Is 1TB Usable Storage on the PS5 Console? Explained

So, you’re thinking about the PlayStation 5. Maybe you already have one. And now you’re wondering: Is the 1TB of storage really usable? Let’s break it down in a fun and simple way — no tech degree needed.

Wait, does the PS5 have 1TB of storage?

Well, sort of. The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD. That’s solid-state drive space, which is super fast and helps your games load quicker. But here’s where it gets interesting.

Out of that 825GB, not all of it is available to use. The system needs some space for itself — kind of like how your phone needs space for its operating system.

So how much can you actually use?

Here’s the real usable storage

Out of the 825GB, you get about 667GB of usable space for games, apps, and media. That’s it.

So if you thought you were getting a full 1TB or even 825GB to play around with — well, not quite.

Why isn’t it all usable?

The PS5’s system software needs room to live. It’s like the brain of the console. It handles the interface, software updates, background tasks, and all that good stuff.

That uses up around 157GB. Yep, that’s quite a chunk.

Let’s talk games

Games these days are huge.

Some PS5 titles can be anywhere from 50GB up to 150GB or more. And we’re not just talking about the base game — patches, updates, and DLC (downloadable content) can add even more.

Here’s an example of how fast storage fills up:

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II – around 100GB+
• Horizon Forbidden West – approx 90GB
• Spider-Man 2 – around 95GB
• FIFA 24 – about 50GB
• Demon’s Souls – 66GB

Add those up, and boom — your 667GB is almost gone!

So, what can you do?

If you’re a gamer who likes to have lots of games ready to play, you’ll run out of space fast. But don’t worry — you’ve got options.

1. Expand your storage

You can add more storage with an NVMe M.2 SSD drive. These are high-speed drives that fit inside a slot on your PS5. Sony even made sure to support this feature from the get-go.

You can also use an external hard drive for PS4 games. But PS5 games must be played from the internal SSD or an official add-on M.2 SSD.

2. Manage your games smartly

Keep only the games you’re currently playing installed. Delete the ones you’ve finished or don’t touch right now — you can redownload them later.

TL;DR — Too Long; Didn’t Read

• The PS5 has an 825GB SSD.
• You only get about 667GB of usable space.
• Games can be very big — you may run out of space fast.
• You can expand storage with M.2 SSDs or manage your games wisely.

So, is 1TB usable storage just a myth?

Kind of. The PS5 doesn’t technically have 1TB to begin with. And the space you do get fills up fast. But with a few smart moves, you can make it work without pulling your hair out.

Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, now you know exactly what’s up inside your PS5 when it comes to storage. Happy gaming!