Sony has craftily revealed that a long-awaited update to its PlayStation 5 console is, finally, heading to devices. Get ready for a scramble on M.2 SSDs...

PS5 Internal Storage Expansion Is on the Way

For those lucky enough to get their hands on one of the ten-million PlayStation consoles currently in the hands of scalpers gamers, we have excellent news. Especially considering the PS5 internal storage expansion didn't work out of the box.

M.2 internal storage expansion is rolling out to Beta users, and will soon be available for everyone else, a PlayStation.com support page update reveals. The page states:

Please note that because this is a beta, features and specifications described herein may change prior to the official system software release.

So, this obviously tells us that the feature is only available to current beta users. However, the fact it also says "the official software release" tells us that regular Joe PS5 owners can upgrade their internal storage soon, too.

What M.2 SSD Do You Need for Your PS5?

A PS5 with a DualSense controller on a white table

The list of requirements is pretty long. Even if you follow them to the letter, Sony doesn't guarantee that your additional M.2 card will work in your PS5.

Here's the minimum criteria your M.2 SSD needs to meet:

  • Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD
  • Capacity: 250 GB minimum, 4 TB maximum
  • Cooling: Your M.2 SSD must have a cooling structure in place, such as a heatsink. You can either fit one yourself or buy one already fitted with a heatsink.
  • Read Speed: 5,500 MB/s minimum
  • Module Width: 22 millimeters maximum
  • Module Length: 110 millimeters maxium
  • Overall Size (with Heatsink): 110 x 25 x 11.25 millimeters
  • Storage Device Type: M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110

You can find the full list of requirements by going to the support page, above. Please ensure that you read and fully understand the type of M.2 SSD you need. If you buy the wrong one, you'll have to wait for a replacement to arrive.

Why Do You Need to Expand Your PS5 Internal Storage?

There are two reasons you might want to expand your internal storage.

First, the storage capacity of the PS5 is pretty lame. You only get 667.2 GB of useable memory with the PS5. So, install a few games and you'll find your storage space is actually prime real estate. Especially a storage chewer like Call of Duty.

Related: How to Store PS5 Games on an External USB Drive

Second, if you use an external hard drive for storing your PS5 games, you can't actually play them without moving them back to the console. This isn't the case for the internal expansion slots; you can install games on them and launch/play games from them.

Will You Expand Your PS5 Storage?

The top of a PS5 showing the Sony logo

I know I will be. I don't just want a selection of 12 games on my PS5. I want a selection of 50 so I can play whatever I like when the mood takes me. I'm sure you'll feel exactly the same way if you own the console, too.