Expanding Your PS5 Storage: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The PlayStation 5 is a powerful gaming machine, but its internal storage can fill up quickly. If you’re a PS4 gamer looking to enjoy your back catalogue on your new console, or you just want to make the most of your storage space, expanding your PS5’s storage is essential. This article will guide you through the easiest and most efficient way to expand your storage, using a USB 3.0 drive.

Why You Should Use a USB 3.0 Drive

While the PS5 does feature an internal expansion slot for an NVME SSD, this feature is currently unavailable. Sony has promised a software update for the summer of 2021 which will enable this function. However, for now, the optimal solution for expanding your storage is using a USB 3.0 drive.

Here’s why:

• PS4 games don’t require the high speeds of an NVME SSD: PS4 games are designed to run on slower storage devices, meaning a USB 3.0 drive provides sufficient performance without breaking the bank.
• Cost-effective solution: USB 3.0 drives are widely available and generally more affordable than NVME SSDs.

Setting Up Your USB 3.0 Drive

To get started, you’ll need a USB 3.0 drive with at least 120GB of storage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Connect the drive: Plug your USB 3.0 drive into one of the USB ports on your PS5.
2. Format the drive: Navigate to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage.
3. Choose format: Select "Format" to prepare the drive for use with your PS5.
4. Confirm: The PS5 will ask you to confirm the formatting process. Select "OK".

Moving Your PS4 Games

Once the drive is formatted, you can move your PS4 games to the external storage:

1. Navigate to games and apps: Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
2. Select PS4 games: You’ll see a list of your games with a "PS4" tag. Select the game(s) you want to move.
3. Move to external storage: Choose "Move" from the menu and select your external USB 3.0 drive as the destination.
4. Confirm: The PS5 will ask you to confirm the move. Select "OK".

Auto-Install for Future PS4 Games

To ensure all future PS4 games automatically install onto your external storage:

• Toggle the slider: Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps. You’ll find a slider next to "Allow PS4 Games to Install on Extended Storage". Simply turn this slider on.

Playing Your Games

Once you’ve moved your PS4 games to the external storage, you can play them as you would normally. You’ll notice no significant difference in loading times or performance.

Performance and Observations

While a USB 3.0 drive won’t provide the same level of performance as an internal NVME SSD, it can significantly expand your storage capacity and keep your PS5’s internal drive free for PS5 games. I’ve personally played several PS4 games on my external USB 3.0 drive, including Crash Bandicoot, without any issues or slowdowns.

Conclusion

Expanding your PS5’s storage with a USB 3.0 drive is a simple and cost-effective way to maximize your gaming experience. By moving your PS4 games to an external drive, you can save space for your PS5 games and ensure smooth performance. This method allows you to easily access your extensive PS4 library while enjoying the benefits of the PS5’s next-gen features.