Western Digital Reveals PS5 Compatible SSD Expansion Drives



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The current beta of Sony’s PS5 system software has unlocked the console’s SSD expansion bay, which means full functionality will soon be available for all PS5 consoles. Several SSD manufacturers are starting to confirm which of their M.2 NVMe SSDs will work with the unique requirements of the PS5, and Western Digital is the latest to join the club with its WD-BLACK line of gaming drives.

Specifically, Western Digital told VGC that the currently available WD_BLACK SN850, a drive that may come with a preinstalled heat sink, meets Sony’s listed requirements, although it is still under testing at this time. “Based on the requirements published by Sony, we can confirm that our NVMe WD_BLACK SN850 SSD with heatsink (500GB-2TB) meets the stated requirements to expand console storage on the PlayStation 5 for those with access to the PlayStation 5 Beta software. Compatibility tests are in progress.

WD_BLACK SN850 NVMe SSD for PS5

The sizes and prices of these discs can be found below. Note that the price listed is MSRP and some retailers, like linked Amazon pages, offer these readers at lower prices. Pricing and availability will also vary depending on whether you get it with or without a heat sink. The price can also be cheaper if you buy direct from Western Digital, where many of these drives appear to be even more discounted.

Sizes and prices

  • 500 GB – $ 169.99 (with heat sink) – Buy now
  • 1 TB – $ 249.99 (with heat sink) – Buy now
  • 2 TB – $ 549.99 (with heat sink) – Buy now

We at PlayStation LifeStyle have had good experiences with Western Digital’s WD_BLACK range of portable hard drives, having reviewed the 5TB portable external game drive (and currently using it to hold my PS4 library to use on my PS5 ).

Western Digital is the second to confirm its SSDs that will work with the PS5 expansion bay. Yesterday, Seagate was quick to reveal that the upcoming FireCuda 530 line, in sizes ranging from 500GB to 4TB, has been tested by Sony and confirmed to work. Its own list price appears to be in line with what Western Digital has branded its products for (although Western Digital does not offer the $ 1,000 + 4TB option that Seagate does). Seagate’s PS5-compatible FireCuda SSDs are slated for release in August.

Sony has released a comprehensive support guide for PS5 system software beta testers who want to use this new feature and expand their internal SSD storage space. The beta version of the system software includes a number of other notable features, such as changes to the trophy list display and Control Center customization. Sony has yet to set a release date for this PS5 system software update.

[Via: VGC]



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