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PS5 and PS5 Pro: M.2 SSD
This is the best value per terabyte. Here's what it needs:
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe |
| Capacity | 250 GB – 8 TB (get 1 TB minimum for GTA 6) |
| Speed | 5,500 MB/s read or faster recommended |
| Size | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 or 22110 |
| Cooling | Heatsink required (built-in or add-on) |
2 TB PS5 SSDs with heatsink on Amazon →
1 TB PS5 SSDs with heatsink on Amazon →
Install takes about 10 minutes with a small Phillips screwdriver. Power the console off fully, open the M.2 slot cover, seat the drive, then format it when the PS5 prompts you.
Xbox Series X|S: expansion card
Xbox only runs current-gen games from internal storage or an official expansion card. It plugs into the back of the console, with no tools needed.
Xbox expansion cards on Amazon →
Series S owners feel this most. With only 364 GB usable, GTA 6 plus one other big game fills the drive.
The free option
Delete finished games before you buy anything. You can move last-gen games to a cheap USB drive and keep them there, which frees internal space for GTA 6.
USB drives for storing older games on Amazon →
Quick answers
Can I play GTA 6 from an external USB drive?
On PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, current-gen games must run from internal storage, an M.2 SSD on PS5, or an official expansion card on Xbox. USB drives can only store them.
What SSD do I need for PS5?
An M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD, 250 GB to 8 TB, with a heatsink. Sony recommends read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or faster.
What storage works for Xbox Series X|S?
Official Storage Expansion Cards that plug into the back of the console, such as the Seagate and WD_BLACK cards.
Launch-week alerts
Unlock times, day-one patch size, and new guides the minute they drop. One email when it matters, no spam.