Sony has published a massive FAQ page about the PS5 console, which includes some of the big questions you might've had about external storage options that will work with the PlayStation 5 console.
If you're wondering whether you can run PS5 games from a USB drive (you can't) or whether Sony thinks you should buy an M.2 SSD drive (you shouldn't), you've come to the right place basically.
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Rather than interject with comments as we usually would, in this case, we thought it would be best to simply share Sony's exact statements on PS5 external hard drives.
Read on, then, for a collection of questions and answers that we've borrowed from the aforementioned FAQ page...
Can I store or play PS5 games from a USB drive?
"No, players cannot transfer PS5 games to a USB drive. PS5 games must be stored on the console’s internal ultra-high speed SSD for gameplay. Explorations for allowing players to store (but not play) PS5 games on a USB drive in a future update are underway.
"You can, however, store and play PS4 games from a compatible USB drive connected to PS5. For more details, keep reading."
Can I expand PS5’s ultra-high speed SSD storage?
"PS5 features an expansion port that will, in the future, enable players to add M.2 SSD storage to be used for installing and playing PS5 games.
"This M.2 SSD storage upgrade functionality will come to PS5 after launch as part of a system software update. We’ll share more details in the future, including around which type of M.2 SSD storage drive will be compatible with PS5.
"On day one, you’ll be able to connect a compatible USB drive and use it to store and play your PS4 games. You’ll be able to play PS4 games while they remain stored on the external device. PS5 games need to reside on PS5’s internal SSD before play."
What’s an M.2 SSD drive?
"M.2 SSD drives are a high-speed SSD medium that you can use to upgrade storage capacity in supported devices. Both PS5 models will support M.2 SSD storage expansion following a future system software update coming after launch."
Will I need to use a specific type or speed of M.2 SSD drive with my PS5?
"Yes, a minimum performance level for the M.2 SSD drive will be required, and we’ll share more details in the future."
Should I buy an M.2 SSD drive for my PS5 at launch?
"No. For now, we recommend that you hold off on purchasing any M.2 SSD drives intended for use with PS5. We will share more details on recommended drives in the future. M.2 SSD storage functionality will come to PS5 after launch with an upcoming system software update."
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