How to install and format the Nextorage PS5 SSD

Nextorage has released a M.2 solid state drive, with built-in heat sink, that is compatible with the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition systems. You can check out this tutorial from Seeking Tech to see how you can install and format this SSD for your Sony game console.

Before we start, it should be noted that this guide is going to be based on the following internal storage drives:

  • 1 TB Nextorage PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 PS5 SSD with Heatsink (NEM-PA1TB/N SYM)
  • 2 TB Nextorage PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 PS5 SSD with Heatsink (NEM-PA2TB/N SYM)

How to insert the Nextorage PS5 SSD

You can take the following steps in order to insert the Nextorage PS5 SSD:

1. If you have any important files currently stored on your Nextorage SSD, then we recommend that you transfer it over to another storage before doing anything else.

This is because you will need to format the drive before you can use it on your PS5 or PS5 Digital Edition console. The formatting process will delete all data you have on the Nextorage SSD.

2. Once you are ready, start by turning off your game console.

3. With the system powered down, remove the stand, cables as well as other accessories you have connected.

4. Next, you need to lay your console down, preferably over a soft surface like a bed or sofa, with the side that has the PS logo facing down.

5. The back side of the PS5 system, which has the HDMI and power ports should be facing you.

6. From your point of view, position your right hand on the bottom right corner of the outer case and then your left hand on the top left corner of the outer case.

7. With your right hand, lift the bottom right corner of the outer case up and then slide it to the left. You may have to use a little force. Make sure you keep your left hand on the top left corner of the outer cover as it may otherwise fly straight off, potentially hurting others or causing damage to other objects.

8. With the outer case removed, you should see a rectangular metal cover for the M.2 docking bay of your PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 5 Digital Edition system. Here, you need a cross-head screwdriver to remove the screw and then the metal cover.

9. Now that docking bay is fully accessible, you need to use the cross-head screwdriver to remove the screw and space inside of it.

10. Take the spacer you removed in the previous step and place it into the hole that has been marked with “80.”

11. Afterwards, insert the Nextorage SSD into the M.2 slot starting from a diagonally upwards position.

12. After inserting the storage drive, gently push the other end of it down and then screw it in place in the “80” hole.

13. Once you are done with the installation, you can screw back in the metal cover of the M.2 docking back and then slide the outer case back into place (starting from the left side).

14. Re-attach the stand, cables and any other accessories you previously removed.

How to format the Nextorage PS5 SSD

After inserting the Nextorage PS5 SSD, you can format it for use with your PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 5 Digital Edition by doing the following:

1. Turn on your game system.

2. You should eventually arrive at the M.2 SSD Storage notification screen. Here, you need to press the PS button on the DualSense controller to be able to use it.

3. After gaining control, you need to select Format M.2 SSD.

4. Wait until the formatting process is completed.

5. Once the formatting has completed, you should see the sequential reading speed of your 1 TB or 2 TB Nextorage PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 PS5 SSD.

6. Afterwards, select OK to continue to the home screen.

Where to find Nextorage PS5 SSD in the system menus

After formatting the Nextorage PS5 SSD, you can find it in the system menus by taking the following steps:

1. Inside the home screen menu, select the gear symbol located on the top right side to enter into Settings.

2. In Settings, you need to go to Storage.

3. From the Storage menu, you then need to select M.2 SSD Storage from the left column.

4. On the right side, you should find your Nextorage PS5 SSD.

5. With the Storage menu, you can also reformat your Nextorage PS5 SSD, delete game data and move game data between different storage options.