Managing storage on your PS5™ can be a challenge, especially with the growing size of modern games. That’s where external hard drives come in. They offer a convenient way to expand your PS console storage capacity, letting you store more games without sacrificing performance.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about whether it’s possible to play PS5 games from an external hard drive—from compatibility requirements to how to manage your game data efficiently. Whether you’re looking to free up space on your internal drive or keep all your favorite titles easily accessible, external storage is a must-have for serious gamers.
Compatibility, Requirements, and Different External Storage Options for PS5
To expand your PS5 storage, you should keep in mind that not all external hard drives are created equal. The PS5 supports specific types of external drives, primarily those with USB 3.0 or later, ensuring fast data transfer and reliable performance. To keep your system running smoothly, it’s also crucial to maintain the latest PS5 firmware and software updates, which help guarantee compatibility with PS5 external storage devices. Explore PS5 compatible external hard drives and SSDs.
There are a few different storage options to consider for your PS5. Traditional hard drives offer large storage capacities at a lower cost, but they may be slower than solid-state drives (SSDs), such as a game drive M.2 SSD for PS5, which provides faster load times and better overall performance. External USB drives can be versatile, balancing speed and storage capacity.
When considering storage capacity, think about your gaming needs. If you’re a casual gamer, a 1TB or 2TB drive should suffice. However, if you have a larger game library, you may want 4TB or more of external storage. Choosing the right storage option can make a big difference in managing your PS5 game data, guaranteeing you have the space needed for all your favorite titles.
Can You Play PS5 Games from an External Hard Drive
Accessing your PS5 games stored on an external hard drive is a simple and efficient way to manage your game library without overwhelming your console’s internal storage. Follow these steps to access your games directly from an external drive whether you’re looking to quickly jump back into a favorite title or manage your growing collection.
Accessing PS5 Games Stored on an External Hard Drive
- Connect Your External Hard Drive: Plug your compatible external hard drive into one of the PS5 USB ports.
- Navigate to the Game Library: From the PS5 home screen, go to Game Library.
- Transfer to Internal Storage: While you can store PS5 games on the external drive, they must be transferred back to the PS5’s internal SSD storage to play. Select the game you want to play, move to internal storage, and launch it.
According to Sony, PS5 games stored on an external hard drive can’t be played directly from the external drive. To play, games must first be transferred to the PS5 internal SSD, which is optimized for speed and delivers faster load times and smoother gameplay. The internal SSD provides the high-speed access required for PS5 games, making it the ideal storage for more demanding, graphics-intensive titles.
An external Game Drive for PS5 Hard Drive is ideal for PS4 games or smaller indie games that don’t require high-speed access to the internal SSD. These games can be played smoothly from an external hard drive without a noticeable drop in performance, making it a great way to free up space on your internal storage.
Transferring Games from an External Hard Drive to Your PS5
- Go to Settings: From the PS5 home screen, navigate to Settings > Storage.
- Choose External Storage: Access the external storage option to browse all the games saved on your external hard drive.
- Choose the Game: Highlight the game you want to transfer, press the Options button, and select Move to Console Storage.
- Wait for the Transfer: The game will be copied to the PS5 internal SSD. Once the transfer is complete, you can start playing from the internal drive.
When to Transfer:
To play PS5 games, they must always be transferred to the internal SSD. This ensures the best performance with faster load times and smoother gameplay. Consider transferring frequently played or graphically intensive games, while using external storage to archive titles you’re not currently playing.
Can You Play PS4 Games from an External Hard Drive on a PS5?
Yes, you can play PS4 games from an external hard drive on a PS5. The PS5 allows users to store and play backward-compatible PS4 games directly from an external USB hard drive or external SSD, freeing up space on the internal SSD. However, PS5 games can’t be played directly from an external drive; they need to be stored on the internal SSD. This setup is convenient for users who want to expand storage and easily access their PS4 game library without using internal space.
Why Can’t You Play PS5 Games from an External Hard Drive or SSD?
PS5 games can’t be played from an external hard drive or SSD because they are designed to take full advantage of the ultra-fast internal NVMe SSD that comes in every PS5. This internal SSD enables quick loading times, seamless transitions, and features nearly instant access to game assets, which are integral to the PS5’s performance. External drives—while useful for storing PS5 games—lack the speed required to deliver the same high-performance experience. As a result, PS5 games must run on the internal SSD for optimal gameplay.
Playing PS5 Games on an External Hard Drive FAQs
Many gamers have questions about using external hard drives with their PS5, particularly regarding game storage and playability. This section will address common FAQs, including how to set up your PS5 external storage, compatibility requirements, and why PS5 games can’t be played directly from an external hard drive. While PS5 games can be stored on an external hard drive or SSD, they must be transferred to the internal SSD before playing to ensure optimal performance and speed.
How can I set up an external hard drive to store PS5 games?
To set up an external hard drive for storing PS5 games, connect the drive to a USB port on your PS5, navigate to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage, and choose Format as Extended Storage. After formatting, your drive will be set to store PS5 games.
Are all external hard drives compatible with the PS5?
No, to work with a PS5, the external drive must be a USB 3.0 or higher model. It can be used to store and play PS4 games, but it can’t run PS5 games. Additionally, while most common brands work, it’s recommended to check for PlayStation®-compatible models to ensure optimal performance. SSDs, while faster than traditional hard drives, can also be used but only for storage, not playing PS5 titles. Seagate offers a variety of PS5-compatible external hard drives and SSDs for you to choose from.
Conclusion
While external drives offer a convenient way to store and manage your game library, it’s crucial to remember that PS5 games must be transferred to the internal SSD for you to be able to play them. Properly managing your game storage can significantly enhance your gaming experience, ensuring quick access to your favorite titles without compromising performance.
