Sony’s next-gen console, PlayStation 5, is being patched with a new software update adding external storage support for next-gen games. The software update addresses one of the biggest shortcomings of PS5 since the November 2020 launch.
The PS5 ships with 825GB of SSD storage on board but with a meager 667GB available for storing games and related data. With next-gen games averaging 50-60GB, the available storage has been a major challenge to PS5 gamers who have been forced to download and play just a few games at a time.
Thankfully, as promised in March, Sony came through and unlocked external storage expansion on the PS5 as part of the April software update.
But there are many caveats to this. First, you cannot play PS5 titles from external drives. You need to migrate them to the internal drive to do so, unlike PS4 titles.
That’s not fully convenient, but if Sony’s word is anything to go by, then the migration process is a lot easier – and faster – than having to redownload a 50GB game again or copying them from a disk.
Sony says games will automatically update when moved to the internal ultra-fast SSD in case of an update. Besides, you can choose what game modes to install from an external storage device for titles that offer such support.
Another caveat is PS5 titles will not download directly to the external drive. Sadly, this means migration will be commonplace, even if you play a couple of storage-hungry games. Next-gen titles are huge. “Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War,” for instance, needs over 200GB with the “Warzone” battle royale mode, while others like “Hitman 3″ and “Destiny 2” need over 100GB each.
For the most part, the latest update is just a makeshift solution that should somewhat console PS5 gamers in the meanwhile before the Japanese conglomerate officially supports additional storage via internal M.2 drives.
“We’re currently working on this feature and will keep you posted with any updates on PlayStation Blog,” Sony wrote in a Tuesday blog post.
The April update also includes PS4 and PS5 social features like Cross-generation Share Play and Request to Join Game Session. PS5 exclusive features include an improved game base, game update pre-download, new trophy settings and stats screen, screen zoom, ability to customize your game library, and a way to disable in-game chat quickly.
The redesigned PS app is also getting a myriad of new features. You’ll soon join multiplayer game sessions on PS5 from the app, manage your PS5 console storage, compare trophy collections with friends, and sort and filter PlayStation Store products. These features will be available “in the coming weeks.”
For now, you only get the ability to save products in a wish list, receive notifications when your friends are online, and change your console online status.
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