Can You Play PS5 Games on External Hard Drive? Exploring the Possibilities and Limitations

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) has revolutionized the gaming world with its cutting-edge technology, stunning graphics, and lightning-fast load times. However, as gamers continue to expand their libraries, the question of storage becomes increasingly relevant. One common query is: Can you play PS5 games on an external hard drive? While the answer is not straightforward, this article delves into the possibilities, limitations, and workarounds associated with using external storage for PS5 games.
Understanding the PS5’s Storage Architecture
The PS5 comes with a built-in SSD (Solid State Drive) that offers unparalleled speed, enabling games to load almost instantaneously. However, the console’s internal storage is limited, with only about 667GB of usable space out of the 825GB SSD. This limitation has led many gamers to explore external storage options.
Can You Play PS5 Games Directly from an External Hard Drive?
The short answer is no. PS5 games are designed to take full advantage of the console’s ultra-fast SSD, and as a result, they cannot be played directly from an external hard drive. The external drive simply does not meet the speed requirements necessary for running PS5 games. However, this doesn’t mean external storage is useless for PS5 owners.
What Can You Use an External Hard Drive For?
While you can’t play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive, there are still several practical uses for one:
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Storing PS5 Games: You can use an external hard drive to store PS5 games that you aren’t currently playing. This frees up space on your internal SSD for games you want to play immediately. When you’re ready to play a stored game, you can transfer it back to the internal SSD.
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Playing PS4 Games: Unlike PS5 games, PS4 games can be played directly from an external hard drive. This is a great way to save space on your internal SSD while still enjoying your favorite PS4 titles.
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Backing Up Data: An external hard drive can be used to back up your game saves, screenshots, and videos, ensuring that your data is safe in case of a system failure.
Expanding PS5 Storage: The M.2 SSD Option
If you’re looking to expand your PS5’s storage for playing games directly, the best option is to install an M.2 SSD. Sony has enabled the use of compatible M.2 SSDs that meet the PS5’s speed requirements. These drives can be installed in the console’s expansion slot, providing additional storage without compromising performance.
Key Considerations for M.2 SSDs:
- Speed: The SSD must have a read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s to match the PS5’s internal SSD.
- Size: The drive must fit within the PS5’s physical dimensions, typically requiring a heatsink for proper cooling.
- Compatibility: Not all M.2 SSDs are compatible, so it’s essential to check Sony’s list of supported drives.
Workarounds for Playing PS5 Games on External Storage
While you can’t play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive, there are a few workarounds to manage your storage effectively:
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Frequent Transfers: Regularly transfer games between your external hard drive and internal SSD. This process is relatively quick and ensures you always have space for the games you want to play.
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Prioritize Games: Keep your most-played games on the internal SSD and store less frequently played titles on the external drive.
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Cloud Storage: If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can use cloud storage to back up your game saves and free up space on your console.
The Future of PS5 Storage
As technology advances, it’s possible that future updates or hardware revisions could allow PS5 games to be played directly from external storage. However, for now, the focus remains on optimizing the use of internal and M.2 SSD storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use any external hard drive with my PS5?
A: Yes, you can use any USB 3.0 or later external hard drive with your PS5 for storing games and data. However, it must be formatted to work with the console.
Q2: How do I transfer games between my external hard drive and PS5?
A: Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, select the games you want to move, and choose “Move to USB Extended Storage” or “Move to Console Storage.”
Q3: Can I play PS5 games from an external SSD?
A: No, even external SSDs cannot be used to play PS5 games directly. They are subject to the same limitations as external HDDs.
Q4: What happens if I disconnect my external hard drive while it’s in use?
A: Disconnecting the drive while it’s in use can cause data corruption. Always safely eject the drive from the PS5’s settings before unplugging it.
Q5: Are there any plans to allow PS5 games to run from external storage?
A: As of now, Sony has not announced any plans to enable PS5 games to run directly from external storage. The focus remains on internal and M.2 SSD expansion.
In conclusion, while you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive, these drives still serve a valuable purpose in managing your game library and backing up data. For those looking to expand their storage for PS5 games, investing in a compatible M.2 SSD is the best solution. As the gaming landscape evolves, so too will the options for storage, ensuring that players can continue to enjoy their favorite titles without compromise.