can you play ps5 games on external ssd

Can PS5 games be played on an external SSD? PS5 storage is running low and crashing? The built-in 825GB space, after deducting system usage, only leaves about 660GB usable. AAA titles are often 50GB+, and installing just two or three games will quickly fill it up. Many players want to expand storage with an external SSD but are wondering: Can PS5 games be played directly on an external SSD? What are the differences between external and internal storage? Will future system updates loosen restrictions? This article will help you solve your PS5 storage expansion problem.

I. Why is built-in space increasingly insufficient?

The PS5's storage architecture is divided into two categories: "built-in high-speed SSD" and "external expansion storage." The core difference lies in speed and functionality, which are also key prerequisites for expansion:

• Built-in native SSD: Sony's custom PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, with read speeds exceeding 5500MB/s, is the core guarantee for the PS5's "instant loading" and "immersive scene transitions." While 825GB seems like a large capacity, system files and pre-installed software take up 160GB, leaving only about 660GB for games. This quickly runs out of space, especially with next-gen games often exceeding 100GB.

• External Expansion Channels: The PS5 supports two types of external storage—an external SSD/HDD via USB and the built-in M.2 SSD slot (requires a system update to unlock). The M.2 SSD slot supports PCIe 4.0, matching the speed of the internal SSD; however, USB external storage is limited by its interface, resulting in significantly slower speeds compared to the internal one. This is the core reason Sony restricts its functionality.

II. Can PS5 games be played on an external SSD?

PS5 native games cannot be directly installed and played on an external SSD; they can only be used for storage. PS4 games can be directly installed and run on an external SSD. This is a clear system restriction by Sony and is unrelated to the SSD brand or speed. Specific details and practical precautions are as follows:

1. Functional Limitations of External SSDs (Key Points to Avoid)

No matter how fast your external SSD is (even a high-end model with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and speeds of 20Gbps), it cannot directly run native PS5 games. What you can do is: transfer PS5 games to an external SSD to free up internal space; when you want to play, transfer them back to the internal SSD or an M.2 expansion SSD. The transfer speed depends on the external SSD and its interface; generally, a 100GB game takes 10-20 minutes.

PS4 games (including PS4 versions running on PS5) do not have this limitation. They can be directly installed on an external SSD and launched, with loading speeds significantly faster than external HDDs. This is suitable for storing infrequently played PS4 games on an external SSD to save internal space.

2. External SSD Selection Requirements

Not all external SSDs are compatible with the PS5. Sony has specific requirements: they must support USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) or higher. It's recommended to prioritize models with USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) speeds; otherwise, the speed will be too slow, causing lag when storing and transferring games. In terms of capacity, at least 1TB is recommended, with 2TB offering the best value, capable of storing around 10 PS5 games or 20+ PS4 games.

Ution-Best reminds you: avoid buying external SSDs with USB 2.0 interfaces. Not only will the speed be insufficient, but the PS5 may also recognize them as "compatible only for storing media files," preventing game storage. Also, try to choose external SSDs with cooling designs. Ution-Best's external USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSDs all feature a unibody aluminum alloy casing. In actual testing, during 3 hours of continuous high-speed game data transfer, the device temperature remained below 45℃, effectively preventing speed throttling due to high temperatures and ensuring a stable user experience when expanding PS5 storage.

III. External SSD Connection and Usage (Practical Steps)

1. Connection: Use a USB-C to USB-A or USB-C cable to insert the external SSD into a USB port on the front or back of the PS5 console (preferably the blue/red port, corresponding to USB 3.2).

2. Formatting: The PS5 will automatically recognize the external SSD and prompt for formatting. Select "Extended Storage" to format (data will be erased after formatting, so be sure to back up your data beforehand).

3. Usage: After formatting, you can adjust the game installation location in "Settings - Storage"—PS4 games are installed externally by default, and PS5 games are installed internally by default. You can also manually move installed games; the operation is simple and easy to understand. III. Future System Updates: These Changes Are Worth Anticipating for PS5 Players

Judging from Sony's past system update schedule, the PS5's storage management function has been continuously optimized.

Based on player feedback and industry trends, future updates may focus on the following areas, which are worth noting:

1. It's highly unlikely that "external SSDs will be allowed to run PS5 games"

Sony's restriction on external SSDs for running PS5 games is primarily to ensure a smooth gaming experience. PS5 native games have extremely high storage speed requirements (requiring read speeds of 5500MB/s or higher), while current USB 3.2 Gen 2 external SSDs only achieve actual transfer speeds of around 1GB/s, far below the required speed.

Forcing this restriction would lead to frame drops, loading stutters, and ruin the next-generation experience. In the short term, Sony is more likely to optimize the M.2 SSD expansion experience rather than lifting the restrictions on external SSDs.

2. Continuous Optimization of Storage Management Functions

Currently, the most frequently reported pain points from players are "cumbersome game transfer" and "untimely storage space warnings." Future system updates may optimize these functions: for example, adding "automatic game transfer" (automatically transferring infrequently played PS5 games to an external SSD when internal storage is insufficient), refining storage categories (sorting by game type and size for quick space clearing), and optimizing transfer speed (reducing the time required to transfer PS5 games to the internal storage).
3. Upgraded M.2 SSD Expansion Experience

Since opening the M.2 SSD slot in September 2021, Sony has continuously optimized compatibility. Future updates may further relax the specifications of M.2 SSDs (such as supporting more sizes and reducing heatsink thickness requirements), while optimizing the speed testing mechanism to reduce the problem of "meeting specifications but not being recognized." For players seeking the ultimate experience, M.2 SSDs remain the optimal solution for PS5 storage expansion.

The U-Speed ​​M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD (model: UT-PS5Pro) designed specifically for PS5 uses the M.2 2280 form factor and achieves a measured sequential read speed of over 7000MB/s, far exceeding Sony's minimum requirement of 5500MB/s. It comes with a custom-designed aluminum alloy heatsink, with a thickness adapted to the PS5's slot. After over a thousand real-device compatibility tests, it is quickly recognized by the PS5 after insertion and can directly run native PS5 games without any additional adjustments.

Ution-Best PS5 Storage Expansion Recommendations

To cater to different player needs, Ution-Best offers two storage expansion solutions for a hassle-free experience:

• Cost-effective option: Ution-Best External USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSD, available in 1TB/2TB/4TB capacities. Real-world testing shows sequential read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of up to 980MB/s. Transferring 100GB of PS5 games takes only about 12 minutes. Plug and play, ideal for players with limited budgets who don't want to disassemble their console. It also comes with a 3-year warranty.

• Experience-focused option: Ution-Best M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD, available in 1TB/2TB/4TB capacities, featuring original 3D... With TLC flash memory chips, the measured sequential read speed is 7000MB/s+ and the write speed is 6200MB/s+. Paired with a custom heatsink, loading PS5 games after disassembly and installation is no different from the built-in SSD. Suitable for hardcore gamers, it comes with a 3-year warranty and professional technical support.