PlayStation 5 To Allow Bigger Storage With New Update

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) might be able to expand its storage this summer. However, there is a catch.

Sony is reportedly working on a firmware update that will unlock the PS5’s storage expansion port for players to further increase the console’s storage capacity this summer 2021, according to a Bloomberg report.

PS5 was launched on 12 November 2020, with original storage capacity at 825GB. However, with various firmware and system updates, the capacity was reduced to only 667GB to add in games, save files and other media. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War needs 133GB of storage to function and more of such games will take up the PS5’s internal storage quickly if an external storage device is not used.

However, the storage expansion port is only compatible with an M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) to function properly. An M.2 SSD is a faster and thinner version of its 2.5-inch counterpart but is more expensive according to Scharon Harding of Tom’s Hardware.

A Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 SSD Credit: Samsung

Unfortunately, Sony has not shared which M.2 SSDs are compatible with its gaming console. According to the report of PCMagazine’s Matthew Humphries, PS5-compatible SSDs will have to be PCIe Gen4 drives to properly function with the gaming console. However, expect that you will have to pay around US$150 to US$200 to acquire one.

The firmware update will also unlock the PS5’s ability to increase the speeds of its cooling fans to avoid overheating itself.

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Written by John Paul Joaquin