One of the biggest changes for Sony and Microsoft with their next-gen consoles is the switch from HDD to SSD. The switch to an SSD allows for a number of new features. One of the main that has been talked about for both consoles is how loading screens will be a thing of the past. Consumers have the option to increase the storage of the SSD with expandable storage. Microsoft and Sony have gone about SSD expansion differently though. Now, Sony has confirmed that while the PlayStation 5 does support SSD storage expansion, it will not be available at launch.
Comparatively, PlayStation 5’s SSD is not as big as the Xbox Series X’s. So, people may want to get more storage so they can store more games that’ll ready to play when they get to it. Microsoft has partnered with Seagate to have its own storage expansion card that you can use for the Xbox Series X|S. You’ll be able to use certain M.2 SSDs for the PlayStation 5 but Sony confirmed to The Verge “This is reserved for a future update.” The slot that is dedicated to the other SSD will be disabled out of the box.
During The Road to PS5 presentation earlier this year, Mark Cerny talked about SSD storage expansion and said at that time it will take some time before they announce which M.2 SSD can be used for the PlayStation 5. “It’d be great if that happened by launch, but it’s likely to be a bit past it, so please hold off on getting that M.2 drive until you hear from us,” Cerny said.
The PlayStation 5 review embargo lifted today so if you want to know what critics think of Sony’s next-gen console, check them out here. The next-generation of gaming kicks off next week with the launch of the Xbox Series X|S on November 10 and PlayStation 5 on November 12.