Start at Settings > Storage and check which games and applications are using the most space. The safest free fix is usually to remove an installed game you can download again later—not its saved data. If you want to keep games installed, choose storage based on what you play: USB extended storage can run PS4 games, while PS5 games need console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD to launch.
Check what is taking up space before you delete anything
Open Settings > Storage on your console. Review the categories and identify large games or applications you are willing to remove or move. This makes it easier to free enough room without touching data you meant to keep.
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Sony says deleted purchases and applications can be downloaded again from your Library. That restores the application, but it is separate from managing saved data. Before deleting any save, check where it is stored and whether it has been synced or backed up.
On PS5, Sony lists PS5 saved data in cloud storage and PS4 saved data in cloud storage or on USB. The PS4 storage guide likewise handles saved-data management separately from deleting applications. See Sony’s PS5 storage guide and PS4 storage guide.
#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 where the game should live
| Option | Can launch a PS5 game from it? | Can launch a PS4 game from it? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete the installed game | No; download and install it again first. | No; download and install it again first. | Freeing space when you can download the game later. |
| USB extended storage | No; copy the PS5 game to console storage or M.2 SSD first. | Yes. | Playing PS4 games or archiving PS5 games. |
| Compatible PS5 M.2 SSD | Yes. | Yes. | Adding storage that can keep PS5 games playable without copying them back. |
| PS4 internal HDD upgrade | Not applicable. | Yes, after installation. | Increasing storage capacity on a PS4. |
If you only need temporary room, delete and redownload
When you are comfortable downloading a game again later, deleting its installation is the simplest no-cost option. Use the storage screen to choose an installed game or application, and keep saved-data management separate. Sony’s Library instructions are in its PS5 guide and PS4 guide.
Use USB storage for PS4 games or PS5 archives
Playing PS4 games from USB
PS4 games can be stored and played from USB extended storage on both PS4 and PS5. Sony recommends using external storage for PS4 games on PS5 to leave the console’s internal space available for PS5 games. Check Sony’s instructions for USB extended storage on PS4 and getting a PS5 ready.
Archiving a PS5 game on USB
A PS5 game can be moved to USB extended storage, but it cannot launch from there. To play it, move or copy it back to PS5 console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD. This can still be useful if you want to avoid redownloading a large game, but expect a transfer before playing.
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
For PS5 extended storage, Sony specifies a USB 3.0-or-later drive with a capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB. Not every device is guaranteed to work, and Sony says not to connect the drive through a USB hub. For PS4, the requirements are 250 GB to 8 TB, SuperSpeed USB (5 Gbps or later), and system software 4.50 or later; only one extended-storage device can be active at a time, and Sony does not guarantee proper operation with every external HDD model. Review the relevant PS5 preparation guide or PS4 USB storage guide before choosing a drive.
Formatting a USB drive as extended storage erases its existing contents, so back up files first. Use the console’s safe-removal flow before disconnecting it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Add an M.2 SSD if you want PS5 games playable from extra storage
A supported M.2 SSD is the add-on option that can store and launch PS5 games without first copying them back to the console’s built-in storage. Before buying one, check Sony’s current requirements for the interface, dimensions, capacity, speed, and cooling. M.2 SATA drives are unsupported, and Sony requires a heat-dissipation mechanism; the drive and cooling structure must fit the console. A headline speed alone does not establish that every drive will perform identically to the internal storage.
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).
Follow Sony’s installation and compatibility instructions in How to add an M.2 SSD to a PS5 console.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Consider an internal HDD upgrade for a PS4
Sony lists upgrading the internal HDD as an option for increasing PS4 system storage. The right replacement depends on the exact PS4 model; confirm your console revision and drive fit, then follow Sony’s replacement procedure in its PS4 storage guide. The guide does not establish one replacement drive as suitable for every PS4 revision.
Quick Recap
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