Sony recently announced a new software update for the PlayStation 5 console that will enable the users to keep their video games on external storage drives. Considering the large volumes of modern video games, this update is perceived not only beneficial but also essential.
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How will the secondary storage option benefit PlayStation 5 users?
The new feature of secondary storage comes under the April update of the PlayStation 5. The console offers total internal storage of 825GB SSD. However, some storage is utilised by the system files and the operating system. As a result, the effective memory available for video games is only 667.2GB. On the other hand, PC gamers have the flexibility to store their games on as many external devices as they want to allow them to play unlimited games.
According to Hideaki Nishino, PlayStation’s Senior Vice President of Platform Planning and Management, “It is faster to reinstall PS5 games from USB extended storage than to re-download or copy them from a disc. Because PS5 games are designed to take advantage of the console’s ultra-high-speed SSD, PS5 titles can’t be played from USB extended storage.”
The new feature in PlayStation 5 will allow the gamers to keep their large-sized games on external USB storage devices like external hard drives or external SSDs. Some high-volume video games include GTA V (68GB), Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (77GB), Hitman 2 (149GB), Red Dead Redemption 2 (150GB), and Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare (231 GB).
What is the limitation of the new software update in PlayStation 5?
Although the PlayStation 5 users will get the flexibility to keep their games on multiple storage options, they can’t play the video games directly from the external drives. To run a video game, the users will have to copy the game files to the console’s internal storage.
According to Hideaki Nishino, PlayStation’s Senior Vice President of Platform Planning and Management, “PS5 titles also cannot be directly downloaded to USB extended storage” the “games that you transfer or copy back to internal storage will automatically update when applicable.”
What other features will the new software update offer?
The April update of the PlayStation 5 software will come with the ability to automatically download the video game updates. It will also have a cross-generation Share Play feature that will enable the PlayStation 5 users to share their screen with PlayStation 4 users. As a result, PlayStation 4 users can enjoy the PlayStation 5 games via Share Play.
How to access games using an external storage drive on PlayStation 5?
This method is preferred by users when you wish to transfer your PlayStation 4 games to PlayStation 5. To access games using an external storage drive on PlayStation 5, follow these steps.
- Connect the external USB storage to your PlayStation 5 console.
- Go to Settings > Storage > External Storage > Games and Apps.
You will find a list of games contained in the external storage device.
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