Expand Storage on PS4, Xbox One, and Wii U - A Guide

Expanding Console Storage: A Modern Necessity

The evolution of gaming consoles has been significant. They’ve transitioned dramatically from relying on physical cartridges to functioning as sophisticated gaming PCs.

Modern consoles now feature integrated storage solutions designed for save data, game updates, and the increasing prevalence of digitally downloaded titles.

The Need for Additional Storage

Despite these advancements, the built-in storage capacity of most consoles often proves insufficient for many gamers. The desire for expanded storage is common.

Fortunately, all current-generation consoles provide options for increasing available space. However, the specific method varies depending on the console you own.

Storage Expansion Options by Console

The process of adding storage differs based on the console platform. Each manufacturer offers unique solutions.

• PlayStation 5: Supports internal NVMe SSD expansion, as well as external USB storage for PS4 games.
• Xbox Series X/S: Utilizes proprietary storage expansion cards, alongside external USB storage.
• Nintendo Switch: Relies on microSD cards for storage expansion.

Choosing the right expansion method ensures you can continue enjoying your favorite games without constantly managing storage space. Consider your gaming habits and budget when selecting an option.

PlayStation 4

The PlayStation 4, manufactured by Sony, is equipped with a 500 GB internal storage drive. A key distinction from competing consoles is that Sony does not permit the connection of external storage devices through a USB interface.

Despite this limitation, the internal drive can be upgraded. This process necessitates the removal of the existing 500 GB drive and its replacement with a new one.

Sony utilizes standard 2.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) drives, commonly found in laptops, for this purpose.

Drive Upgrade Options

Users have the option of installing a traditional mechanical hard drive to significantly increase storage capacity, achieving terabytes of space. Alternatively, a solid-state drive (SSD) can be chosen.

While SSDs offer faster disk access and reduced loading times, testing conducted by Tom's Hardware indicated only marginal performance gains. Consequently, they do not recommend this upgrade path.

Official Upgrade Procedure

Sony provides comprehensive, official guidance for upgrading the hard drive within a PlayStation 4. It is crucial to purchase a drive of the correct physical dimensions.

Following the official instructions will allow you to expand the storage capabilities of your PS4 console.

Xbox One

The Xbox One is equipped with a 500 GB internal storage drive. While the internal drive itself cannot be upgraded, functionality was added on June 3, 2014, allowing for the connection of external drives.

A relatively slow SATA II internal drive is utilized within the Xbox One. Consequently, utilizing a rapid USB 3 external drive is reported to potentially improve game loading speeds. Indeed, an external drive may outperform the console’s built-in storage.

External Drive Requirements

Any external drive connected to the Xbox One must be compatible with USB 3.0 and possess a storage capacity exceeding 256 GB. Up to two external drives can be connected simultaneously.

To utilize an external drive, simply purchase a USB 3.0 drive with sufficient capacity, connect it via USB, and follow the on-screen prompts for setup.

External hard drives that only support USB 2.0, or those with a capacity of 256 GB or less, will not be able to have games installed on them. However, access to music and video files stored on these drives will still be permitted.

Expanding storage on the Xbox One is therefore easily achievable through the use of compatible external USB 3.0 drives.

The ability to connect external storage provides a convenient solution for users needing additional space for their game library.

Wii U

The Nintendo Wii U console is equipped with a limited amount of built-in storage capacity. The base "Basic" model provides 8 GB of internal storage, whereas the "Deluxe" version offers 32 GB.

This internal space is utilized for storing game save files, downloaded game updates, and digital titles purchased through the Nintendo eShop.

While an external hard drive can be connected to the Wii U via a USB connection, its functionality differs from that of an Xbox One. The Wii U only supports the USB 2.0 standard for data transfer.

Despite this, USB 3.0 drives are compatible due to backward compatibility. Furthermore, the system recognizes drives with a maximum capacity of 2 TB; larger drives will only have the first 2 TB accessible.

For optimal performance and reliability, Nintendo advises utilizing an external drive that includes its own dedicated power supply. A mechanical hard drive is also recommended over a solid-state drive.

Acquiring a 2 TB external hard drive (either USB 3.0 or USB 2.0) with a separate power cable and connecting it to your Wii U should resolve any storage concerns.

If you own a PlayStation 3, you have the option to replace the internal hard drive, mirroring the upgrade process available for the PlayStation 4.

For Xbox 360 owners, a USB flash drive can be used for storage expansion. However, the console restricts access to a maximum of 32 GB of the drive’s total capacity.

Original Wii consoles can have their storage expanded using an SD card, with a maximum supported size of 32 GB. This method also allows for storage upgrades for original Wii games when played in "Wii mode" on a Wii U.