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There is no fixed PS5 USB game-copy time: Sony publishes no guaranteed duration, and the time depends on the amount of data, the drive and whether you are copying to or from USB. In Tom’s Hardware’s 2024 test, moving 193 GB from an external SSD back to PS5 internal storage took 26 minutes 30 seconds. That is a test-specific example, not a promise for your console or game.
How long does copying a PS5 game from USB take?
Plan for a large game to take many minutes, but do not treat any single figure as a reliable estimate for every setup. Sony’s support guidance explains how to copy games but does not give a standard time or transfer rate.
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Independent tests illustrate why a precise answer is difficult. Tom’s Guide reports that some PS5 game transfers from an HDD could take more than 30 minutes; its testers used a PS5, a drive and a stopwatch, but the figure is not a universal HDD estimate. In a separate 2024 test, Tom’s Hardware copied a 193 GB dataset from a Seagate external SSD to PS5 internal storage in 26 minutes 30 seconds. The setups and test conditions differ, so these results should not be compared as a controlled HDD-versus-SSD ranking.
Why the copy time changes
- Data size: A larger game installation means more data to move.
- Transfer direction: In Tom’s Hardware’s 2024 test, writing 193 GB from the PS5 to an external SSD took 16 minutes 14 seconds, while reading that data back to PS5 internal storage took 26 minutes 30 seconds. Those are results for one test configuration, not a general speed ratio.
- Drive and setup: The external drive and the console’s connection can affect the result. Sony’s compatibility and connection guidance should be checked for your console model and region.
There is no established, guaranteed minutes-per-gigabyte rate. The published examples come from different tests, so averaging them would not produce a dependable estimate for an individual transfer.
#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.
Copying a PS5 game from USB extended storage
PS5 games stored on USB extended storage are archived there; you must copy them to PS5 console storage or an installed M.2 SSD to play. Sony’s route is through Game Library:
- Open Game Library and select the installed game stored on USB extended storage.
- Press the Options button.
- Choose Copy to move the game to console storage. If an M.2 SSD is installed, use the storage-location tabs to identify the destination and items available to move.
Sony says reinstalling PS5 games from USB extended storage is faster than re-downloading them or copying them from a disc. That is a relative statement, not a measured transfer-time guarantee.
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
USB extended storage is not an ordinary USB file drive
Sony describes USB extended storage as a commercially available USB drive formatted for that purpose. Its support material specifies SuperSpeed USB and capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB. Check the current support page for your region and console model for connection requirements; not every USB device is compatible.
For PS5 games, USB extended storage is a place to keep games that you will copy back when you want to play. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. A separate ordinary USB drive formatted as FAT or exFAT can be used for PS4 saved data and media, but that is not the same format or workflow as game extended 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).
USB storage or M.2 SSD: which suits the job?
| Storage option | What it does for PS5 games | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| USB extended storage | Stores PS5 games for later copying back; PS4 games can be played from it. | PS5 games cannot be played directly from it. Compatibility, capacity and connection requirements apply. |
| Installed M.2 SSD | Provides another PS5 game-storage location; games can be copied between it and console storage. | It is a different storage path from USB and is not required just to copy a USB-stored game. |
The available test figures do not establish a universally best drive or show that an SSD guarantees a particular copy time. Choose based on whether you need archival capacity or an additional installed game-storage location, and verify compatibility before buying.
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