Console storage guide: adding space to PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2
How much space modern games take, and the exact kind of SSD, expansion card or microSD card each console needs — so you don't buy one that won't work.
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Short version. PS5: an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD, ideally with a heatsink. Xbox Series X|S: an official Storage Expansion Card to play Series X|S games, or any USB drive for storage and older games. Switch 2: a microSD Express card — regular microSD cards won't hold Switch 2 games.
Do they actually need more storage?
Large modern games often take 100GB or more, and updates add more. A rough way to think about it:
- Mostly physical games, a few at a time: built-in storage is usually enough. (Physical games still install data, but you can delete and reinstall from the disc.)
- Mostly digital, or several huge games installed at once: add storage early — it saves endless deleting and re-downloading.
PS5: M.2 SSD
Every PS5 model has a slot for an internal M.2 SSD. Sony's requirements are specific:
- Interface: M.2 NVMe, PCIe Gen4 x4.
- Speed: Sony recommends at least 5,500MB/s sequential read.
- Size: fits 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110 lengths; 2280 is the most common.
- Cooling: a heatsink (or heat-dissipating cover) is required. Many drives are sold "PS5-ready" with one attached.
- Capacity: PS5 supports large drives (up to 8TB).
Installation takes about 15 minutes with a small screwdriver and the instructions on PlayStation's website. Search for drives that state PS5 compatibility on the box.
You can also use a USB external drive to store PS5 games and play PS4 games, but PS5 games must be moved back to internal or M.2 storage to play.
Xbox Series X|S: expansion card or USB
Xbox offers two routes:
- Storage Expansion Card — a small card that slots into the back of the console and behaves exactly like the internal drive. Series X|S-optimized games can be played from it. Seagate and Western Digital make official cards in several capacities.
- USB external drive — cheaper per gigabyte. You can play Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games from it, and store Series X|S games, but Series X|S-optimized games must be moved to internal or expansion-card storage to play.
A sensible combination for big libraries: an expansion card for current games and a cheap USB drive as a "parking lot" for games you're not playing this month.
See Xbox Storage Expansion Cards
Nintendo Switch 2: microSD Express only
The Switch 2 has 256GB built in. For more, it requires microSD Express cards, which are faster than ordinary microSD cards. Ordinary microSD cards — including the one from an original Switch — can't be used to store Switch 2 games, though a Switch 2 can read screenshots and videos from one.
Look for the "EX" logo on the packaging. Capacities and prices vary; buy from a reputable brand, since counterfeit memory cards are common online.
Original Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED
These use ordinary microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC cards. A UHS-I card from a known brand is fine.
Quick reference
| Console | What to buy | Plays current games from it? |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 (all models) | M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with heatsink | Yes |
| PS5 | USB external drive | PS4 games only; PS5 games stored only |
| Xbox Series X|S | Storage Expansion Card | Yes |
| Xbox Series X|S | USB external drive | Older Xbox games; Series X|S games stored only |
| Switch 2 | microSD Express card | Yes |
| Original Switch | microSDXC card | Yes |
Gift-buying tip
If you're buying storage as a surprise, check which console model they have first — and, for PS5, whether the slot is already used. A PS5 has only one M.2 slot.
Facts, prices and policies in this article were checked in November 2026. Prices, bundles and store rules change often — always confirm on the product page before you buy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
