The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →On your PS5, open Settings > Storage to see how much console storage is free and what is using it. If you have an M.2 SSD installed, check it separately under Settings > Storage > M.2 SSD Storage. If space is tight, you can manage installed games, delete titles you can download again, or choose storage based on whether you want PS5 games playable without moving them first.
Check how much PS5 storage is free
- From the PS5 home screen, open Settings.
- Select Storage to view available console space and storage use by category.
- Open Console Storage > Games and Apps to review installed games and applications and decide what to manage.
For the menu path and available storage-management controls, see PlayStation’s PS5 console storage guide.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Free space by managing installed games
In Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, select installed items you no longer need. PlayStation says deleted games and applications can be downloaded again from your game library, so deleting an installation does not mean you must buy the game again. Re-downloading does require access to your account and a suitable internet connection.
Some games let you remove selected components, such as add-ons, rather than deleting everything. If the game-management screen offers Customize, check whether it lists components you do not use before removing the whole title.
#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.
Choose storage by whether you want to play PS5 games from it
| Option | Play PS5 games directly from it? | How it fits |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 console storage | Yes | Built-in storage; manage it in Settings > Storage. |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | Yes | Can store and play PS5 and PS4 games. Check PlayStation’s current requirements for your specific console before buying. |
| USB extended storage | No | Can store compatible PS5 and PS4 games. Move PS5 games back to console storage or an M.2 SSD to play them; PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. |
PlayStation explains the functional differences in its PS5 and PS4 storage solutions guide. The better fit depends on whether you want games ready to launch or are content to archive PS5 titles and transfer them back when needed. Deleting and re-downloading may also be adequate if your internet connection and play habits make that convenient.
Check an installed M.2 SSD separately
If your console has an M.2 SSD, open Settings > Storage > M.2 SSD Storage to see its available space and manage games on it. An M.2 drive is a separate storage location from Console Storage, so checking only the console screen will not tell you how much space remains on the expansion drive.
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
Before purchasing an M.2 SSD, confirm that the commercially available drive meets PlayStation’s current specifications for your PS5 model. PlayStation’s M.2 SSD installation guide describes the requirements and installation process. Do not assume that any M.2 drive is compatible.
Keep saves and captures distinct from game installations
Saved data and screenshots or video clips are managed separately from installed game files. PlayStation says PS5 and PS4 saves can use PlayStation Plus cloud storage; PS4 saves can also be copied to a regular USB drive. Screenshots and video clips can be copied to USB subject to the limits in PlayStation’s storage management instructions.
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).
A regular USB drive used to copy saves or captures is not automatically configured as USB extended storage. These are different uses of USB storage, so follow the relevant console instructions for the data type you want to move.
Quick Recap
Which option should you use?
- You need just a little room: Review Games and Apps and remove an unused title or an optional component if the game offers that choice.
- You want more space and PS5 games playable from it: Consider a compatible M.2 SSD, after checking the current requirements for your console.
- You mainly want to archive PS5 games or play PS4 games from an external drive: USB extended storage can fit, but archived PS5 games must be moved back before playing.
- You are deciding whether to buy another game: Check free space first, then consider whether deleting and downloading a game again suits your connection and routine.
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.
