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How Much Storage Should Your PS5 Really Have?

So, you’ve finally snagged a PlayStation 5! Congratulations! Now, prepare for the inevitable question that plagues every gamer: “Is my storage big enough?” The short answer? It depends. But let’s dive into the long answer, because “it depends” isn’t very helpful, is it? For most gamers, a PS5 with the base storage plus an additional 1TB or 2TB internal SSD will provide a comfortable balance between cost and capacity. This allows you to keep a decent library of both PS5 and PS4 games installed without constantly juggling files. Let’s explore why.

Understanding the PS5 Storage Situation

The PlayStation 5 is a phenomenal piece of gaming technology, but its initial storage offering can be a bit…constricting. Sony advertises the console as having 825GB of storage. However, after system software and necessary files, you’re left with roughly 667.2GB of usable space. In today’s world of sprawling, graphically intensive games, that 667.2GB disappears faster than you can say “installing update.”

The Reality of Game Sizes

Modern AAA games can easily clock in at 50GB to 100GB or even more. Consider Call of Duty, Final Fantasy VII Remake, or Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. These titles are graphical showcases, but they demand significant storage real estate. With only 667.2GB to work with, you might only be able to keep around 6-10 of these larger games installed at once.

The Need for Expansion

This limited internal storage is why expanding your PS5’s storage is almost essential for avid gamers. Constantly deleting and reinstalling games is a tedious process, especially if you have slower internet speeds. Nobody wants to wait hours to play a game they already own! Expanding your storage provides the freedom to explore a wider variety of games without the stress of constant file management.

Storage Options: Internal vs. External

You have two main options when it comes to expanding your PS5 storage: internal SSDs and external hard drives (HDDs) or SSDs. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each.

Internal SSD: The Optimal Choice

The ideal solution for expanding your PS5 storage is to install an internal M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD. This is the same type of blazing-fast storage that the PS5 uses internally. Why is this important? Because it allows games to load quickly and run smoothly, taking full advantage of the PS5’s capabilities. Sony explicitly allows and recommends this type of expansion.

Pros: Fastest loading times, seamless integration with the PS5, ability to play both PS5 and PS4 games directly from the expanded storage.
Cons: Can be more expensive than external options, requires some technical know-how to install (though it’s relatively straightforward with online guides).

When choosing an internal SSD, make sure it meets Sony’s minimum specifications:

Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD
Capacity: 250GB – 4TB
Read Speed: 5500MB/s or faster
Form Factor: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110
Socket Type: Socket 3 (Key M)
Heatsink: Required (either pre-installed or added separately)

External Storage: A Solid Option for PS4 Games

You can connect an external hard drive or SSD to your PS5 via USB. However, there’s a crucial limitation: you can only play PS4 games directly from external storage. PS5 games can be stored on an external drive, but you’ll need to transfer them back to the internal SSD or expanded internal SSD before you can play them.

Pros: More affordable than internal SSDs, easy to set up, ideal for storing and playing PS4 games.
Cons: Slower loading times compared to internal SSDs, cannot directly play PS5 games from external storage.

External storage is a great way to offload your PS4 game library and free up space on your PS5’s internal storage for PS5 titles. Just be aware of the speed limitations. A standard external HDD will be significantly slower than the PS5’s internal SSD. An external SSD will be faster, but still not as fast as an internal SSD.

Choosing the Right Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, or More?

Now, let’s get back to the original question: How much storage do you actually need?

1TB: A 1TB SSD is a solid starting point for most gamers. It will roughly double your usable storage, allowing you to keep a decent number of PS5 and PS4 games installed. This is a good choice if you’re on a budget or don’t download a massive number of games.
2TB: A 2TB SSD offers significant breathing room. This is an excellent choice if you have a large game library, subscribe to PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium (which provides access to a wide range of downloadable games), or simply want to avoid the hassle of constantly managing storage space.
4TB: A 4TB SSD is overkill for most gamers, but it might be worth considering if you’re a hardcore enthusiast with a massive library of games and media files. Keep in mind that 4TB SSDs are significantly more expensive than 1TB or 2TB options.

Ultimately, the best capacity for you depends on your individual gaming habits and budget. Consider how many games you typically have installed at once, whether you subscribe to PlayStation Plus tiers with downloadable games, and how frequently you download new titles.

The Future of PS5 Storage

As games continue to grow in size and complexity, the demand for more storage will only increase. Sony is likely to continue supporting storage expansion on future PlayStation consoles, so investing in a quality SSD now is a smart move that will pay off in the long run. Remember to stay informed about the latest technologies and recommendations to optimize your gaming experience. You can even learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, and how it connects to learning experiences by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about PS5 storage to help you make an informed decision:

1. Can I use any SSD for my PS5?

No. The SSD must meet Sony’s minimum specifications, including being a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD with a read speed of 5500MB/s or faster and a heatsink.

2. Does my PS5 SSD need a heatsink?

Yes! Sony recommends a heatsink or cooling structure for internal SSDs to prevent overheating and performance issues.

3. How do I install an internal SSD in my PS5?

Sony provides detailed instructions and videos on their website. It involves removing the PS5’s cover, unscrewing a panel, inserting the SSD into the M.2 slot, and securing it with a screw. It’s a relatively straightforward process.

4. Can I use an external hard drive for PS5 games?

You can store PS5 games on an external drive, but you need to transfer them back to the internal SSD to play them. You can play PS4 games directly from an external drive.

5. What is the maximum capacity external hard drive I can use with my PS5?

The PS5 supports external hard drives with a capacity of up to 8TB.

6. Will an external SSD improve loading times for PS4 games on my PS5?

Yes, an external SSD will significantly improve loading times for PS4 games compared to a traditional external HDD.

7. How much storage does the average PS5 game take up?

The size of PS5 games varies, but many AAA titles range from 50GB to 100GB or more.

8. Can I move games between the internal SSD and external storage?

Yes, you can easily move games between the internal SSD and external storage through the PS5’s settings menu.

9. What happens if my PS5 storage is full?

You’ll need to delete games or other content to free up space. Alternatively, you can move PS4 games to external storage.

10. Is 2TB too much storage for my PS5?

For the majority of players, 2TB is more than enough. Unless you download a large number of games regularly and keep them all installed simultaneously, a 2TB SSD should provide ample space.

11. Can I have multiple SSDs installed in my PS5?

No, you can only have one additional internal SSD installed in the PS5’s expansion slot at a time.

12. What is the difference between an SSD and an HDD?

SSD (Solid State Drive) uses flash memory to store data, while HDD (Hard Disk Drive) uses spinning platters. SSDs are much faster, more durable, and more energy-efficient than HDDs.

13. Do I need a special tool to install an SSD in my PS5?

You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the PS5’s cover and secure the SSD.

14. Can I use a USB hub with my external hard drive on PS5?

Sony recommends connecting the external hard drive directly to a USB port on the PS5, as using a USB hub may affect performance.

15. How do I check how much storage I have available on my PS5?

You can check your storage usage in the PS5’s settings menu under Storage. This will show you how much space is being used by games, apps, and other content.

How much storage should PS5 have?