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There is no separate “PS5 Prism” console or Prism-only migration tool. The Prism Collection, announced on 28 October 2026, is a cosmetic range of transparent DualSense controllers and PS5 console covers, so moving to a Prism-styled PS5 uses the normal PlayStation transfer features. If both consoles work, use Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer; it can copy users, PS5-playable games, saves, captures, and console settings. PlayStation Plus cloud storage is for saves, USB Backup and Restore can make a full copy but erases the destination when restored, and an existing USB extended-storage drive or M.2 SSD can avoid recopying installed games. Keep the old console intact until you have checked the new one.
At a glance
| Name | Best for | Key spec | Free plan / price | Platforms | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Transfer | Moving a working console to another PS5 | Users, PS5-playable games, saves, captures, and settings; skips data already on the destination | No PlayStation Plus; LAN cable sold separately if used | PS5 to PS5; PS4 to PS5 | Oct 2026 |
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | Moving saves when the old console is unavailable | 100 GB PS5 saves, 100 GB PS4 saves, and up to 1,000 PS4 save files | PlayStation Plus membership required; plan price not stated | PS5 and PS4 saves | Oct 2026 |
| USB Backup and Restore | Creating a full console image | Games, apps, saves, captures, and settings; restoring erases destination data | Compatible FAT32 or exFAT USB drive; price not stated | PS5 backup to PS5 restore | Oct 2026 |
| Reuse USB extended storage | Avoiding a network copy of installed games | 250 GB minimum, 8 TB maximum; PS5 games must be copied back before play | Drive required; price not stated | PS4 and PS5 games on PS5 | Oct 2026 |
| Move an M.2 SSD | Keeping games installed on an expansion SSD | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, 250 GB–8 TB; 5,500 MB/s sequential-read speed recommended | Compatible M.2 SSD and screwdriver required; price not stated | PS5 to PS5 | Oct 2026 |
The table compares what each route actually moves. A LAN or Wi-Fi Data Transfer is additive: content already on the destination is not copied again. A backup restore is different because it replaces the destination’s existing data.
What is a “PS5 Prism,” and does it change the transfer process?
The Prism Collection is a styling range, not a new PS5 hardware generation. Sony Interactive Entertainment announced three transparent DualSense wireless controllers and matching console covers in Flare Orange, Emerald Green, and Graphite Gray on 28 October 2026. The recommended retail price is $84.99 USD, €84.99, £74.99, or ¥12,480 including tax for a controller, and $74.99 USD, €74.99, £64.99, or ¥9,980 including tax for a set of console covers.
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What should I do before starting?
Prepare both systems before opening the transfer screen. Most failures come from an account mismatch, outdated system software, an incomplete trophy sync, or a console being switched off during the copy.
- Use the same PlayStation account: sign in to that account on the destination PS5. A backup is linked to the account that created it, and a cloud download requires the account that owns the saved data.
- Update both consoles: install the latest available system software on the source and destination.
- Sync trophies: trophies are not included in a USB backup, so synchronize them before moving or initializing the old console.
- Connect both consoles to the same network: Wi-Fi works. If the household normally uses Wi-Fi, a commercially available LAN cable usually makes Data Transfer faster. If both consoles are already wired to the network, Sony says there is no need to connect the consoles directly with another cable.
- Keep power stable: do not turn either console off, change network settings, or run an internet-connection test while Data Transfer is active. Sony warns that interruption can damage or lose data.
- Leave the source accessible: the old PS5 must be powered on for Data Transfer, but it does not need to remain connected to a television.
Have a USB drive ready only if you are making a separate backup. A USB drive used for PS5 game extended storage is not the same thing as a FAT32 or exFAT drive used for a console backup.
How do I transfer everything from one PS5 to another PS5?
Use Sony’s built-in Data Transfer when both consoles are available. It is the most complete and least destructive route: the destination restarts during the process, but it does not erase content that is already stored there.
- Sign in and update. On the source and destination, sign in to the same PlayStation account and install the latest system software. Sync trophies on the source.
- Put both consoles on the same network. Use Wi-Fi, or connect them with LAN cables. If the consoles normally use Wi-Fi, Sony specifically recommends a LAN cable to speed the transfer.
- Open the transfer tool on the destination. Go to Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer > Continue.
- Follow the identification prompts. Keep the source PS5 powered on when the destination searches for it. Enter the same login passcode on the destination if the source account uses one.
- Select the content and start. Follow the on-screen choices for users, games, saved data, captures, and settings. Do not unplug, power off, change network settings, or run a connection test.
- Let the restart happen. The destination PS5 restarts during transfer. Some game data continues copying afterward. Sony shows progress in Control Center > Downloads/Uploads.
- Use ready games while the rest copies. When a game is ready, its thumbnail appears in Games home and it can be launched even while other selected data is still moving.
What transfers from a PS5 source?
