If you're wondering how much storage does a PS5 have, it comes with an 825GB custom SSD, but the actual usable space available to the user is approximately 667GB. This is the direct answer to the question of how much storage a PS5 has, and it accounts for the system software that reserves a portion of the raw drive capacity.
Why is the usable storage less than 825GB?
The system software and operating system files occupy a portion of the raw drive capacity, leaving the rest for games and apps. This is standard practice for any modern console or computer; the advertised capacity always includes space reserved for the operating system. The remaining 667GB is what you can actually use to install your games, applications, and media.
How to check your PS5 storage space
To see a breakdown of your used and free space, follow these steps:
- From the PS5 home screen, navigate to "Settings".
- Select "Storage".
This screen will show you exactly how much space is being used by games, apps, and other data, as well as how much free space remains.
How to expand PS5 storage with an M.2 SSD
PS5 storage can be expanded by installing a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD in the dedicated expansion slot. This is the primary expansion method, and games run directly from the installed drive. To install an M.2 SSD, the PS5 console must be fully powered off and unplugged, the console cover removed, and the expansion slot cover unfastened. If you need to free up space without opening the console, you can also get more storage on PS5 by moving PS4 games to an external USB drive. After installing the drive, you can move PS5 games to m.2 storage to reclaim internal space and keep your library organized. Games can be downloaded, copied, and launched directly from the installed M.2 SSD, including both PS5 and PS4 titles.
Using an external USB drive for extra storage
External USB drives can be used for storage, but there are critical rules to follow. External USB drives must support SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0/3.1 Gen1/3.2 Gen1 or faster) and have a capacity between 250GB and 8TB. PS4 games can be played directly from an external USB extended storage drive. However, PS5 games cannot be played directly from them; they must be transferred to the console's internal or M.2 SSD storage to play.
Managing your storage by deleting games
Freeing up space can be done by uninstalling games you no longer play. This is practical advice because you can re-download them later without losing your purchase. Your digital library remains tied to your account, so you can always reinstall a game when you want to play it again. This makes deleting old titles a low-risk way to manage your available space.
Understanding your PS5 storage capacity, discs and expansion is essential for getting the most out of your console. With the internal SSD offering approximately 667GB of usable space, and the ability to add a compatible M.2 SSD or use an external USB drive for extra storage, you have multiple options to keep your game library accessible without constant management.
