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To make more room on a PS5, first check Settings > Storage. Then delete games you can redownload, move PS5 games you are not playing to USB extended storage, or install a compatible M.2 SSD if you want to launch games from added storage. USB storage can run PS4 games, but PS5 games stored there must be copied back to console or M.2 storage before you can play them.
Check what is using PS5 storage
On the home screen, open Settings > Storage. The console separates usage by categories such as games, media, and saved data, helping you identify what to remove or move before changing anything. Sony’s storage-management guide documents this route.
To review installed games and apps, open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps. Menu labels can vary by system software version or region, so follow the labels shown on your console if they differ.
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| Option | Can PS5 games launch from it? | Can downloads target it? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete and redownload | No; reinstall the game before playing | No | Rotating through games without buying storage hardware |
| USB extended storage | No; copy PS5 games back to console or M.2 storage first | Sony supports it as an installation location for PS4 games | Archiving PS5 games or storing and playing PS4 games |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | Yes; Sony says PS5 and PS4 games can launch from it | Yes; PlayStation Store downloads can be directed to M.2 storage | Adding playable storage without copying games from USB |
Delete games you can download again
Deleting a game removes its installed data from the console, not your access to a purchased title. Sony says deleted games and applications can be downloaded again from your game library. Choose this option when you are comfortable downloading the game again before your next play session.
#1 Best Overall
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
Use USB extended storage as an archive
Sony says PS5 games cannot be played directly from USB extended storage; copy them back to console storage or M.2 storage when you want to play. PS4 games, by contrast, can be played directly from USB extended storage. See Sony’s USB extended-storage guidance.
Add a compatible M.2 SSD for playable space
Sony says a compatible M.2 SSD can store, download, copy, and launch PS5 and PS4 games. Its storage-solutions overview advertises expansion up to 8 TB with a compatible drive. That is not a guarantee for every SSD or console setup: check Sony’s current detailed size, speed, and physical requirements before choosing a model.
Rank #2
- 【Officially Licensed SSD 】This external SSD uses specially-selected materials and has passed our exclusive quality inspection to work with PS5 / PS4.
- 【Eliminate PS5(R) Storage Shortages】You can expand the free space on your system by saving PS5(R) game data and PS4(R) game titles onto this product.
- 【Reduce Loading Times on PS4(R)】 Reduce game loading times for more enjoyable gameplay experiences.
- 【Compact Stick Type】The cable-free and compact USB stick design enables easy connection with your game console without taking up space.
- 【Accessories】 Setup Guide / Warranty Statement
Delete or move a game
Delete a game or app
- Open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Select the game or app you want to remove and confirm deletion.
- To reinstall a purchased game later, find it in your game library and download it again.
Move a PS5 game to USB extended storage
- Connect USB extended storage that is set up for PS5 use.
- Open Game Library and highlight the game.
- Press the Options button and choose Move Games and Apps.
- Select the items to move, choose Move, and wait for the transfer to finish.
When you want to play a PS5 game from the USB drive, copy it back to console storage or M.2 storage. PS4 games can remain on USB and run from there.
Choose where new games are installed
For PlayStation Store downloads to M.2 storage, Sony documents Settings > Storage > Installation Location. Choose the available location you want to use. Sony also documents USB extended storage as an installation location for PS4 games; it does not make PS5 games playable from USB. If the labels differ, use the current wording on your console.
Rank #3
- BEST VALUE SSD – Compact and reliable SSD to meet your on-the-go demand. Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs. Save space and loading time on your console by storing your game data on Buffalo SSDs.
- IDEAL ON-THE-GO ACCESSORY - Quickly copy your large data. If you are a professional in need of fast and secure storage, the Buffalo SSD is ready for on-the-go backup for photos, videos, docs, and more.
- FAST SPEEDS AND MULTI-TASKING - Faster speed than HDD enables you to connect the device to PC and do large intensive tasks simultaneously.
- COMPACT, DURABLE, & RELIABLE – Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection. Compact form factor to carry your data in your pocket. No matter if it’s for work or fun, you can easily use your Buffalo SSD on-the-go.
- USB 3.2 CONNECTIVITY & 3-YEAR WARRANTY – Supports USB-C / USB-A. Easily connect the Buffalo SSD to your PC and other mobile devices. THREE-YEAR WARRANTY for registered devices (two years if unregistered).
Keep game installs, saves, and captures distinct
Moving or deleting an installed game is separate from managing saved data and screenshots or video clips. Sony’s storage guide lists different storage options by data type: PS5 game saves are listed for cloud storage; PS4 game saves are listed for cloud or USB; screenshots and clips are listed for USB. Sony ties cloud storage to PlayStation Plus. Check the relevant category in Settings > Storage before deleting data, especially if you are trying to preserve progress or captures.
Format USB storage carefully
Formatting a drive as USB extended storage erases the data on it. Sony warns that erased data cannot be recovered, so back up or remove any important files before formatting. Follow Sony’s setup and formatting instructions for the drive.
Quick Recap
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