While upgrading the internal SSD can boost your PS5’s native performance and capacity, using an external SSD is a popular and more affordable alternative for expanding your overall storage. However, there are some important nuances to understand:

• Playable vs. Stored Games: On the PS5, you can store both PS5 and PS4 games on an external SSD, but PS5 games cannot be played directly from external storage. They must be transferred back to the internal SSD before you can launch them. In contrast, PS4 games can be played directly from an external drive.
• Affordability and Convenience: External SSDs can be less expensive per gigabyte than upgrading the internal storage with a high-performance PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, making them a cost-effective way to expand your library. They also offer flexibility: you can easily swap drives or use them for backups.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to set up an external SSD for storage and manage game transfers without needing to delete and re-download titles.

1. Setting Up Your External SSD

a. Choose a Compatible External SSD

• Connectivity: Make sure the external SSD uses a USB 3.0 (or higher) interface to ensure fast data transfer speeds.
• Capacity: Choose a drive that meets your storage needs; many users opt for drives in the 1 TB to 2 TB range for a balance between cost and storage space.
• Reliability: Pick a reputable brand to ensure durability and sustained performance.

b. Formatting the External SSD

1. Connect the External SSD to Your PS5:

   Plug the external SSD into one of the USB ports on your PS5.

2. Format as Extended Storage:

   • Navigate to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage.
   • Select the connected external SSD, then choose Format as USB Extended Storage.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the formatting process.

   Note: This process will erase any data on the drive, so ensure it’s either new or that you’ve backed up existing data.

2. Transferring Games Between Internal and External Storage

Instead of deleting games to free up space, you can transfer them between the PS5’s internal SSD and your external SSD. This allows you to manage your library effectively without the hassle of redownloading games.

a. Moving Games to the External SSD (Storing)

1. Navigate to Your Game Library:

   Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.

2. Select the Game You Want to Move:

   Highlight the game you want to store externally.