Open Settings > Storage on your PS5 to see what is taking up space. Then delete a game you can reinstall later, remove optional game content when Customize is available, or move games to another storage location. If you want to keep PS5 games installed on a drive and launch them from it, use a compatible M.2 SSD; USB extended storage can archive PS5 games, but they must be copied back before play.
Check what is using storage first
Go to Settings > Storage. The Storage screen breaks usage down by categories such as games, media and saved data, helping you choose what to remove rather than deleting blindly. The menu labels and guidance below follow PlayStation Support pages accessed October 4, 2026; those pages do not display a publication or revision date. PlayStation’s storage management guide
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose the quickest fix for this install
| Option | Keep the game installed? | Can launch a PS5 game directly from there? | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete a game or app | No | No; install it again first | Purchased items remain available to download from Game Library. A disc may be required to play a disc game, and reinstalling takes time. PlayStation Support |
| Remove customizable content | Yes, in part | Yes, for the remaining installed portions supported by the game | Only available for games that show Customize; you can remove unused add-ons or completed portions. PlayStation Support |
| USB extended storage | Yes, on the drive | No for PS5 games; yes for PS4 games | Copy a PS5 game back to console or M.2 storage before playing it. PlayStation Support |
| M.2 SSD storage | Yes, on the drive | Yes, for PS5 and PS4 games | The drive must meet PlayStation’s interface, size, capacity and cooling requirements; listed specs do not guarantee every third-party drive will work. PlayStation Support |
Delete a game or app you can download again
- Open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Select one or more items you no longer need installed.
- Choose Delete.
Deleting a purchased game does not remove it from your account. PlayStation says deleted games and apps can be downloaded again from Game Library. As PlayStation Support puts it, “Don’t worry, you won’t lose access to any deleted games or applications — you can re-download your purchases from your game library whenever you like.” PlayStation’s storage management guide A disc game may still require its disc to play, and downloading or reinstalling is not an instant substitute for the installed copy.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Remove only optional content when a game allows it
In Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, look for Customize beside a game’s name. If the option appears, select unused add-ons or portions you have finished to remove that data while keeping the supported remainder installed. Customize is not offered for every game. PlayStation Support
#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 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.
Move games instead of deleting them
From Game Library, highlight a game, press Options, then choose Move Games and Apps. Select an available storage destination. The right choice depends on whether you want to launch a PS5 game without moving it again.
USB extended storage: archive PS5 games, play PS4 games
PlayStation Support states, “PlayStation®5 games can’t be played directly from USB extended storage.” Copy an archived PS5 title back to console storage or M.2 storage before launching it; PS4 games can run directly from USB extended storage. PlayStation’s USB extended storage guide
Rank #2
- Unleash Upgraded power - Employing PCIe Gen4x4 High Speed Interface, SIX X7400 nvme m.2 ssd confer it UP to 7350MB/s read speeds. With faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth and throughput.
- Work and Play - Whether you pursue science or culture, X7400 m.2 ssd 1TB accentuates ferocious performance for heavy computing and immersive gameplay. Get up to 40% fast performance for heavy-duty applications in data analytics, content creation, gaming and more.
- Match ur Next-level M.2 SSD - Compatibility ready for laptop, desktop or PS5 storage expansion, X7400 internal 1TB ssd is easy to install to extend lifecycle and storage. Speed up your bootups, file transfers, and game loads for tech-savvy users or hardcore gamer.
- Purpose Built - SIX X7400 m.2 nvme ssd ps5 is built for achieving immersive gameplay, experiencing uninterrupted gameplay and incredibly short load times. Breathe in. Focus. Breathe out, X7400 lightning-fast loading are ready for your final boss.
- 5 Years Limited Warranty & What u Get - Your X7400 nvme m.2 ssd is safeguarded for 5 years by SIX Limited Warranty Service. To improve your installation experience, X7400 provide all you need for installation(such as screw, screwdrivers, heatsink and so on).
For USB extended storage, PlayStation lists SuperSpeed USB at 5 Gbps or later and capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB. Do not connect the drive through a USB hub; not all devices are guaranteed to work. Formatting the drive erases its data, so back up important files first. PlayStation Support
M.2 SSD: keep PS5 games ready to launch
A compatible M.2 SSD can store and launch PS5 and PS4 games. PlayStation’s requirements include a PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe drive with 250 GB–8 TB capacity; supported form factors are 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110, with width up to 25 mm and total thickness up to 11.25 mm including the cooling structure. Sony recommends sequential read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or faster and effective heat dissipation, such as a heatsink or heat transfer sheet. M.2 SATA is unsupported. Meeting the listed specifications does not guarantee that every third-party drive will work, and game performance may differ from the internal SSD. PlayStation’s M.2 SSD installation guide
Rank #3
- 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.
Installing an M.2 drive requires opening the expansion slot and formatting the new drive, which erases data on it. The physical installation steps vary by PS5 model group, so follow PlayStation’s model-specific instructions rather than improvising.
Manage storage remotely when you are away from the console
PlayStation says the PlayStation App can manage the console’s internal storage, including freeing room remotely when a download needs space. The support page confirms this capability but does not give detailed in-app menu steps. PlayStation App features
Rank #4
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
Do not confuse saves and captures with game installs
Saved data and captures have different storage destinations from installed games. PlayStation’s storage guidance says PS5 saves use PlayStation Plus cloud storage; PS4 saves can use cloud storage or USB. Screenshots and video clips can be copied to USB, but media cannot be copied from USB back to console storage. PlayStation Support
A USB drive used for captures or PS4 saves is not the same setup as USB extended storage: PlayStation describes the former as FAT- or exFAT-formatted and not formatted as USB extended storage. PlayStation Support
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
- Versatile applications for demanding users: Designed for gamers, video editors, and AI creators who require blazing-fast storage speeds for intensive workloads including 3D rendering, 4K gaming, and content creation tasks.
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.
