How much console storage do you need? PS5, Xbox and Switch guide

Games keep growing — a single AAA title in 2026 can take 80–150 GB — so built-in console storage fills up faster than most buyers expect. Understanding each platform's expansion options before you buy saves you from endlessly deleting games later.

PS5 ships with around 1 TB (roughly 848 GB usable) and supports user-installed M.2 NVMe SSDs, making it the most flexible system to expand. PCIe 4.0 drives are widely available at reasonable prices, and games run directly from the added drive with no speed penalty.

Xbox Series X includes 1 TB while Series S has 512 GB (with less actually usable). Expansion uses official proprietary cards that are plug-and-play but pricier. A cost-effective hybrid approach is a standard USB external drive for older-generation games and for parking titles you are not actively playing.

Switch has the least internal storage, but expansion is the simplest and cheapest: a single high-capacity microSD card covers digital game storage. Choose a reputable UHS-I card to avoid counterfeit-capacity products.

The short version: heavy PS5 or Xbox players should budget for expansion; lighter players can manage with built-in storage plus a memory card. Sky City Y2K supplies memory cards and storage accessories in a range of capacities — get in touch for a quotation.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is 512 GB on Xbox Series S enough?

A: Fine for casual players; if you keep several large games installed, add an expansion card or external drive.

Q: Does installing an SSD void the PS5 warranty?

A: No. The PS5's SSD slot is an official user-upgrade point and normal installation does not affect the console warranty.