PlayStation 4 Pro: Tips for Using External Storage Devices Efficiently

With the increasing support for offline and online games on the PS4 Pro, users are finding that the internal storage capacity of their consoles is becoming insufficient. This has led to the need for additional space to store their favorite games. Adding an external hard drive to the PS4 Pro is now possible, thanks to a system software update by Sony. This update allows users to use a PS4 external hard drive with a USB 3.0 port, providing them with extra storage for games and apps. Having an external hard drive not only increases the storage capacity but also improves the performance of the PS4 Pro.

Are you running out of storage space on your PS4 Pro? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will share some valuable tips on how to efficiently use external storage devices with your PS4 Pro. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, these tips will help you make the most of your gaming experience by providing ample storage for all your favorite games and apps.

Why Use External Storage for PS4 Pro?

The use of external storage for the PS4 Pro offers several benefits. First and foremost, it provides additional space for storing games and apps, which is especially useful for users with a large game library. Additionally, an external hard drive helps to improve the performance of the PS4 Pro by reducing load times and minimizing lag. Furthermore, it allows users to easily transfer games and apps between different consoles or to a friend’s house. Overall, using external storage enhances the gaming experience on the PS4 Pro.

How to Add an External Hard Drive to the PS4 Pro

Adding an external hard drive to the PS4 Pro is a relatively straightforward process. However, there are a few key steps to follow.

1. Ensure that your external hard drive has a USB 3.0 port and a minimum capacity of 250GB.
2. The PS4 Pro supports external hard drives with up to 8TB of storage.
3. Make sure the system software of your PS4 Pro is updated to version 4.50 or later, as this update introduced support for external hard drives.
4. Format the external hard drive to the exFAT file system to ensure compatibility with the PS4 Pro.

Following these steps will ensure that your PS4 Pro is ready to take full advantage of the additional storage provided by the external hard drive. Now you can enjoy a larger game library without worrying about running out of space.

Example:

“Adding an external hard drive to my PS4 Pro was a game-changer. I no longer have to worry about deleting games to make space for new ones. With the added storage capacity, I can easily keep all my favorite games in one place.”

External Hard Drive Model	Storage Capacity	Compatibility	Performance
Kingston HyperX Savage	Up to 2TB	Compatible with PS4 Pro	Fast transfer speeds
Corsair Flash Voyager GTX 3.1 Premium	Up to 1TB	Compatible with PS4 Pro	Exceptional performance
Corsair Flash Voyager GT 3.0	Up to 512GB	Compatible with PS4 Pro	High-speed data transfer

How to Format an External Hard Drive for the PS4 Pro

Formatting an external hard drive for the PS4 Pro is an essential step that must be taken before it can be used as extended storage. This process can be accomplished either on the console itself or on a computer using partition management software.

If you choose to format the external hard drive on the PS4 Pro, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings menu.
2. Select Devices.
3. Choose USB Storage Devices.
4. Select the external hard drive.
5. Click on the Format as Extended Storage button to initiate the formatting process.

If you prefer to format the external hard drive on a computer, here’s what you need to do:

1. Connect the external hard drive to your computer.
2. Use partition management software to format it to the exFAT file system. This ensures compatibility with the PS4 Pro.

By formatting the external hard drive to the correct file system, you ensure that it can be recognized and utilized by the PS4 Pro as extended storage, providing you with the additional space you need for your games and apps.

Recommended Partition Management Software

Software	Compatibility	Features
MiniTool Partition Wizard	Windows	Easy-to-use interface, extensive partition management functions
EaseUS Partition Master	Windows	Powerful partition management capabilities, data protection
GParted	Windows, macOS, Linux	Open-source software, various advanced features

These partition management software options offer comprehensive tools for formatting and managing your external hard drive, ensuring a smooth experience when preparing it for use with your PS4 Pro.

How to Transfer Games to an External Hard Drive

Once you have successfully connected and formatted your external hard drive for the PS4 Pro, you can easily transfer your games from the internal storage to the external drive. Follow these simple steps to make the most of your extended storage:

1. Go to the Settings menu on your PS4 Pro.
2. Select Storage, then System Storage.
3. Choose Applications.
4. Select the games you want to transfer.
5. Press the Options button on your controller.
6. Choose Move to Extended Storage.

This process will move the selected games from the internal storage to the external hard drive, freeing up valuable space on your PS4 Pro for more games to be installed. It’s a simple and convenient way to manage your game library and ensure you have enough storage for all your favorite titles.

Transferring your games to an external hard drive not only frees up space on your PS4 Pro but also provides the benefit of improved performance. With the games stored on the external drive, the load times and performance of your PS4 Pro will be optimized, giving you a seamless gaming experience.

