For extra storage that can also run PS5 games, install a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD in the console’s expansion slot. A USB extended-storage drive is the simpler option for playing PS4 games or storing PS5 games until you move them back to console or M.2 storage. The two options are not interchangeable: PS5 games cannot be played directly from USB extended storage.
Choose the right kind of storage
| What you need | M.2 NVMe SSD | USB extended storage |
|---|---|---|
| Play PS5 games directly from added storage | Yes, if the drive is compatible | No. Copy the game to console or M.2 storage before playing |
| Play PS4 games directly | Yes | Yes |
| Sony’s capacity range | 250 GB–8 TB | 250 GB–8 TB |
| Main compatibility checks | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, supported M.2 size, combined drive-and-cooling dimensions, and heat dissipation | SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps or later; connect directly, not through a hub |
| Initial setup | Install in the expansion slot, then format on first use | Connect, then format as USB extended storage on first use |
These are Sony’s supported uses and specifications, not independent speed or price comparisons. Sony does not guarantee that every device matching its listed M.2 specifications will work, or that an M.2 drive will match the internal SSD’s performance. See Sony’s M.2 SSD compatibility and installation guide and USB extended-storage guide.
Check an M.2 SSD before buying
The SSD must meet the complete specification, including the dimensions of any heatsink or other cooling structure attached to it. A drive that fits by its M.2 size alone may still be too wide or thick once cooled.
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, Key M. M.2 SATA drives are not supported.
- Capacity: 250 GB–8 TB.
- Supported form factors: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110.
- Maximum dimensions: 25 mm wide and 11.25 mm thick in total. The thickness limit is up to 8.0 mm above the board and 2.45 mm below it. Supported lengths are 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm.
- Cooling: Effective heat dissipation is required. The drive may include a heatsink, or you may need a compatible cooling component. Do not add another heatsink over one already built into the drive.
- Read speed: Sony recommends sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster. This is a recommendation, not a promise of performance equal to the internal SSD.
Confirm the manufacturer’s current specifications for the exact drive and cooling assembly, and check Sony’s full M.2 requirements before purchasing. Sony’s support page states: “Not all games are necessarily playable with the exact same performance provided by the PS5 console’s internal Ultra-High Speed SSD, even where the M.2 SSD device’s sequential read speed is faster than 5500MB/s.”
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Install and set up an M.2 SSD
Update PS5 system software before installing. Use the instructions for your exact console model group: cover and expansion-slot access differ between model groups, so follow the matching sequence in Sony’s installation guide.
- Prepare the console. Work on a well-lit surface. Have a #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver ready; a small flashlight is optional. Turn the console off, unplug the cables, and let it cool. Touch a grounded metal object to discharge static electricity before handling components.
- Open the expansion-slot area. Follow the steps for your model group in Sony’s guide. Do not power on or play the console while its cover is off.
- Fit and secure the SSD. Install the drive and any required cooling structure according to the model-specific instructions. Check that the parts sit within the slot and are secured as directed.
- Close the console and format the drive. On first startup, follow the on-screen formatting guide. Formatting erases all data on the selected SSD, and that data cannot be recovered. Back up anything important first; do not interrupt formatting or turn off the console while it is underway.
- Choose where games install. Go to Settings > Storage > Installation Location. To move an existing game, open Game Library, press Options, and select Move Games and Apps. A single game’s data cannot be split between console storage and M.2 storage.
If a game on the M.2 drive has problems, Sony advises pausing ongoing downloads and letting a disc game finish installing. If the issue continues, move the game to console storage.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use a USB drive for PS4 games or PS5 storage
Choose a commercially available USB drive that supports SuperSpeed USB at 5 Gbps or later and has 250 GB–8 TB capacity. Sony does not guarantee that every device will work. Connect it directly to a supported PS5 USB port—not through a hub—and use only one USB extended-storage drive at a time. Follow Sony’s USB extended-storage instructions to format it.
- PS4 games: Install and play them directly from USB extended storage.
- PS5 games: Move them to USB to free space, but copy them back to console or M.2 storage before playing.
- Disconnecting: When the console is on, use the console’s settings to safely remove the drive. Disconnecting it improperly risks data loss or corruption.
Formatting a USB drive as extended storage erases its existing data. Back up files you want to keep before formatting.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Keep saves and captures separate from game storage
Game files, saved data, and screenshots or video clips are managed differently. Sony’s storage-management guide says PS5 game saves use PlayStation Plus cloud storage; PS4 saves can use cloud storage or a regular USB drive. Screenshots and clips can also be copied to USB. That is different from formatting a drive as USB extended storage, which is for game installation and storage.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
