PlayStation 5 Owners should be careful when adding an SSD to their console, as the screws for the expansion cover can strip more easily than some might imagine. While the option for extra storage is nice, installation has been a headache for some PS5 gamers for years.
While it may be hard to believe, the PS5 is already five years old. Since its launch, the console has amassed an impressive library of first- and third-party games. Despite facing competition from Nintendo's Switch family of systems, the PS5 sold well. Earlier in 2025, Sony confirmed that the system had sold more than 80 million units worldwide. While this number falls well short of the PS2's 160 million units, the current-gen console isn't far behind the likes of the PS3 on the all-time list. With millions of users picking up consoles since 2020, more storage has been demanded to accommodate the growing libraries of gamers.
Even with the Switch 2 out, video game hardware sales hit a 30-year low last month
A new report says video game hardware sales will drop to a point not seen in three decades in November 2025.
Be careful when adding an SSD to the PS5 expansion slot
While the PS5 includes an SSD expansion slot under its cover, owners should be careful when installing additional storage. As highlighted by Reddit user h974974 , there have been several documented cases of gamers stripping PS5 screws while trying to complete an installation. As seen in their photo, the screw was pulled out, and they said their attempted fix only made the situation worse.
In the comments of the post, the Reddit user provided some more context behind their dilemma and revealed the ultimate solution to the problem. They started by using a #1 standard crosshead screwdriver to try to remove the SSD screws. When that failed to work, they dropped the 0.5 crosshead, which started stripping the screw. Eventually, a Reddit user managed to remove the damaged screw with 8-inch needle-nose pliers. However, they warned other PS5 owners not to use screwdrivers smaller than a #1 Phillips head. Additionally, they suggest using a pair of pliers to loosen the screw before attempting to completely undo it with a screwdriver.
As the answers to this Reddit post indicate, many other gamers have had problems with the SSD expansion slot. Additionally, an online search will find several recent Reddit posts about the problem. The consensus among the comments is to add an SSD to the PS5 with caution and ensure proper equipment is used to minimize the risk of complications. However, it's understandable that some players are frustrated by how easy it seems to screw up the expansion slot. These complications also make external PS5 drives more likely to be connected via USB, even if they aren't capable of playing PS5 games directly.
It's worth noting that Sony is currently hosting its PlayStation Holiday Sale for 2025, which could give gamers even more reason to invest in an SSD for their PS5 as their libraries fill up. The sale runs until January 21, giving fans plenty of time to browse the PlayStation Store and find new games. Among the selections are AAA and indie titles, including the most popular games of the year.
Time will tell what Sony has in store for the PlayStation in 2026. As the company prepares for the new year, PS6 rumors continue. While most details remain nebulous, reports suggest that there could be a handheld version of the console. Ultimately, fans will have to wait for the company to officially unveil its plans in the coming months. In the meantime, they are looking forward to more PS5-exclusive games, such as Marvel's Wolverine and Sarosto store on their SSD.
