Why Won’t My PS5 Games Move to an External Hard Drive?

The most direct answer is this: You can move PS5 games to an external hard drive, but you can’t play them directly from it. The PlayStation 5’s architecture requires the lightning-fast speeds of its internal Solid State Drive (SSD) to run its games effectively. External hard drives, even those connected via USB 3.0 or higher, simply don’t offer the necessary data transfer rates to keep up. Think of it like a race car – you can store it in your garage (the external drive), but you need to get it onto the racetrack (the internal SSD) to unleash its performance.

Sony designed the system this way to ensure a consistent and high-quality gaming experience across all PS5 titles. The read/write speeds of the internal SSD are integral to how the games are developed and optimized. Trying to run a PS5 game from a slower external drive would result in unacceptable performance, including long loading times, stuttering, and potential graphical glitches.

Therefore, when you “move” a PS5 game to an external hard drive, you’re essentially archiving it. It’s a quick and efficient way to free up space on your internal SSD without having to completely redownload the game. When you want to play it again, you simply transfer it back to the internal storage. This process is significantly faster than re-downloading, especially for large, AAA titles.

Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of PS5 storage and address some common questions gamers have.

Understanding PS5 Storage Limitations

The PS5 comes with a built-in SSD, but the usable storage space is less than advertised. After accounting for the operating system and system files, you’re left with roughly 667GB of usable space. This can quickly fill up, especially with the increasing size of modern games. This limited internal storage is why understanding how to manage your game library is crucial.

Managing Your Game Library

• Prioritization: Decide which games you play most frequently and keep those on the internal SSD. Archive less frequently played games to the external drive.
• Regular Maintenance: Periodically review your storage and remove games you no longer play or have finished.
• Utilizing the Transfer Feature: Master the process of transferring games between the internal SSD and external storage.

External Storage: Not for Playing, but Essential for Storage

While you can’t play PS5 games directly from an external drive, using one is still highly recommended. Here’s why:

• Fast Archiving: Moving games to an external drive is much faster than redownloading them.
• Preserving Bandwidth: Avoid constantly redownloading large files, saving on internet data usage.
• Expanding Storage Capacity: Significantly increase your storage without resorting to deleting games.
• PS4 Game Compatibility: You can play PS4 games directly from an external hard drive on the PS5. This is a significant advantage, allowing you to offload your PS4 library to external storage and free up space on the internal SSD for PS5 titles.

Expanding Internal Storage with an M.2 SSD

If you require more playable storage, the PS5 offers the option to install an internal M.2 SSD. This is the only way to increase the amount of storage from which you can directly launch and play PS5 games.

Choosing the Right M.2 SSD

• PCIe Gen4 x4 Interface: The M.2 SSD must support PCIe Gen4 x4 for optimal performance.
• Read Speed: Aim for a sequential read speed of 5500MB/s or higher.
• Form Factor: The drive must be the correct physical size to fit in the PS5’s expansion slot (typically 2280).
• Heatsink: A heatsink is essential to prevent the SSD from overheating. Some SSDs come with a pre-installed heatsink, while others require you to purchase and install one separately.

Installing an M.2 SSD

The installation process is relatively straightforward but requires some basic technical skills. Sony provides detailed instructions on their website. Incorrect installation can damage your PS5 or the SSD, so proceed with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why can’t I just play PS5 games from my external hard drive?

   The PS5 games are designed to work with the super-fast speeds of the PS5 internal SSD. An external hard drive, even a fast one, is not as fast as the internal SSD.

2. What file format does my external hard drive need to be for PS5?

   The PS5 supports FAT32 and exFAT file systems for external drives. It is recommended you use exFAT for drives larger than 32GB.

3. How do I format my external hard drive for PS5?

   Go to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage. If the drive isn’t formatted correctly, you’ll see an option to Format as USB Extended Storage.

4. Can I use any external hard drive with my PS5?

   Most USB external hard drives will work, but ensure it’s USB 3.0 or later for acceptable transfer speeds. SSD external drives are also supported and offer faster transfer speeds.

5. How do I move PS5 games from my console to an external hard drive?

   Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps. Select a game, choose Move, and select the external drive.

6. How do I move PS5 games from my external hard drive back to the console?

   Go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage > Games and Apps. Select a game, choose Move, and select the console storage.

7. Can I play PS4 games from an external hard drive on my PS5?

   Yes! This is a major advantage of using an external drive with your PS5.

8. How many PS5 games can a 1TB external hard drive hold?

   It depends on the game size, but typically you can store between 10-20 PS5 games on a 1TB external drive. Some AAA games are now regularly over 100GB each, so the number varies drastically.

9. Does an external SSD work better than an external HDD for PS5 game storage?

   Yes. An external SSD offers significantly faster transfer speeds, which makes archiving and restoring games much quicker.

10. What M.2 SSDs are compatible with the PS5?

    Refer to Sony’s website for a list of compatible M.2 SSDs. Crucial, Western Digital (WD), Seagate, and Samsung are some reputable brands to consider. The key is to ensure it meets the speed and size requirements specified by Sony.

11. How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?

    Sony provides detailed instructions on their website and YouTube channel. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. Always disconnect the power cable before opening the console.

12. Does installing an M.2 SSD void my PS5 warranty?

    No, installing an M.2 SSD according to Sony’s guidelines does not void your warranty.

13. Why is my PS5 not recognizing my external hard drive?

    • Ensure the drive is properly connected.
    • Check if the drive is formatted to FAT32 or exFAT.
    • Try a different USB port.
    • If the drive is new, format it on a PC or Mac first.

14. Is a 2TB external hard drive worth it for the PS5?

    If you download many games, then yes. The cost per GB is typically lower for larger drives, making them a cost-effective way to expand your storage.

15. What if my PS5 games won’t download or transfer?

    • Check your internet connection.
    • Ensure you have enough free space on the target drive.
    • Restart your PS5.
    • Try rebuilding the database in Safe Mode (search on how to access PS5 Safe Mode).

Understanding these limitations and solutions will help you manage your PS5 storage effectively and maximize your gaming experience. Remember to always prioritize game performance and choose the storage solution that best fits your needs. You can learn more about the technology behind video games at the Games Learning Society website GamesLearningSociety.org.