When your PS5 internal SSD is full, the no-purchase fix is to delete games or applications you can download again later, or to remove optional content from a game if its menu allows it. If you want more games installed and ready to play, add a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD. USB extended storage works as an archive for PS5 games and can run PS4 games directly, but a PS5 game on USB must be copied back to the console or an M.2 SSD before you can play it.
The title says “save games,” and that phrase covers two different things. Installed game data and saved progress follow separate rules on PS5. Moving or deleting a game does not by itself move its save, so the sections below treat them separately.
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Start with Settings > Storage
Before buying anything, find out what is taking up the space. Sony’s guide to managing PS5 console storage (PlayStation Support, “How to manage PS5 console storage space”) starts from the Storage screen. The steps are:
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Identify games and applications you can download again later. These are the easiest space to recover.
- Before deleting a large game, select it and look for a Customize control. Some games let you remove selected data, such as unused add-ons or completed sections, while keeping the rest of the game installed.
Deleting games costs you nothing permanent
Sony states that deleting a purchased game does not remove your access to it. In the storage guide, Sony puts it this way: “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.” The trade-off is time. The game has to be downloaded again before you can play it, so this route works best for titles you finish once and do not return to often.
#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.
Option two: add a compatible M.2 SSD
An M.2 SSD installed in the console’s expansion slot lets you download, update and play PS5 games from the added storage. Sony’s M.2 installation guide (PlayStation Support, “How to add an M.2 SSD to a PS5 console”, en-ca locale) sets the requirements below.
| Requirement | Sony’s stated value |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCI-Express Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe SSD (Key M). M.2 SATA SSDs are not supported. |
| Capacity | 250 GB to 8 TB |
| Form factors | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 |
| Maximum width | 25 mm |
| Maximum thickness | 11.25 mm, including heat-dissipation hardware |
| Sequential read speed | 5,500 MB/s or faster recommended |
| Cooling | Effective heat dissipation required, such as a heatsink and heat-transfer sheet |
Three caveats matter before you buy. Sony says not every game necessarily performs identically to the internal SSD. It also says it cannot guarantee that every third-party drive meeting the listed specifications will work. Finally, the heatsink counts toward the 11.25 mm thickness limit, so check the full assembled height, not just the bare drive.
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).
Option three: USB extended storage
USB extended storage is a lower-cost way to hold games you play occasionally. Sony’s guide (PlayStation Support, “USB extended storage on PlayStation 5 consoles”) lists these requirements:
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- A SuperSpeed USB connection rated at 5 Gbps or later
- A capacity of 250 GB to 8 TB
- A direct connection to the console. Sony says not to connect the drive through a USB hub.
- Sony cautions that not all devices are guaranteed to work.
How the drive behaves depends on the generation of the game. PS5 games on USB extended storage are archived. To play one, copy it back to console storage or an M.2 SSD first. PS4 games can be played directly from the USB drive.
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.
Compare the three routes
| Route | Needs new hardware | Plays PS5 games from it | Plays PS4 games from it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delete and re-download | No | Only after re-downloading to the console | Only after re-downloading to the console |
| Compatible M.2 NVMe SSD | Yes | Yes, from the M.2 drive | Not addressed in Sony’s M.2 guide |
| USB extended storage | Yes | No. Copy back to console or M.2 storage first. | Yes, directly from the drive |
Choose by what you need. If you want to free space and do not need every installed game, deletion is the answer. If you want more games playable at once, the M.2 route is the one that keeps PS5 titles ready to launch. If you want a cheap place to park PS5 games you play now and then, or you mostly play PS4 titles, USB works, but expect to copy PS5 games back before playing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Saves follow different rules
Protecting progress is a separate task from freeing space.
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).
- PS5 saved data: Sony lists PlayStation Plus cloud storage as the save destination. Its storage guide does not list USB extended storage or M.2 SSD storage as places PS5 saves go.
- PS4 saved data: Sony lists cloud storage and copying saves to a standard USB drive.
Because a game’s installation and its save are handled separately, do not assume that freeing space or moving a game to another drive carries its progress with it. For PS5 progress, cloud storage is the route Sony documents.
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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.
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