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How Do You Move PS5 Games to M.2 Storage?

Move installed PS5 games to an M.2 SSD using Game Library, or set M.2 storage as the destination for new downloads. Check compatibility and format requirements first.
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With a compatible M.2 SSD installed and formatted, move a PS5 game from Game Library: highlight the installed game, press Options, choose Move Games and Apps, select the game, then choose Move. If USB extended storage is connected too, select the Movable to M.2 SSD Storage tab to choose the right destination. Sony’s PS5 M.2 SSD support guide covers the menu and installation requirements.

Move an installed game to M.2 storage

  1. Open Game Library on your PS5 and highlight the installed game or app you want to move.
  2. Press the controller’s Options button, then choose Move Games and Apps.
  3. Select the game or games to move. If USB extended storage is also connected, open the Movable to M.2 SSD Storage tab.
  4. Choose Move and wait for the transfer to finish.

The M.2 SSD must already be installed in the console and formatted before it can be used for storage. Sony’s menu labels and instructions are documented in its M.2 SSD guide.

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Set M.2 storage as the destination for new downloads

To change where future games are installed, go to Settings > Storage > Installation Location and choose the desired location. This changes the destination for new downloads; it does not move games that are already installed.

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What you need before installing an M.2 SSD

Check the drive specifications

Sony’s US support guide specifies a PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a Key M connector and capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB. Supported form factors are 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110. The drive must be no wider than 25 mm, use one of the supported lengths (30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm), and measure no more than 11.25 mm thick including its cooling parts—up to 8.0 mm above the board and 2.45 mm below it.

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  • 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 4TB[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.

Sony recommends sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s and requires effective heat dissipation, such as a heatsink and heat-transfer sheet. Any cooling structure must fit within the console’s dimensional limits. Sony states, “M.2 SATA SSDs aren’t supported.” Meeting the published specifications does not guarantee that a particular drive will work or perform like the PS5’s internal SSD; Sony Interactive Entertainment makes that qualification in its M.2 support guide. Check the current requirements before buying, since compatibility guidance may change.

Prepare for installation and formatting

Installation steps differ by PS5 model group. Sony lists a #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver among the required supplies. On first use, the console prompts you to format the M.2 SSD. Formatting erases all data on that drive, so back up anything you need before continuing. Follow Sony’s model-specific instructions in its installation guide.

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Choose between M.2, USB storage, and deleting games

Option Play PS5 games directly from it? When it makes sense
Internal M.2 SSD Yes You want more storage while keeping PS5 games ready to play.
USB extended storage No. PS5 games can be stored there, but must be moved back to console storage or M.2 storage to play. Compatible PS4 games can play directly from USB extended storage. You want to keep PS5 games without using internal space and do not mind transferring them back before playing.
Delete a game or app No, until it is downloaded and installed again. You only need to free space. Sony says purchased games can be downloaded again from Game Library.

Sony explains the distinctions in its storage overview and PS5 storage-management guide.

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Check space or remove games

Open Settings > Storage to see used and available space. To make room without adding a drive, delete games or apps you no longer need; you can download purchased titles again from Game Library, as described in Sony’s storage-management instructions.

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  • Cheetah-like explosive speed: The 2tb PS5 Storage Expansion boasts the racing performance of a cheetah, mainly used to accelerate program processing. With the explosive acceleration of 7350MB/s, it achieves a powerful speed and eliminates compatibility issues. Additionally, this 2tb nvme m.2 ssd supports real-time saving during 3D rendering and enables fast 4K game loading. The ps5 ssd with heatsink is also compatible with the PS5 game console, making it easy and worry-free to install and play.
  • Stable and outstanding performance: The ps5 internal storage expansion ssd features HMB + dynamic SLC cache, achieving a synergy between software and hardware. The 2tb ps5 hard drive ssd has a read/write speed of up to 7350/6600MB/s, providing ultimate burst power for efficient, stable, and smooth loading - an excellent choice for professionals.
  • Multi-layer heat dissipation structure design: The 2tb nvme m.2 ssd adopts unique dual-surface heat dissipation technology. Its innovative multi-layer internal design effectively increases the heat dissipation area compared to the standard single-layer heat sink. This structural advantage ensures excellent heat transfer and rapid heat dissipation. Additionally, it is equipped with a metal heat dissipation shell. The multi-layer structure heat dissipation design guarantees a stable and long-lasting operation at ultra-high speeds.
  • PCIe 4.0 interface compatibility: The 2tb ps5 memory storage SSD can achieve the maximum speed only through PCIe 4.0. For external hard drive enclosures, USB usually limits the speed.
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Rank #3
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN
  • 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.

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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