Almost 9 months since the PS5 was released, players will finally be able to upgrade their internal storage after Sony announces a new beta update that will include Internal SSD Expansion options.

In a new blog post, Sony detailed how to install a new M.2 SSD drive on the PS5 and what requirements are needed from the new storage device to be compatible with the console.

  • MORE: Battlefield 2042 Season Pass Content To Be The Most Extensive in Series History

Sony Announces SSD Expansion Update For PS5

In a new blog post published on July 29, Sony revealed that Beta users will now be able to upgrade their internal storage to a new M.2 SSD, meaning more space for games. Something fans have been begging for ever since the console was released back in November of 2020.

Sony also reported that although this feature is currently only available for beta users, it will be enabled via an upcoming PS5 system software update. The date of this update is yet to be confirmed by Sony.

So, why should you be bothered about this news? Well, the standard PS5 console only comes with 667.2GB of free space to install games and apps on. This isn't a lot of space when you consider games like Warzone can take up to 200GB with every pack installed.

Previously, players were unable to upgrade the internal storage on the PS5, meaning there was no way to store PS5 games internally once you maxed out the just over 600GB of storage. But now players are free to purchase as many terabytes of storage as they need, as long as it's in the form of an M.2 drive, and store as many PS5 games as possible.

PS5 Beta Update

The upcoming PS5 Beta update will be available in select regions and brings more than just M.2 support. According to The Verge, the new beta update includes:

  • 3D Audio Support for TV Speakers
  • UX Improvements
  • Control Centre interface now includes more personalization options
  • Updated 'Friends' Tab brings better management options
  • PlayStation 4 and 5 game version are now seperated on the homescreen and library
  • Players can switch between 720p and 1080p on PlayStation Now

Requirements To Upgrade

If you're desperate to upgrade your internal storage on the PS5, there's a couple of requirements you'll need to meet first. Most importantly, you'll need to be a beta user for a new M.2 SSD to work on your console.

There are also set requirements on which M.2 drives will work with the PS5. Check out the full requirements below, courtesy of the PlayStation website. Fans can head to the official PlayStation blog post for more details.

  • Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD
  • Capacity: 250GB – 4TB
  • Cooling structure: Using an M.2 SSD with your PS5 console requires effective heat dissipation with a cooling structure, such as a heatsink. You can attach one to your M.2 SSD yourself, either in a single-sided format, or double-sided format. There are also M.2 SSDs that have cooling structures (such as heatsinks) built in.
  • Sequential read speed: 5,500MB/s or faster is recommended 
  • Module width: 22mm width (25mm width is not supported)
  • Form Factor: M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110.
  • These numbers can be found on retail listings for M.2 SSD devices. The first two digits refer to the width, the remaining digits to the length.
  • Socket type: Socket 3 (Key M) 
  • Total size including cooling structure:
  • In millimeters: smaller than 110mm (L) x 25mm (W) x 11.25mm (H).
  • In inches: smaller than 4.33in (L) x 0.984 in (W) x 0.442in (H).

See below for full requirements.

  • Length
  • The following M.2 SSD lengths are compatible with PS5 consoles:
  • 30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm, 110mm (corresponding to the form factor type, per above).
  • Width
  • A 22mm-wide M.2 SSD module is required.
  • The total structure (including an added cooling structure) cannot exceed 25mm (0.984in).
  • Height
  • The total height of the M.2 SSD and its cooling structure (such as a heatsink) – whether built-in or separate – must be less than 11.25mm (0.442in).
    The height must also be in the right place, in relation to the M.2 SSD’s circuit board: 
  • The size below the board must be less than 2.45mm (0.096in). 
  • The total size above the board must be less than 8mm (0.314in). 

(Note: millimeter measurements are the technical standard and are more precise than inches. We recommend double-checking that the total dimensions of M.2 SSD and heatsink products you’re considering meet the millimeter requirements before purchasing)