads.
Prioritize Downloads: Use the “Start Download/Copy” option to prioritize the game you want to play most.

Factors Affecting Download Speed

Several factors beyond the PS5 itself can impact your download speed. These include:

Internet Service Provider (ISP): Your ISP determines your maximum download speed.
Network Congestion: Peak hours often lead to network congestion, slowing down download speeds.
Distance from Router: The further you are from your router, the weaker your Wi-Fi signal and the slower your download speed.
Other Devices on the Network: Multiple devices using your internet connection simultaneously can reduce bandwidth available for your PS5.
PSN Server Load: Occasionally, high traffic on the PlayStation Network (PSN) servers can impact download speeds.

PS5 Storage Capacity: How Many Games Can You Actually Hold?

The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD, but only about 667GB of that is usable storage space after accounting for the operating system and system files. This limited storage capacity can quickly fill up, especially with modern AAA games often exceeding 50GB or even 100GB.

Here’s a general estimate of how many games you can store based on average game sizes (note: this is just an estimate, actual numbers will vary):

667GB (Usable Internal Storage): Approximately 10-15 games
1TB SSD: Approximately 16-20 games
2TB SSD: Approximately 30-50 games
4TB SSD: Approximately 80-100+ games
8TB SSD: Approximately 160-200+ games

Expanding Your PS5 Storage

Fortunately, the PS5 allows you to expand its storage capacity using an internal M.2 SSD or an external USB drive.

Internal M.2 SSD: Installing a compatible M.2 SSD provides the fastest performance and allows you to directly play PS5 games from the expanded storage. It is crucial that the specifications of the M.2 SSD meet the Sony requirement or it will not be supported.
External USB Drive: You can use an external USB drive to store and play PS4 games, as well as store PS5 games. However, you cannot directly play PS5 games from an external USB drive; you must transfer them back to the internal SSD to play. External storage are a more cost-effective storage solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about PS5 downloads and storage:

1. Can I play a game while another one is downloading on PS5?

Yes, you can play games while another game is downloading in the background. However, this might slightly affect the download speed.

2. Does putting my PS5 in Rest Mode speed up downloads?

In most cases, yes. The PS5 dedicates more resources to downloads in Rest Mode, potentially leading to faster speeds.

3. How do I prioritize a download on PS5?

Highlight the game in your download list and select “Start Download/Copy” to prioritize it.

4. Can I download games from the PlayStation Store on my phone and have them download on my PS5?

Yes, you can initiate downloads remotely through the PlayStation app. Just purchase or select the game on the app, and it will begin downloading on your PS5, provided it’s connected to the internet and has enough storage space.

5. What happens if my PS5 runs out of storage while downloading a game?

The download will pause, and you’ll receive a notification that you need to free up space. You can then delete games or apps to make room for the remaining download.

6. Can I download a game on multiple PS5 consoles at the same time using the same account?

Yes, but you can only have one PS5 activated as your primary console for game sharing and benefits.

7. What is the best way to manage my PS5 storage?

Regularly review your installed games and apps, delete those you no longer play, and consider expanding your storage with an M.2 SSD or external drive.

8. Are there any specific requirements for the M.2 SSD I use to expand my PS5 storage?

Yes, Sony has specific requirements for M.2 SSDs, including form factor, interface, sequential read speed, and cooling structure. Make sure to check the official PlayStation website for the latest compatibility guidelines.

9. Can I use an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive) instead of an external SSD for PS5 storage?

Yes, you can use an external HDD, but it will be slower than an SSD. You can only store and play PS4 games directly from an external HDD. PS5 games must be transferred to the internal SSD to play.

10. How do I transfer PS5 games from an external drive to the internal SSD?

Connect the external drive to your PS5, navigate to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage, select the game you want to transfer, and choose “Move to Console Storage.”

11. Does the size of the game disc affect the download size on PS5?

No, the game disc only contains a portion of the game data. The PS5 still needs to download updates, patches, and sometimes the full game from the PlayStation Network.

12. How can I check my download speed on PS5?

Go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection. This will show your download and upload speeds.

13. Why are PS5 game file sizes so large?

PS5 games often have large file sizes due to high-resolution textures, detailed 3D models, complex audio, and extensive content.

14. Will deleting a game also delete my save data?

No, deleting a game will not automatically delete your save data. Save data is usually stored separately and can be managed in the Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

15. What are some resources for learning more about gaming and the psychology behind it?

Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for excellent insights and resources on the intersection of games, learning, and social impact.

Final Thoughts

While the PS5 only downloads one game at a time, understanding the system and optimizing your settings can significantly improve your download experience. By managing your storage efficiently and expanding it when needed, you can ensure you always have room for your favorite games.

How many games can you download on PS5 at once?