How Many Games Can You Download on PS5?
How many games can fit on your PlayStation 5? The answer isn’t a simple number, but realistically, you can expect to download somewhere between 6 to 15 AAA games, depending on their size and whether you use the built-in storage or external storage.
Understanding PS5 Storage Capacity
The PlayStation 5 boasts a custom-built, high-speed 825GB SSD (Solid State Drive). However, not all of that is available for storing your games. The operating system and essential system files occupy a significant portion, leaving you with approximately 667GB of usable storage. While this is a substantial upgrade compared to previous generations, modern games, especially AAA titles, are becoming increasingly large, often exceeding 50GB or even 100GB.
Factoring in Game Sizes
The primary determinant of how many games can you download on PS5? is the size of each game. Indie games can be quite small, sometimes only a few gigabytes. AAA titles, on the other hand, have grown significantly. Call of Duty games, for example, are notorious for their large file sizes, often requiring over 100GB of storage space. Other large games, such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption 2, also consume considerable storage.
Here’s a rough estimate based on game size:
| Game Size (GB) | Approximate Number of Games You Can Store |
|---|---|
| 30-40 GB | 16-22 |
| 50-60 GB | 11-13 |
| 80-100 GB | 6-8 |
Leveraging External Storage
Fortunately, the PS5 allows you to expand your storage capacity with compatible external SSDs. This is a crucial consideration when thinking about how many games can you download on PS5? A larger external drive effectively increases the total number of games you can keep installed.
- Compatible external SSDs must meet Sony’s requirements, including being a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD with a heatsink and a read speed of at least 5500MB/s.
- Once installed, you can move games between the internal SSD and the external drive.
- PS5 games must be played from the internal SSD or a compatible, authorized expansion SSD to take advantage of their full speed. You can store PS5 games on a regular external HDD, but to play them, they need to be moved to internal or an authorized expansion SSD.
- PS4 games, however, can be played directly from an external HDD or SSD, freeing up space on your internal SSD for PS5 titles.
Digital vs. Physical Copies
Choosing digital vs. physical copies impacts the storage requirements. While physical games don’t require you to download the entire game file, many still require significant installation data or patches. While it may reduce the initial download size, it does not eliminate it completely. Therefore, it is only a marginal impact on how many games can you download on PS5?.
Managing Your Storage Effectively
Efficiently managing your storage is essential to maximizing the number of games you can keep installed.
- Regularly review your installed games and delete those you no longer play.
- Consider archiving games you want to keep but don’t actively play to an external HDD, freeing up space on your internal SSD. Remember that you cannot play these PS5 games from the external HDD.
- Utilize the PS5’s storage management tools to identify and remove unused data, such as game captures or save data.
- Remember that save data usually does not take up much space.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not considering the actual usable storage: Remember that you don’t have the full 825GB available.
- Ignoring the need for free space: Maintaining some free space on your SSD is crucial for optimal performance. Aim for at least 10% free.
- Buying an incompatible external drive: Ensure your chosen SSD meets Sony’s specifications.
- Underestimating game sizes: AAA games are becoming larger, so plan accordingly.
The Future of PS5 Storage
- Sony is expected to release new firmware updates that may optimize storage management in the future.
- Advancements in compression technology could potentially reduce game file sizes.
- Cloud gaming may eventually reduce the need for local storage, but it’s not a complete solution yet.
Final Thoughts
The answer to “How many games can you download on PS5?” is variable and depends on individual usage and game choices. By understanding the factors that influence storage capacity and implementing effective management strategies, you can maximize your gaming experience. Utilizing external storage significantly expands your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any external hard drive with my PS5?
No. While you can use any USB external hard drive for PS4 games, to expand your storage for PS5 games, you need a compatible NVMe SSD that meets Sony’s specifications regarding read speeds, form factor, and heatsink requirements.
How do I move games from the internal SSD to an external drive?
Go to Settings > Storage, select the storage location (internal or external), choose Games and Apps, select the game(s) you want to move, and then select Move. Keep in mind that you can only play PS5 games from the internal or authorized expansion SSD, not from a regular external HDD.
What happens if I run out of storage space?
If you run out of storage space, you will need to delete some games or transfer them to external storage to make room for new downloads. Your PS5 will prompt you when you’re running low on space.
Is it better to buy physical or digital games for storage space?
While physical games might seem to save storage space, they often require substantial installation data and updates that can take up a significant amount of space on your SSD. The difference is not as significant as it once was.
How much storage space does the PS5 operating system take up?
The PS5 operating system and essential system files occupy approximately 158GB of the internal SSD, leaving you with around 667GB of usable storage.
Can I upgrade the internal SSD of my PS5?
Yes, you can upgrade the internal SSD with a compatible NVMe SSD. Ensure that the new SSD meets Sony’s specifications and is installed correctly. This involves removing the PS5’s cover and carefully installing the new drive.
Will deleting a game also delete my save data?
No, deleting a game does not automatically delete your save data. Save data is stored separately. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your save data to the cloud or a USB drive as a precaution.
Does playing from an external HDD affect game performance?
Playing PS4 games from an external HDD or SSD does not significantly affect performance. However, playing PS5 games from an external HDD is not supported. PS5 games must be played from the internal SSD or authorized expansion SSD to maintain optimal performance.
Are there any other ways to free up storage space on my PS5?
Besides deleting games, you can also delete unused game captures (videos and screenshots) and remove game data that is no longer needed.
How do I know if an external SSD is compatible with my PS5?
Check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure it meets Sony’s requirements: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD, read speed of at least 5500MB/s, and a heatsink.
What is the maximum storage capacity of an external SSD that I can use with my PS5?
You can use an external SSD with a storage capacity of up to 8TB with your PS5, provided it meets the other compatibility requirements.
Will formatting an external drive delete all my data?
Yes, formatting an external drive will erase all data on it. Back up any important files before formatting. Formatting is necessary when you first use an external drive with your PS5.