iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To make room for GTA 6, start by checking the console’s free space and the game’s final store listing, then use the least disruptive option: delete a game you can redownload, archive games to supported external storage, or add compatible playable expansion storage. Rockstar’s support information confirms Grand Theft Auto VI for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, but does not publish a final download or installed-size figure. Do not buy storage or delete a specific amount of data based on an unverified number.
On PS5, the practical choices are deleting games, moving them to USB extended storage, or installing a compatible internal M.2 SSD. On Xbox Series X|S, use the console’s storage manager first, then consider an Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card if you need additional space from which current-generation games can remain ready to play.
What is known about the GTA 6 download size?
Rockstar’s support article, updated August 18, 2026, says Grand Theft Auto VI can be pre-ordered for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S and describes Standard and Ultimate editions. That material does not state how many gigabytes the download or installed game will require. Sony and Rockstar have therefore not provided a byte-size figure that can be used safely for cleanup planning.
When pre-loading becomes available, the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store listing is the authority for your edition and region. Check that listing again immediately before downloading. If it gives a required-space figure, leave additional free capacity rather than treating the number as a target with zero margin: installation, patches, and temporary unpacking can require room beyond the headline download size.
#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.
- 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.
The steps below prepare either console without assuming a size that has not been published.
Start with a storage audit
Record the free space before deleting anything
Open the console’s storage screen and note the available capacity. Recording the starting figure makes it easy to confirm that each action worked and prevents deleting more than necessary. Also look for screenshots, video clips, duplicate game installs, add-on content, and language packs. These can consume space even when the main game list does not immediately reveal why storage is full.
Protect saves and account access
- Synchronize saves through the console’s supported cloud-save process before uninstalling a game.
- For saves that are not synchronized, back them up using the console’s available backup method before deleting or resetting anything.
- Confirm that you can sign in to the account that owns each digital purchase. Deleting an installed copy removes local files, not the purchase entitlement.
- Never use a factory-reset or “Reset” option for ordinary cleanup. Resetting the console is a separate operation that can remove far more data than deleting selected games.
Free space on PS5 by deleting games
Use the Games and Apps storage screen
- Open Settings.
- Select Storage.
- Choose Console Storage, then Games and Apps.
- Sort the list by size if that view is available, so the largest titles are easy to identify.
- Select a game you no longer need installed and choose Delete.
Sony says a purchased game or application can be downloaded again from your game library after deletion. This is the fastest and cheapest way to create room, but it is temporary: you will need to download the game again before playing it. The later download also depends on your internet connection and the title still being available to your account or region.
Remove only optional components when the game supports it
Some titles expose separate campaign, multiplayer, texture, language, or other components. If the PS5 interface offers component management for a particular game, remove only packs you understand and confirm that the remaining installation still supports the mode you intend to play. A language pack that appears optional may be required for a selected audio or subtitle language. Component choices differ by game, so do not assume that a menu shown for one title applies to another.
What deletion does not do
Deleting an installed game does not erase the purchase right, but it also does not preserve the game’s local installation. Save files are managed separately from the game application; still, verify synchronization before removal because an unsynchronized save can be lost if it is stored only on the console. Do not select a full-console reset merely to remove a few large games.
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.
Archive PS5 games on USB extended storage
When USB storage is the right choice
A compatible USB extended-storage drive is useful when you want to keep a large game instead of deleting it while making room on the internal drive. It is an archive and transfer solution. It does not turn an ordinary USB drive into a place from which every PS5 game can run.
Format the drive safely
The PS5 must format a drive as extended storage before it can manage games there. Formatting erases data already on the drive, so copy any documents, photos, or other files you need to a different location first. Use a drive that meets the console’s current USB extended-storage requirements and connect it directly as instructed by Sony; avoid relying on an unpowered hub if the drive is unstable.
Recommended Free Tools
Move an installed game
- Open the game library and highlight the installed title.
- Press the controller’s Options button.
- Choose Move Games and Apps.
- Select the game or eligible components, choose the USB extended-storage destination, and confirm the move.
