The PlayStation 5 is a powerhouse of a console, offering stunning graphics, blazing-fast loading times, and a library of incredible games. But with its base storage capacity of 500GB, you might be wondering how many games you can actually fit on it.
The answer, unfortunately, isn’t simple. The number of games a 500GB PS5 can hold depends on several factors, including the size of each game, whether you install games digitally or physically, and if you’re using external storage.
Understanding Game File Sizes
The first step to understanding PS5 storage is understanding the varying sizes of games. Here’s a breakdown:
Smaller Games:
- Indie titles and 2D platformers: These often occupy less than 10GB of space, making them ideal for those with limited storage.
- Remastered classics: Many remasters and re-releases of older games can be relatively small, taking up around 20-30GB.
Medium-Sized Games:
- Linear single-player experiences: Games like Uncharted 4 and God of War (2018) typically fall into this category, consuming around 50-70GB.
- Multiplayer games with smaller maps: These include games like Apex Legends or Rocket League, which generally use less storage than expansive open-world titles.
Large Games:
- Open-world games with sprawling environments: Games like Red Dead Redemption 2, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Horizon Forbidden West are known for their massive file sizes, often exceeding 100GB.
- Multiplayer games with extensive maps: Games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare or Battlefield 2042, with their large maps and vast environments, can easily take up over 100GB.
Game Updates and DLC:
Don’t forget about game updates and downloadable content (DLC), which can significantly increase the overall storage space required. Some games may require multiple gigabytes of updates and DLC packs.
Estimating Your Storage Needs:
To get a general idea of how many games you can realistically fit on your 500GB PS5, let’s assume an average game size of 50GB. With this estimation, you can potentially fit around 10 games on your console.
However, this is just a rough estimate. Here are some factors to consider:
- Install multiple games: If you have multiple games installed, you’ll need to manage your storage space carefully. You can use the PS5’s internal storage management system to choose which games to keep installed and which to delete when you’re not playing them.
- Game updates and DLC: As mentioned earlier, game updates and DLC can significantly increase the overall storage space required. You may need to regularly delete or uninstall games to make space for new updates and DLC.
- External storage: Thankfully, the PS5 supports external storage solutions. You can connect a USB hard drive or SSD to expand your storage capacity.
The Power of External Storage:
External storage is a lifesaver for PS5 owners with the 500GB version. Here’s why:
Increased Storage Capacity:
- Seamless integration: The PS5 seamlessly recognizes and integrates with external storage devices.
- Affordable options: You can find affordable external hard drives and SSDs that can expand your storage capacity significantly.
Flexibility:
- Store multiple games: You can install multiple games on your external storage and easily switch between them.
- Backup your games: External storage also serves as a valuable backup solution. You can back up your game save files and other important data.
Performance Considerations:
- HDD vs. SSD: While both hard drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) are supported, SSDs offer significantly faster loading times, which can be a huge advantage for PS5 games.
- USB 3.0 or USB 3.1: For optimal performance, use an external storage device with a USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 connection.
Tips for Managing Your PS5 Storage:
Here are some practical tips to help you manage your PS5 storage space:
- Delete games you don’t play: Regularly review your installed games and delete those you no longer play. This will free up valuable space.
- Uninstall games you’ve finished: If you’ve completed a game, consider uninstalling it. You can always reinstall it later if you want to play it again.
- Use the PS5’s storage management system: The PS5 has a built-in storage management system that allows you to see how much space each game is using and to easily delete or move games between your internal and external storage.
- Consider cloud storage: Some games offer cloud save features, which allow you to save your progress to the cloud and delete the game from your console to free up space.
- Keep an eye on your storage: It’s important to regularly check your storage space and ensure you have enough room for the games you want to play.
Conclusion:
While the 500GB base storage on the PS5 might seem limited, it’s important to remember that you can expand your storage capacity using external hard drives or SSDs. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can effectively manage your PS5 storage and enjoy a diverse library of games without compromising on performance.
Remember, the PS5 is a powerful gaming machine, and with a little planning and storage management, you can unlock its full potential and experience the next generation of gaming at its best.
FAQs
1. How much storage does a standard PS5 come with?
The standard PS5 comes with a 500GB NVMe SSD, which is the primary storage for all your games, apps, and save files. While this might seem like a lot, it’s important to remember that modern games can take up a significant amount of space, often ranging from 50GB to over 100GB.
Additionally, the PS5 utilizes a feature called “Game Install Sizes,” which allows you to install only the necessary parts of a game, minimizing its overall footprint on your storage. This feature, coupled with the high-speed SSD, allows for faster loading times and quicker access to your favorite games.
2. How much space do PS5 games typically take up?
The average PS5 game takes up around 50-80GB of storage space. However, some games, especially those with high-resolution graphics and expansive open worlds, can easily exceed 100GB. For instance, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II takes up over 100GB, while games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales can reach around 60GB.
It’s always best to check the official game store page or a game review website for the exact storage size of a particular game before downloading it. This will help you estimate how many games you can realistically fit on your 500GB SSD.
3. How many games can I fit on a 500GB PS5?
The number of games you can fit on a 500GB PS5 depends largely on the average size of the games you choose to download. As a general rule, you can expect to fit approximately 4-6 large games on a 500GB SSD, assuming you utilize the “Game Install Sizes” feature to minimize the size of each game.
However, this is just a rough estimate. If you’re downloading a lot of smaller games, you might be able to fit more than 6. Conversely, if you’re downloading mostly large, open-world games, you might only fit 3-4.
4. Can I use an external hard drive with my PS5?
Yes, you can use an external hard drive to expand your PS5’s storage capacity. The PS5 supports both USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 external hard drives. However, it’s important to note that only PS4 games can be stored on an external hard drive. PS5 games can only be installed on the internal SSD.
This means that while you can use an external hard drive to store a large library of PS4 games, you’ll still need enough space on your internal SSD for your PS5 games.
5. What happens if I run out of space on my PS5?
If you run out of space on your PS5, you’ll need to either delete some games or purchase a larger storage solution. You can delete games that you’re no longer playing to free up space. Alternatively, you can purchase a 1TB or 2TB external hard drive to store your PS4 games.
You can also consider upgrading your PS5’s internal SSD. Sony offers a dedicated PS5 SSD expansion slot, which allows you to install a compatible NVMe SSD for increased storage capacity.
6. What are some tips to manage storage on my PS5?
To effectively manage storage on your PS5, start by utilizing the “Game Install Sizes” feature to install only the necessary parts of a game. You can also delete games you’re no longer playing or transfer them to an external hard drive if they’re PS4 titles.
It’s also beneficial to keep track of your storage usage and identify any large files that are taking up unnecessary space. You can then delete or move these files to free up space for new games.
7. What are the benefits of using a larger SSD for PS5?
A larger SSD, like a 1TB or 2TB option, will allow you to store more games and applications on your PS5. This means you’ll have more flexibility to download and play a variety of games without having to worry about running out of space.
Additionally, a larger SSD can improve your overall gaming experience. With more storage available, you’ll be less likely to encounter performance issues due to insufficient storage space. This can result in faster loading times and smoother gameplay.