Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If a large game will not install, the fastest no-cost fix is to uninstall a game or app you are not using. You can reinstall purchased games later. If you want to keep games stored locally instead, choose storage that matches your console—and check whether the game can launch from it or must be copied back first.
First, find what is using your console storage
On PS5
Open Settings > Storage to see space used by games, media, and saved data. To remove an installed game or app, open Console Storage > Games and Apps, select an item you are not playing, and delete it. Sony says purchased games and apps can be downloaded again from your game library.
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On Xbox
Open the console’s storage-management interface and look for an unplayed game or removable content to uninstall. Xbox lists uninstalling games as a way to make room, but the official guidance cited here does not specify a current menu path, so labels may vary by console and software version.
Choose between deleting a game and keeping it on extra storage
| Option | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Delete and reinstall later | Making room immediately without buying an accessory | The game must be installed again before you can play it. Sony says purchased games and apps remain available through the game library. Sony’s PS5 storage instructions. |
| External USB storage | Keeping less-used games stored locally | On PS5, PS5 games on USB extended storage must be copied back to console storage or an M.2 SSD before playing; PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. Xbox lists an external hard drive as a storage option, but the cited Xbox guidance does not establish playback rules for every game type and console. Sony’s USB extended storage guidance; Xbox getting-started guide. |
| PS5-compatible M.2 SSD | Expanding storage for games you want to download, keep, and launch | Sony documents compatible M.2 storage for downloading, storing, managing, and playing PS5 and PS4 games. Check Sony’s requirements for the specific drive before buying or installing it. Sony’s M.2 SSD installation and compatibility guidance. |
| Xbox Series X|S expansion card | Adding Series X|S storage for direct game installation and play | Xbox Wire describes the card as supporting installation, direct play, and moving or copying games between storage. It is a console-specific expansion option, distinct from an ordinary external hard drive. Verify compatibility with your console model. Xbox Wire’s expansion-card explanation. |
What to expect from USB storage on PS5
A USB extended storage drive can hold PS5 game data and free internal space, but it does not let you launch a PS5 game directly. To play that game, copy it back to console storage or an installed M.2 SSD. PS4 games stored on the same kind of drive can be played directly from USB extended storage. See Sony’s USB extended storage instructions for setup and requirements.
#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.
When a storage expansion makes sense
For PS5: add a compatible M.2 SSD
If you regularly run out of room and want games to remain installed and playable from added storage, a compatible M.2 SSD is the PS5 option documented for downloading, storing, and launching games. Compatibility and performance requirements apply; check Sony’s M.2 SSD requirements before choosing a drive.
For Xbox Series X|S: distinguish a card from an external drive
Xbox identifies both an external hard drive and a Series X|S storage expansion card as space options. Xbox Wire describes the card as supporting direct game installation and play, along with moving or copying games. Do not assume an ordinary external drive has the same behavior for every game type; the cited Xbox material does not spell out those rules. Check the current compatibility details for your console and the storage product before purchase.
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
A quick decision rule
- Need room now and do not need the old game installed? Uninstall it; on PS5, purchased games can be downloaded again from the library.
- Want to keep games on a USB drive? On PS5, treat it as storage for PS5 games that you will copy back when you want to play; PS4 games can run from USB extended storage.
- Want added storage from which games can launch? For PS5, check compatible M.2 SSDs. For Xbox Series X|S, consider the console-specific expansion card and verify model compatibility.
Upfront cost, whether a game stays installed, direct-play support, and console compatibility are the useful comparison points. The official sources cited here do not establish current accessory prices.
Quick Recap
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).
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.