- Wait for the transfer to finish before disconnecting the drive.
Moving data creates internal space without requiring a new download. You can move games between the PS5 console’s storage, a connected USB extended-storage device, and an added M.2 SSD when the title and storage type support that operation.
Understand the playability limit
PS4 games can be played directly from compatible USB extended storage. PS5 games can be stored there, but Sony requires you to copy their game data back to PS5 console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD before playing. The transfer is normally quicker than downloading the entire game again, but it still takes time and requires enough free playable storage for the copy.
Add playable capacity to a PS5 with an M.2 SSD
What an M.2 SSD changes
A compatible internal M.2 SSD is the PS5 expansion type Sony documents for downloading, copying, and launching both PS5 and PS4 games. It is the more convenient long-term option when you want an expanded library that remains playable without moving titles back from USB storage.
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.
Check compatibility before buying
Do not choose an M.2 drive solely because it is labeled “NVMe” or because its capacity looks attractive. Sony’s current compatibility guidance covers the interface, physical dimensions, sequential-read performance, and heatsink clearance. The drive and any heatsink must fit the PS5’s expansion bay; a component that is too tall or too long can prevent the cover from closing or create installation problems.
- Confirm that the drive uses the required PCIe NVMe interface.
- Check the current Sony minimum sequential-read performance.
- Verify the supported width, length, and total height with the heatsink installed.
- Use a heatsink that meets Sony’s clearance limits if the SSD does not include one.
- Read the compatibility guidance for your PS5 model and system software version before purchase.
The search phrase PS5-compatible M.2 NVMe SSD 2TB can help you find suitable products, but “2TB” is only a capacity choice. It is not a claim about the eventual GTA 6 requirement.
Install and format the expansion
Back up important data, turn the PS5 off completely, and follow Sony’s hardware instructions for opening the expansion bay and securing the SSD. After the console recognizes the drive, it will prompt you to format it for PS5 use; formatting removes existing data on that SSD. Once formatted, select it as the installation location when you want future games or add-ons to use the expanded capacity.
Free space on Xbox Series X|S
Use the built-in storage manager first
- Open the Xbox storage-management area from the console’s settings.
- Review installed games and apps, sorting by size where the current interface provides that option.
- Identify games you can reinstall later and select the uninstall option.
- Keep the titles you play regularly and remove large games that are no longer active.
Microsoft maintains an official Manage storage guide, but the support page can render its instructions dynamically and menu wording can change with system updates, language, and console model. If your labels differ, follow the current on-console storage manager rather than an older screenshot. The purpose is the same: review installed content, remove selected titles, and retain the ability to reinstall them through the account that owns them.
Check saves before uninstalling
Allow the console’s supported cloud-sync process to finish before removing a game. If the console reports a synchronization problem, resolve it first and confirm that the newest save is available. Uninstalling the game application is different from deleting the account’s entitlement, but a save that exists only locally needs separate protection.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
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
Use an Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card
When an expansion card is preferable
An Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card is designed for additional capacity that can remain available for current-generation games. It is the appropriate expansion path when you want a larger ready-to-play library rather than an archive that requires frequent transfers.
Verify the exact card for your market
Card models and capacities can change by market. Check the current Xbox support page and the Microsoft or authorized retailer listing for your country before buying. Confirm that the listing explicitly identifies the product as an Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card and verify its capacity, warranty, and console compatibility.
The search phrase Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card is more reliable than choosing a generic USB drive by capacity alone. Do not assume that ordinary USB storage is equivalent playable storage for a current-generation title; check the individual game and the Xbox storage rules shown by the console.