Now that you know how to transfer games to an external hard drive, you can easily manage your game library and make the most of your PS4 Pro’s storage capacity.

“Transferring games to an external hard drive allows you to expand your storage capacity without sacrificing performance.” – [Author Name]

Recommended External Hard Drives for the PS4 Pro

Choosing the right external hard drive for your PS4 Pro is important to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. Here are some recommended external hard drives:

External Hard Drive	Storage Capacity	Interface
Seagate Expansion Portable External Hard Drive	1TB – 5TB	USB 3.0
WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive	2TB – 5TB	USB 3.2
Samsung T7 Portable SSD	500GB – 2TB	USB 3.2

These external hard drives offer a range of storage capacities and fast transfer speeds, making them ideal choices for extended storage on the PS4 Pro. Choose the one that best suits your needs and enjoy an expanded game library on your PS4 Pro.

Recommended External Hard Drives for the PS4 Pro

When choosing an external hard drive for the PS4 Pro, it is important to consider factors such as storage capacity, compatibility, and performance. With a wide range of options available, finding the right external hard drive to meet your gaming needs can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, here are some recommended external hard drives for the PS4 Pro:

External Hard Drive	Storage Capacity	Transfer Speed
Kingston HyperX Savage	Up to 1TB or 2TB	Up to 350MB/s
Corsair Flash Voyager GTX 3.1 Premium	Up to 1TB or 2TB	Up to 440MB/s
Corsair Flash Voyager GT 3.0	Up to 256GB or 512GB	Up to 240MB/s

These external hard drives offer various storage capacities and fast transfer speeds, providing ample space and efficient data transfer for your PS4 Pro. Whether you have a large game library or need to store high-resolution media, these recommended external hard drives are well-suited for extended storage on the PS4 Pro.

By choosing one of these external hard drives, you can enhance your gaming experience, ensuring that you have enough space to install and store your favorite games, apps, and media files on your PS4 Pro. These options are reliable, durable, and compatible with the PS4 Pro, making them ideal choices for anyone looking to expand their storage capacity.

Conclusion

Adding an external hard drive to the PS4 Pro is a great way to enhance the gaming experience. With the increasing support for offline and online games on the PS4 Pro, the internal storage capacity may no longer be sufficient for avid gamers. By following the steps outlined in this article, users can easily add and format an external hard drive, providing them with additional storage for their favorite games and apps.

In addition to increasing storage capacity, using an external hard drive also improves the performance of the PS4 Pro. It reduces load times, minimizes lag, and allows for a smoother gaming experience. With the right external hard drive, users can enjoy faster transfer speeds and reliable performance.

When selecting an external hard drive for the PS4 Pro, it is recommended to consider factors such as storage capacity, compatibility, and performance. The Kingston HyperX Savage, Corsair Flash Voyager GTX 3.1 Premium, and Corsair Flash Voyager GT 3.0 are some of the highly recommended options.

By following these tips and utilizing the recommended external hard drives, PS4 Pro users can make the most of their gaming console, efficiently storing and playing their favorite games. With the added storage space and improved performance, the PS4 Pro delivers a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience.

FAQ

Can I use an external hard drive with my PS4 Pro?

Yes, the PS4 Pro supports the use of external hard drives with a USB 3.0 port.

What is the benefit of using external storage for the PS4 Pro?

Using external storage allows you to increase the storage capacity of your PS4 Pro, improve performance, and easily transfer games and apps.

How do I add an external hard drive to my PS4 Pro?

To add an external hard drive to your PS4 Pro, ensure that the hard drive has a USB 3.0 port and a minimum capacity of 250GB. Update the system software to version 4.50 or later and format the external hard drive to the exFAT file system.

How do I format an external hard drive for my PS4 Pro?

To format an external hard drive for the PS4 Pro, go to the Settings menu, select Devices, then USB Storage Devices, and choose the external hard drive. Click the Format as Extended Storage button to initiate the formatting process.

How do I transfer games to an external hard drive on my PS4 Pro?

To transfer games to an external hard drive on your PS4 Pro, go to the Settings menu, select Storage, then System Storage, and choose Applications. Select the games you want to transfer, press the Options button, and choose Move to Extended Storage.

What are some recommended external hard drives for the PS4 Pro?

Some recommended external hard drives for the PS4 Pro include the Kingston HyperX Savage, Corsair Flash Voyager GTX 3.1 Premium, and Corsair Flash Voyager GT 3.0. These hard drives offer various capacities, fast transfer speeds, and reliable performance.