How Many PS5 Games Can You Store On Your Console? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of how many games you can store on your PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a common one, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. The storage capacity of the PS5 console, the size of the games themselves, and whether you use internal or external storage all play a role. To cut to the chase, with the standard 825GB internal SSD, you can expect to store roughly 10-15 PS5 games at a time. However, this is just the beginning of the story. Let’s delve into the details and answer all your questions about PS5 storage.
Understanding PS5 Storage
The PlayStation 5 comes equipped with an 825GB custom solid-state drive (SSD). However, not all of this space is available for your games. The system’s operating system, firmware, and other essential files take up a portion of this, leaving you with approximately 667.2GB of usable storage. While this might seem like a lot, modern PS5 games are notorious for their large file sizes.
Game File Sizes
PS5 games, with their high-resolution graphics and complex gameplay, often range from 40GB to well over 100GB. Some behemoths, like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War can even exceed 175GB. This large footprint quickly fills up your available storage space. Thus, the initial 667.2GB is sufficient for just a handful of games.
The Reality of Storage
The average user might find that they can reasonably store 10-15 PS5 games on the internal drive at a time. This figure can fluctuate significantly based on whether you install small indie games or primarily large AAA titles. If you also have some PS4 games on the system, those may be smaller in size and therefore will allow for a slightly higher number of game installs overall. It’s also important to remember that save files and game updates also take up space, gradually filling up your storage if you are not actively removing outdated data.
Expanding Your PS5 Storage
Running out of space on your PS5 doesn’t mean you have to delete your beloved games. Luckily, there are ways to expand your storage capacity.
Internal SSD Expansion
The PS5 has an internal expansion slot that allows you to add another NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD. This is the recommended way to increase your storage, as it maintains the fast loading speeds that PS5 games are designed for. You can now install an internal SSD up to 8TB thanks to a recent firmware update. Adding a 1TB or 2TB drive is a popular option, and a 2TB drive allows you to store 50+ more PS5 games.
External Storage via USB
While you can also use external hard drives via USB, they cannot be used to play PS5 games directly due to speed limitations. However, these external drives are perfect for storing and playing PS4 games. This means that they can free up internal storage by moving PS4 games to the external drive. You can also use external storage to back up your PS5 games, making the deletion and re-download process easier. However, you will need to move a game back to the main internal SSD in order to play it.
How to Organize Your PS5 Games
Keeping your library organized is key, especially as you add more games.
Using Game Lists
The PS5 allows you to create game lists (folders) to group your games for better organization. You can group games by genre, your play status or any other categorization you want. To create a game list, go to your game library, select “Your Collection,” and then either choose the “Create Gamelist” icon or press options on a game and select “Add to Gamelist”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about PS5 game storage to further assist you:
1. How many PS5 games can I store on the internal 825GB SSD?
You can store approximately 10-15 PS5 games on the internal 825GB SSD, but this can vary depending on the size of each game.
2. Is the PS5’s 825GB storage really enough?
The 825GB storage is quickly used up as modern PS5 games require significant space. Most gamers will need to use some form of expanded storage as their library increases.
3. How many games can a 1TB PS5 hold?
A 1TB PS5 (after subtracting space needed for the system) will likely hold around 20-30 games, again depending on the average file sizes of your titles.
4. What is the average size of a PS5 game?
PS5 game file sizes can range from 40GB to over 150GB, and sometimes even more for huge games with substantial content.
5. Can I use an external hard drive for PS5 games?
You can use an external hard drive for PS4 games and for storing PS5 game backups, but you cannot directly play PS5 games from an external hard drive due to speed limitations.
6. What is the best way to expand PS5 storage?
The best way to expand your PS5 storage is by adding an internal NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD for optimal performance.
7. What size SSD should I buy for my PS5?
A 1TB or 2TB internal SSD is a popular choice, allowing for a good balance between cost and storage capacity.
8. Can you use a 4TB SSD in a PS5?
Yes, you can use a 4TB SSD in your PS5, and with the 8.00 firmware update, you can also use drives up to 8TB.
9. How many games can a 2TB PS5 hold?
A 2TB PS5 can hold more than 50 games, depending on file sizes of course.
10. How many games can a 6TB drive hold on the PS5?
A 6TB hard drive could likely hold around 100+ games if used mainly for PS4 games, or used as a storage hub for your PS5 games.
11. What is the biggest PS5 game by file size?
Some of the largest games by file size are Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (175 GB) and NBA 2K23 (153 GB).
12. How do I move PS5 games to an external drive?
You can move PS4 games to an external drive by going to Settings > Storage > Games and Apps and selecting the titles to transfer. However, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external drive.
13. Can I play my PS5 games on another console?
Yes, you can share your library with a friend and vice-versa by logging into your PSN accounts on your respective consoles.
14. Do I lose my digital games if I delete them?
No, you won’t lose your digital games if you delete them. You can always re-download them from your library.
15. Is it better to buy a digital or disc PS5?
The digital PS5 is cheaper, but the disc version allows you to play old PS4 discs, used games, and borrowed discs. The decision depends on your gaming habits and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of PS5 games you can store on your console depends on various factors. While the internal storage allows for 10-15 games on average, it may not be enough for avid gamers. Expanding storage using an internal SSD is a must for the best experience. By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions about storage and enjoy your gaming library to its fullest. With the capability to install a larger SSD, the future of your game library is in your hands.