Compare the cleanup options
| Option | Can GTA 6 or another PS5/Series game run directly from it? | How quickly it frees internal space | What happens when you want the game again | Cost and compatibility considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delete the installed game | No local copy remains to launch. | Immediate after deletion. | Download it again from your library; saves must be synchronized or backed up separately. | No purchase required; uses bandwidth and download time later. |
| PS5 USB extended storage | PS4 games: yes. PS5 games: no, copy them back to console or M.2 storage first. | After the transfer completes. | Move the PS5 game back, or play a PS4 title directly from the USB drive. | Drive must be compatible and formatted, which erases existing data. |
| PS5-compatible M.2 SSD | Yes, for supported PS5 and PS4 games. | After installation and formatting. | Game can remain installed and playable on the added SSD. | Requires a drive and heatsink that satisfy Sony’s current interface, speed, size, and clearance rules. |
| Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card | Designed to keep Series X|S games ready to play. | After the card is recognized and configured. | Leave the game on the card instead of redownloading or moving it. | Confirm the current model, capacity, and regional availability before purchase. |
| Generic USB storage on Xbox | Not automatically equivalent to playable expansion storage for current-generation games. | Depends on the game and transfer process. | You may need to move or reinstall the title according to Xbox’s rules. | Check the individual game and current console guidance before relying on it. |
A practical cleanup plan before pre-loading
- Check the store listing. When Rockstar or the platform store displays the GTA 6 download or required-space figure for your edition, record it and add a safety margin.
- Audit the console. Open PS5 Storage or the Xbox storage manager and identify the largest installed games, clips, screenshots, duplicate content, and optional packs.
- Remove low-priority installs. Uninstall games you can redownload and synchronize saves first.
- Archive instead of deleting. On PS5, move games to USB extended storage if you want to preserve the local files. Remember that PS5 games must be copied back before playing.
- Add playable expansion if needed. Choose a Sony-compatible M.2 SSD for PS5 or a verified Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card when you need additional always-ready capacity.
- Recheck free space. Return to the storage screen after each transfer or deletion and confirm that the available figure increased.
- Keep the console online and powered appropriately. A large download can take time; avoid disconnecting storage during transfers and do not interrupt an installation that is still verifying data.
Troubleshooting common storage problems
The PS5 still says there is not enough space
- Check the store listing for the required free space for your exact edition, not just the download size shown in a news post.
- Delete or move another large title and recheck Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Look for add-ons, duplicate versions, clips, and screenshots outside the game list.
- If an M.2 SSD is installed but unavailable, verify that it was detected and formatted by the PS5 and that the drive meets Sony’s current requirements.
- Leave extra room for installation and updates instead of filling the drive to its last available gigabyte.
A PS5 game will not launch from the USB drive
This is expected for PS5 games stored on USB extended storage. Use the library’s Options > Move Games and Apps command to copy the title to PS5 console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD. PS4 games can run directly from the USB drive when the drive and game are supported.
The PS5 cannot format the USB drive
Formatting erases the drive, so first confirm that important files are backed up elsewhere. Reconnect the drive directly to the console, check that it meets the PS5’s current extended-storage requirements, and try the format process again. If the drive contains irreplaceable data, do not proceed until you have another copy.
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.
Xbox storage labels do not match an online guide
Xbox menu names can change with system updates, language, and account configuration. Open the current storage-management area on the console and use its installed-games list rather than relying on an old image. For an expansion card, verify the model and capacity in your region’s current Microsoft or retailer listing.
A transfer is taking longer than expected
Moving a game from USB or an expansion device is different from downloading it. Keep the console and storage connected until the transfer completes, do not launch or unplug the drive during the operation, and check the storage screen afterward. If you deleted the title instead, the only recovery route is a new download from the game library or store.
Which option should you choose?
Choose deletion when the game is easy to redownload
Delete an installed game when you need space immediately, have a reliable connection, and do not expect to play that title soon. It has no hardware cost and avoids compatibility decisions, but you give up the local copy.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Choose PS5 USB storage when you want an archive
Use USB extended storage when you want to keep PS5 game files without occupying internal space and can tolerate copying them back before play. It is also suitable for playing supported PS4 games directly.
Choose an M.2 SSD or Xbox expansion card for an always-ready library
Install a compatible PS5 M.2 SSD or use the Xbox Series X|S Storage Expansion Card when repeated transfers would be inconvenient and you want games to remain launchable from the added storage. Compatibility checks matter more than a headline capacity: an incorrectly sized or unsupported device can waste money and still leave the console short of playable space.
Quick Recap
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.