Sony lists the following items for a PS5-to-PS5 transfer:
- User and account information for all users, including users who never signed in on the source PS5
- Saved data from games playable on PS5
- Screenshots and video clips
- Games playable on PS5
- Console settings, including language, login, and power-saving settings
- Login passcodes, when you enter the same passcode on the destination
Content already stored on the destination is not transferred again. One source console can be used for a destination PS5 in this process.
How long will PS5 Data Transfer take?
Sony publishes no official duration estimate. A large library can take hours over Wi-Fi according to Asurion’s 8 June 2026 guidance, while a wired LAN connection is generally faster; those are practical observations, not a Sony time guarantee. Digital Trends has described a 30-minute PS5-to-PS5 Pro example, but that is not an official measurement and should not be used as a promise for your library.
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How do I transfer from a PS4 to a PS5?
A PS4 can send PS5-playable games, relevant saved data, users, and settings, but the options depend on whether the destination PS5 is still in first-time setup.
During the PS5’s first-time setup
When setup reaches the data-transfer stage, follow the prompts with the PS4 powered on and connected to the same network. During this stage, Sony allows user and account information for users who have signed in on the PS4, saved data for PS5-playable games, PS5-playable games, and console settings to move.
A child account cannot transfer during the destination’s initial setup by itself. Sony’s workarounds are to complete the child account’s initial setup and transfer afterward, or use an adult account for initial setup and transfer both the adult and child accounts during that process.
After the new PS5 is already set up
On the destination, go to Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer > Continue and follow the prompts. After setup, a PS4 source can transfer saved data and PS5-playable games only for the user who is logged in. User/account information and console settings from the PS4 do not transfer after the initial setup window.
How do I move saves with PlayStation Plus cloud storage?
Cloud storage is the practical fallback when the old console is unavailable or you only need saved data. It does not copy installed games, screenshots, video clips, or complete console settings. Sony’s current limits are 100 GB of PS5 saved data, 100 GB of PS4 saved data, and a maximum of 1,000 PS4 saved-data files.
Enable automatic upload on the old PS5
- Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode > Stay Connected to the Internet.
- Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
- Choose Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
- For PS5 games, select Sync Saved Data > Auto-Sync Saved Data > Enable Auto-Sync.
- For PS4 games, select Auto-Upload > Enable Auto-Upload.
Automatic updates must be enabled. PS5 saves synchronize the console and cloud to the most recent data. PS4 saves upload automatically, but downloads to the new PS5 are manual.
Download saves on the new PS5
- Sign in to the same PlayStation account that uploaded the saves.
- Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
- Choose Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
- Select Download or Delete from Cloud Storage > Download to Console Storage.
- Check each file’s timestamp before downloading. An older cloud file can replace newer local progress.
PlayStation Plus is not required for Data Transfer, PS4 save copies to USB, or a full USB backup. It is required for this cloud-storage method.
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Can I use a USB drive to move PS5 saves?
No. Sony states: “You can’t copy PS5 saved data from your PS5 console to a USB drive.” For PS5 saves, use Data Transfer, PlayStation Plus cloud storage, or a complete PS5 backup. A USB drive can copy PS4 saved data separately.
How do I copy PS4 saves to USB?
- On the source PS4, copy the relevant PS4 saved data to a compatible USB drive using the console’s saved-data management controls.
- Connect that drive to the PS5.
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive > Copy to Console Storage.
This route moves PS4 save files only. It does not transfer PS5 saves, installed games, screenshots, clips, or system settings.
How do I make a full USB backup and restore it?
USB Backup and Restore is useful when you want a broad snapshot of one PS5, but restoration is destructive. The backup can include games and apps, saved data, screenshots and video clips, and settings; all user data on the console is included. Trophies are excluded, so sync them first.
Create the backup
- Format or use a USB drive with a FAT32 or exFAT file system. The USB volume used for game extended storage has a different format and cannot hold this backup file.
- Connect the drive to the source PS5.
- Open Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore > Back Up Your PS5.
- Select the data types to include and choose Back Up.
- Allow the console to restart and finish. Do not turn it off while backing up.
Restore to the destination
- Make sure the destination system software is the same version as, or newer than, the version used for the backup.
- Sign in with the same PlayStation account linked to the backup.
- Connect the backup drive.
- Go to Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore > Restore Your PS5.
- Confirm the warning and leave the console powered on until it finishes.
Sony warns: “When restoring data, your PS5 console will erase all data saved on your console.” Erased destination data cannot be restored. A restore also disables Console Sharing and Offline Play; re-enable that setting afterward if other household accounts need access.
Games and apps stored on USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD are not contained in the backup file. Reconnect those drives or reinstall the games separately.
Can I avoid copying game installs over the network?
Yes. Reusing existing storage is often faster than recopying a large library, while saves and settings still come from Data Transfer or another save method.
