What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
No single internal expansion drive serves as a direct-play add-on for both consoles. For PS5, use a compatible M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 SSD. For Xbox Series X|S, use an Xbox Storage Expansion Card. A USB drive can store and transfer games for either console, but current-generation games on USB generally have to be moved to the console’s direct-play storage before you can play them.
Choose based on how you want to use the extra storage
| Storage option | Works with | What you can do | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 SSD | PS5 | Download, copy, and launch PS5 and PS4 games and media apps. | Must meet Sony’s interface, capacity, speed guidance, dimensions, and cooling requirements. |
| Xbox Storage Expansion Card | Xbox Series X|S | Play Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly from the card; Seagate says it maintains the console’s internal SSD performance. | It is an Xbox-specific card, not a PS5 M.2 drive. |
| External USB HDD or SSD | Both, subject to each console’s requirements | Store and transfer games; compatible older-generation games can be played from USB. | PS5 games and Xbox Series X|S optimized games stored on USB must be moved to direct-play storage to play. |
For PS5, choose an M.2 SSD that fits and can dissipate heat
Sony’s PS5 M.2 SSD guidance calls for an M.2 NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen4x4 support and Key M. The supported capacity range is 250 GB to 8 TB; supported lengths are 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110. Sony recommends a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check the drive and any heatsink together: with its heat-dissipation structure installed, the assembly must be no wider than 25 mm and no thicker than 11.25 mm, with up to 8 mm above the board and 2.45 mm below it. It must fit the supported length. Sony says effective heat dissipation, such as a heatsink and heat-transfer sheet, is required and advises updating PS5 system software before installation.
After installation, M.2 storage can hold and launch PS5 and PS4 games and media apps, according to Sony’s PS5 storage guidance. A listing marked “PS5 compatible” is not a substitute for checking the specific model’s interface, speed, capacity, and cooler dimensions against Sony’s requirements.
#1 Best Overall
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation.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).
For Xbox Series X|S, use a Storage Expansion Card for direct play
Xbox describes the Seagate Storage Expansion Card as providing additional external memory while maintaining the console’s internal SSD peak speed and performance. Seagate lists 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB versions and says the card supports direct play of Xbox Series X|S optimized games on its product page.
The card is not interchangeable with a PS5 M.2 SSD: the consoles use different expansion interfaces. For Xbox, select the card if you want extra space for optimized games without moving them to internal storage first.
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).
When a USB drive is enough—and when it is not
PS5 USB extended storage
Sony specifies SuperSpeed USB at 5 Gbps or later and a capacity of 250 GB to 8 TB for PS5 USB extended storage. Sony cautions that not every drive is guaranteed to work and says not to connect the drive through a USB hub. PS5 games stored on USB must be copied back to console storage or an M.2 SSD to play; compatible PS4 games can be played directly from USB. See Sony’s USB extended-storage guidance.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteXbox USB storage
Seagate’s Xbox external-storage guidance specifies a minimum capacity of 128 GB and USB 3.0 or later. Non-optimized games, including Xbox One games, can be played from USB. Xbox Series X|S optimized games stored there must be moved to the internal drive or an expansion card to play.
Rank #3
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
A USB HDD or SSD may therefore serve as a shared archive or transfer drive, provided it meets the requirements of each console. It is not a single shared direct-play expansion for current-generation games on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Efficient Performance: M.2 SSD 1TB adopts PCIe Gen4 x4 technology and is compatible with NVMe1.4 protocol, With speeds reaching 4800MB/s, the PCIE 4.0 1TB NVMe SSD is perfectly compatible with the PS5, ensuring swift game launches for an immersive gaming experience
- Ample Storage Expansion: The S690Q M.2 SSD offers storage capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB, eliminating concerns about game storage. Effortlessly expand your gaming storage and indulge in a plethora of gaming delights
- Fast Heat Dissipation: The heat dissipation sticker ensures NVMe 1TB SSD operates at low temperatures during prolonged and intensive usage, providing a reliable memory expansion for your PS5
- Wide Compatibility: The Internal SSD 1TB not only provides optimal storage expansion for PS5, but also can be used on various platforms including desktops and laptops. Excellent compatibility provides a versatile solution, providing strong support for various scenarios, ensuring work efficiency and gaming experience
- 5-Year Service: Our 1TB NVMe SSD come with a 5 years after-sales service and lifetime technical support. If you have any questions, please contact us and we will sincerely and professionally solve the problem for you
Rank #4
- 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.
Check these details before buying
- Decide whether you need direct play. For launching current-generation games from the added storage, choose the platform-specific option. For parking games and moving them later, USB may be sufficient.
- Match the expansion to the console. A PS5 M.2 SSD and an Xbox Storage Expansion Card are different products and are not interchangeable.
- Choose capacity for your library. Compare the available capacities with how much game storage you need; no single size suits every player.
- Check PS5 fit and cooling. Verify the M.2 drive’s interface, capacity, length, and its width and thickness with the cooler installed.
- Check USB requirements separately. A USB drive’s compatibility with one console does not establish that it meets the other console’s requirements.
- Compare local prices before purchase. Prices and availability vary, and no current price is established here.
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.
