{"title": "Top Storage Upgrades for PlayStation 5 Consoles in 2026","body":["PS5 users often find their storage capacity filling quickly, particularly since individual titles can consume space equivalent to a complete collection from the previous generation. Expanding with an additional solid-state drive offers the simplest solution to avoid constantly managing your game installations like a puzzle, and after installation, the system accesses titles from the new drive at speeds comparable to its internal storage. This modest enhancement proves particularly valuable for those who switch frequently between multiple games."],"PS5 compatibility requires selecting drives that satisfy Sony's performance standards and manage heat effectively during extended gaming. Certain units come equipped with built-in thermal solutions, whereas others allow attachment of separate ones for cost savings. Our evaluations of leading choices have identified the most reliable options for seamless PS5 upgrades."],"Further reading: Leading solid-state drives available in 2026","Table of contents"," Recommended PS5 storage expansions for 2026"," Our evaluation process for PS5 drives"," Frequently asked questions about PS5 storage","Recommended PS5 storage expansions for 2026","Our evaluation process for PS5 drives","The majority of the drives suggested here have undergone personal testing, whether for console or PC applications. Our primary recommendation was purchased and integrated into a personal PS5 setup."],"Frequently asked questions about PS5 storage","What storage capacity is suitable for a PlayStation 5?","Both the standard PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 5 Pro support internal expansions ranging from 250GB to 8TB. Owners of an existing PS5 likely have a sense of their required space based on their current game collection. For new purchases or gifts, estimating needs for optimal performance can be challenging."],"On average, PS5 titles occupy less space than PS4 versions, generally between 30GB and 100GB, though some major releases exceed this. Fans of the Call of Duty franchise might find that Black Ops 6 and Warzone 2.0 together demand up to 240GB, which exceeds one-third of the console's built-in capacity. Non-fans can typically fit six to ten games on the standard model's internal drive before space issues arise."],"Internet connection speed also plays a role in storage decisions. In regions with limited broadband, relying on redownloads isn't practical. Previously, a 100GB file required about eight hours to fetch, complicating tasks like streaming or content creation. Retaining games for potential future play remains a sensible approach under such conditions."],"Aaron Souppouris / Engadget","Immediately, a 250GB expansion for PS5 offers little value. These units provide minimal savings over 500GB alternatives, and the capacity falls short for contemporary gaming needs. While 500GB may suffice initially, falling prices make 1TB or 2TB options ideal for most, costing under $200 and effectively doubling the PS5 Pro's space economically."],"Larger 4TB or 8TB variants generally warrant avoidance unless budget allows, as they cost more per gigabyte than mid-tier capacities. The base 825GB PS5 yields about 667GB for user content due to system reservations, but a 1TB addition delivers nearly full usable space. The PS5 Pro starts with roughly 1.86TB available, expandable further by removing bundled demos like Astro's Playroom."],"Compatibility extends across PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro models, as neither features revised processors affecting storage choices."],"Is it possible to run PS5 games from an external solid-state drive?","External drives are typically more affordable than internal ones, and many users may already possess them. However, functionality is limited: USB-connected external SSDs support PS4 gameplay and PS5 title storage, but not direct PS5 execution. This setup aids those with slower internet by enabling quicker transfers from external storage versus redownloading, and it preserves PS4 collections."],"Given these constraints, premium performance isn't essential, though SSDs outperform traditional hard drives in speed and loading. Reliable portable options include the Crucial X9 Pro and Samsung T7, both verified through use."],"What specifications define PS5-compatible SSD modules?","Sony specifies M.2 Socket 3 (Key M) Gen4 x4 NVMe drives officially. Beyond this, key criteria involve performance, thermal management, and form factor."],"Performance demands sequential read speeds of at least 5,500MB/s per Sony, though initial tests accepted units down to 4,800MB/s without issues in games like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart that heavily utilize storage. The console rejects non-Gen4 x4 drives outright."],"Opting below the threshold carries risks of future incompatibilities, and the cost gap to compliant Gen4 units is small, making full adherence advisable."],"Thermal and dimensional requirements add nuance. The slot accommodates 22mm-wide drives in lengths from 30mm to 110mm, with most market options at 22mm by 80mm fitting easily. A 25mm width is possible if including cooling, and total height cannot exceed 11.25mm, with just 2.45mm clearance beneath."],"Early popular heatsinked Gen4 drives like the Corsair MP600 Pro LP exceeded these limits, but since this guide's 2021 debut, manufacturers including Samsung have released PS5-optimized versions. For budget-conscious users, plain drives paired with compatible coolers provide savings, as installation is simple."],"Cooling primarily protects the SSD controller, which can overheat without mitigation. Single-sided drives predominate, but double-sided ones position controllers upward for better heat escape."],"Source components from trusted vendors using terms like 'laptop NVMe heatsink' for slim, affordable fits suitable for tight spaces like gaming laptops or PS5. A $6 copper option with thermal adhesive performs adequately, maintaining safe temperatures in tests; ensure selections stay under 25mm wide and 8mm tall, with easy attachment."],"Finally, Gen5 drives offer no advantage over cost-effective Gen4 for PS5, as the console lacks support for the newer interface despite backward compatibility; prioritize maximum-capacity Gen4 units within budget."],"Installing an SSD in your PS5","For step-by-step instructions on adding an NVMe drive to a PS5 or PS5 Pro, consult our dedicated guide. The process is generally simple, but detailed help is available if needed. Prior to installation, confirm the console runs Sony's most recent firmware update."]}