PlayStation 5 owners should be careful when adding an SSD to their consoles, as the screw for the expansion cover can strip more easily than some might anticipate. While the option for additional storage is nice, the installation has caused headaches for some PS5 gamers over the years.
While it might be hard to believe, the PS5 is already five years old. Since its launch, the console has accumulated an impressive library of first- and third-party games. Despite facing competition from Nintendo’s Switch family of systems, the PS5 has sold well. Earlier in 2025, Sony confirmed that the system had sold over 80 million units worldwide. While this number falls considerably short of the PS2’s more than 160 million units, the current-gen console is not far behind the likes of the PS3 on the all-time list. With millions of users picking up the console since 2020, there has been demand for extra storage to accommodate gamers’ growing libraries.
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Be Careful When Adding an SSD to the PS5 Expansion Slot
While the PS5 includes an SSD expansion slot under its cover, owners should use caution when installing the extra storage. As highlighted by Reddit user h974974, there have been many documented cases of gamers stripping the PS5 screw when trying to complete the installation. As seen in their photo, the screw had been stripped, and they said their attempted fixes only made the situation worse.
In the comments of the post, the Reddit user provided some further context behind their dilemma and revealed the eventual solution to the problem. They began by using a #1 standard crosshead screwdriver to try to remove the SSD screw. When that failed to work, they dropped to a 0.5 crosshead, which caused the screw to begin to strip. Ultimately, the Reddit user managed to remove the damaged screw with 8-inch needle-nose pliers. However, they cautioned other PS5 owners to not use screwdrivers smaller than a #1 Philips head. Additionally, they suggested using a pair of pliers to loosen the screw before attempting to undo it completely with a screwdriver.
As the replies in this Reddit post indicate, many other gamers have had issues with the SSD expansion slot. Additionally, an online search will find many more recent Reddit posts about the problem. The consensus among the comments is to approach adding an SSD to the PS5 with caution and to make sure to use proper equipment to minimize the risk of complications. However, it is understandable that some players are frustrated with how easy it seemingly is to ruin the screw for the expansion slot. These complications also make external PS5 drives that connect via a USB potentially more enticing despite not being able to play PS5 games directly.
It is worth noting that Sony is currently hosting its PlayStation Holiday Sale for 2025, which could give gamers more of a 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 search for new games. Among the selections are both AAA and indie titles, including some of the most popular games of the year.
Time will tell what Sony has in store for PlayStation in 2026. As the company gears up for the new year, rumors of the PS6 continue to rumble. While most details remain nebulous, reports suggest 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 can look forward to more PS5-exclusive games, such as Marvel’s Wolverine and Saros, to store on their SSDs.
