There is no fixed number of gigabytes or terabytes that suits every PS5 owner: the space your games need depends on the titles, updates, and add-ons you keep installed. Check your actual usage at Settings > Storage. If you want more PS5 games installed and ready to play, a compatible M.2 SSD is the expansion option that lets you launch them directly; USB extended storage is for archiving PS5 games or playing PS4 games.
How to estimate the storage you need
Start with the games you want available without moving them between drives, rather than an assumed “large game” size. Sony’s support guidance does not give a current installed-size list or a reliable number of large games per terabyte. Individual game data can also change as updates and add-ons are installed.
- On the PS5, open Settings > Storage and check the free space available.
- Review the games and apps currently using space, then decide which titles you want to keep installed and ready to launch.
- Compare that list with the console’s available space. If you regularly run out of room for games you want to play, consider deleting titles you are finished with or adding storage.
Which PS5 storage options can play games directly?
| Storage location | Can play PS5 games while stored there? | Best suited to | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 console storage | Yes | Games in your current rotation | Available space varies; check Settings > Storage. (Sony support: PS5 extended storage) |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | Yes | Keeping more PS5 games installed and ready to launch | The drive must meet Sony’s compatibility and cooling requirements. (Sony support: M.2 SSD installation) |
| USB extended storage | No | Archiving PS5 game data or playing PS4 games | Move PS5 game data back to console or M.2 storage before playing. (Sony support: PS5 extended storage) |
When an M.2 SSD makes sense
A compatible M.2 SSD can store, download, and launch PS5 games. It is the direct expansion choice if you want more titles ready to play without first transferring them back from a USB drive.
Sony’s requirements specify a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD with Key M, capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB, and one of the supported sizes: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110. The maximum width is 25 mm; total thickness, including the cooling structure, must not exceed 11.25 mm. Sony recommends sequential read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or faster. The drive needs effective heat dissipation, such as a heatsink; M.2 SATA drives are not supported. See Sony’s full M.2 SSD compatibility and installation guidance before buying.
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- 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.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 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.
Check the dimensions of the drive and heatsink together: a drive can meet the interface and capacity requirements but still be too large once its cooling structure is fitted. Sony also cautions that meeting the listed specifications does not guarantee that every third-party drive will work or perform like the console’s internal SSD in every game.
When USB extended storage is enough
USB extended storage is useful when you want to keep PS5 game data without using console or M.2 space, or when you want to play PS4 games directly from the drive. It is not a way to expand the space from which PS5 games launch: Sony says PS5 game data must be moved back to console storage or M.2 SSD storage before play. See Sony’s USB extended storage guidance.
Rank #2
- 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.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 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.
Free up space before upgrading
You may be able to make room by removing games or apps you no longer need installed, or moving data to USB or M.2 storage. Sony says games you have purchased can be downloaded again from your library, so deleting an installed game does not mean you have to buy it again. Use Settings > Storage to review and manage the space on your console.
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.
Rank #4
- 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
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- 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
Rank #3
- 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.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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.
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