Reuse USB extended storage
Sony requires SuperSpeed USB at 5 Gbps or faster, with 250 GB minimum and 8 TB maximum capacity. Do not use a USB hub, and use only one extended-storage drive at a time. A drive previously formatted as PS4 or PS5 extended storage can be connected to the new PS5 as-is.
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PS4 games can run directly from USB extended storage. PS5 games may be stored there, but they must be copied to console storage or compatible M.2 storage before they can be played.
Move an M.2 SSD between PS5 consoles
A supported M.2 drive uses PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, Key M, Socket 3, with 250 GB to 8 TB capacity. Sony recommends 5,500 MB/s sequential read speed and requires a heatsink or other cooling structure; M.2 SATA drives are not supported.
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- Turn off the source PS5 completely and disconnect it.
- Remove the M.2 SSD using the console’s expansion-bay procedure. A number 1 Phillips screwdriver is required.
- Install the drive in the destination PS5’s M.2 bay.
- Sign in to the same PlayStation account. Sony says formatting is not required when moving an M.2 SSD between two PS5 consoles.
Moving the drive preserves installed games, but it does not replace the need to move or download saved data and settings.
What happens to digital and disc games?
Digital games can be downloaded again from the destination PS5’s Game Library after you sign in to the purchasing account. Disc games install from their discs on the destination. A digital-only PS5 or a PS5 Pro without the add-on drive cannot install disc games unless the separately sold disc drive is fitted.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which transfer method should I choose?
| Situation | Recommended route | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Both PS5 consoles work and you want users, settings, saves, captures, and games | Data Transfer over LAN if possible | It is the official comprehensive method and does not erase data already on the destination. |
| The old console is unavailable but you have an active membership | Cloud storage | It retrieves saves without requiring the source console, but not games or settings. |
| You need a broad snapshot before replacing a console | USB Backup and Restore | It includes games, apps, saves, captures, and settings, but restoration wipes the destination. |
| Your games are already on a compatible external drive | Reconnect USB extended storage, then move saves separately | It avoids recopying installed games; PS5 titles still need console or M.2 storage to play. |
| Your games are on an M.2 SSD | Move the SSD, then transfer saves separately | Supported drives can move between PS5 consoles without formatting. |
| You only need PS4 saves and have no cloud membership | PS4 USB save copy | PS4 saves can be copied to USB; PS5 saves cannot. |
What should I check before wiping or selling the old PS5?
Do not initialize, reset, or sell the source console until the destination has been verified. Open each important game and confirm the expected save is present, check that user profiles can sign in, inspect the Games home and Game Library, and open a few screenshots or clips that matter.
- Confirm the latest save timestamp on the destination or in cloud storage.
- Verify that required digital games appear under the purchasing account.
- Check that transferred language, login, power-saving, and other settings are correct.
- Confirm that a USB backup completed, if you made one.
- Remove discs, USB drives, and any M.2 SSD you intend to keep before handing over the old console.
- Only after these checks should you initialize the old system.
How do I fix common transfer problems?
The destination cannot find the source
Confirm that both consoles are on the same local network, signed in as expected, and updated. If Wi-Fi discovery is unreliable, connect both systems to the network with LAN cables. The source must be powered on, although it does not need to be connected to a TV.
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The transfer seems stuck
Do not power off either console, change network settings, or start an internet connection test while the transfer is running. Check Control Center > Downloads/Uploads on the destination; some game data continues after the automatic restart.
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A save is missing or older than expected
Check whether the game is a PS4 or PS5 version, then inspect cloud timestamps before downloading. For PS4 saves, use Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive if you made a USB copy. PS5 saves cannot be recovered from a normal USB save export.
The restore option rejects my backup
Install system software on the destination that is the same version or newer than the version used to create the backup. Ensure you are signed in to the account linked to that backup and remember that restore will erase the destination’s existing data.
My game is on the external drive but will not start
PS4 games can run from USB extended storage. PS5 games stored there must be copied to console storage or an M.2 SSD before play. Also check that the drive is connected directly, not through a USB hub.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer data if the old PS5 is not connected to a TV?
Yes. The source PS5 only needs to be powered on and reachable on the same network; Sony’s procedure does not require it to remain connected to a television. Keep its controller or power access available in case the console requests confirmation.
Will Prism console covers fit every PS5 model?
Compatibility is not established for every chassis. Sony’s cover instructions distinguish CFI-1000 from CFI-2000/7000 model groups, so verify the specific cover listing for your console before removing its existing shell.
Do screenshots and video clips move when I use cloud storage?
No. PlayStation Plus cloud storage is for saved data. Use Data Transfer or a full USB Backup and Restore to move captures, and confirm the destination library before deleting anything from the old console.
Can I keep using the old PS5 after starting Data Transfer?
Treat the source as occupied until the transfer finishes. Sony warns against switching either console off or changing network settings during the operation; wait for completion, then verify the destination before initializing the source.
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