Yes. A PS4 game installed on a compatible M.2 SSD can be played on a PS5 when the SSD is installed in the console’s M.2 expansion slot. Compatible PS4 games can also launch directly from USB extended storage, so you do not need an M.2 drive just to play PS4 titles.
How PS4 games work on PS5 M.2 storage
Sony says an M.2 SSD installed in a PS5 can be used to download, copy, and launch PS4 games. The drive must be installed in the console’s expansion slot and formatted for use with the PS5; a loose M.2 drive or one still installed in another device is not a plug-in storage option.
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M.2 storage is also able to store and launch PS5 games. By contrast, PS5 games on USB extended storage must be moved to the console’s internal storage or an installed M.2 SSD before they can be played.
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| Storage location | Play PS4 games from it? | Play PS5 games from it? | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 internal storage | Yes | Yes | Built into the console. |
| Compatible M.2 SSD installed in PS5 | Yes | Yes | Uses the expansion slot and must meet Sony’s compatibility and physical-fit requirements. |
| USB extended storage | Yes, for compatible PS4 games | No; move the game to console storage or M.2 before playing | External connection; Sony specifies SuperSpeed USB of at least 5 Gbps and 250 GB to 8 TB capacity, but does not guarantee every drive will work. |
If your main goal is playing PS4 games and you prefer not to open the console, USB extended storage is a valid alternative. For an M.2 purchase, check the full Sony requirements rather than relying only on a product label such as “NVMe” or “with heatsink.”
#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.
What M.2 SSD works with PS5?
Sony’s compatibility guidance, accessed October 7, 2026, calls for an M.2 NVMe SSD with a PCIe Gen4 x4 interface (Key M). M.2 SATA drives are not supported. Sony recommends a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s and supports capacities from 250 GB to 8 TB.
- Cooling: A cooling structure, such as a heatsink, is required. The SSD and cooling structure must fit within Sony’s slot dimensions.
- Length: Supported module sizes are 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110).
- Thickness and width: Sony sets limits for the drive and its cooling structure; use the official dimensional table to check the complete assembly.
- Drive sides: Both single-sided and double-sided SSDs are supported, but heatsink dimensions can affect fit.
Sony warns that meeting the listed specifications does not guarantee a third-party SSD will work. Consult Sony’s PS5 M.2 SSD installation and compatibility guidance for the full fit requirements and installation details. If a game has problems running from M.2 storage, Sony advises moving it to the console’s internal SSD.
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).
What to expect from loading and saved data
Sony’s PlayStation Blog FAQ, published November 9, 2020, says PS4 and PlayStation VR games load more quickly when stored on and played from the PS5 internal SSD than when played from USB, but they do not use the SSD’s full next-generation capabilities. Sony provides no quantified loading-time comparison in that statement, so it does not establish a specific speed advantage for M.2 over USB.
Game installations and save files are separate. Moving a PS4 game’s installation data to M.2 or USB storage does not, by itself, move its saved data. Sony’s storage-management guidance lists separate locations and options for game data and saved data: PS5 USB extended storage and managing PS5 storage.
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.
Can PS5 play PS4 games from an external hard drive?
Yes, compatible PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage connected to the PS5. Sony specifies SuperSpeed USB at 5 Gbps or faster and a capacity of 250 GB to 8 TB, while noting that not every USB drive is guaranteed to work. See Sony’s USB extended-storage requirements before choosing a drive.
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.
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).
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