In September 2024, Seagate launched the Game Drive External SSD with 1 or 2 TB capacity for the Sony PlayStation 4|5. This might sound like a nice solution, e.g. B. to transfer your data from a PS5 to a PS5 Pro. I tested the external drive in the version with 2 TB of storage space for you.
Basically, this is an external SSD, which you can use not only on the Sony PlayStation 4|5, but also, for example. B. can also be used on a notebook or PC. The Seagate Game Drive External SSD is connected via its only port – USB-C (3.2 Gen 2). The drive is formatted in exFAT format at the factory. Here you can find the manufacturer’s official product page.
The Seagate Game Drive External SSD with 2 TB of storage space costs 274.99 euros. That’s a lot of money, because you can also install an additional internal M.2 SSD in the PS5. You’ll end up with just 140 euros for 2 TBytes, for example. B. brings the WD_BLACK SN850X into your home. Seagate’s external SSD is therefore particularly useful if you have already expanded the internal storage space but are still thirsty for more capacity.
Equipment and processing
In addition to the drive itself, the Seagate Game Drive External SSD comes with two cables – one from USB-C to USB-C and one from USB-C to USB-A. This makes it easier to connect to different devices. A quick guide and a code for 14 days of PlayStation Plus Premium can also be found in the box. However, only new customers can redeem the code; it is of no use to you with an existing subscription.
The housing of the external drive has been designed so that it fits the PlayStation 5 almost perfectly. So you use a mixture of black and white. On top of that, there is a blue LED strip on the side that is reminiscent of the corresponding strips on the console. The Seagate Game Drive External SSD can cover all of its power needs via USB. So it does not require an additional power connection.
In general, the Seagate Game Drive External SSD for the PS4 and PS4 is an external SSD that tries to justify its very high price compared to alternatives through the PlayStation aesthetic. To be fair, this is a really fast 10 Gbps model. However, since the external drive can only start PS4 titles due to Sony’s requirements, you can only capitalize on the speed to a limited extent. PS5 games can also be moved to the Seagate SSD, but they can only be archived there.
Practical test of the Seagate Game Drive External SSD
You connect the Seagate Game Drive External SSD to the PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 or any other device via USB 3.2 Gen 2. Seagate assigns the drive maximum read and write speeds of 1,000 Mbit/s. The SSD weighs around 70 g and, with dimensions of just 10.5 (length) x 5.5 (width) x 1.1 (height) cm, takes up little space.
If you use the Seagate Game Drive External SSD via the USB ports on the back of the PlayStation 5, you can expect around 17 minutes for a transfer of around 200 GB from the console memory to the external drive. Roughly the same speed can be achieved if you use the front USB-C port. You should avoid the front USB-A port because it is based on USB 2.0 and significantly limits the maximum speed.
The Seagate Game Drive External SSD is not only fast at short-term data transfer, but can also maintain its maximum writing speed for a long time. It takes about 10 minutes before the whole thing drops off a bit as the cache is now full – but still remains close to the promised 1,000 Mbps. But of course the question is whether you notice too much of it when using the external drive on the game console. In any case, you won’t have any problems playing PlayStation 4 games directly from the external SSD.
One complaint about the Seagate Game Drive External SSD is that the manufacturer did not immediately offer a version with 20 Gbps. That would have expanded the possible applications in the PC area. To be honest, this wouldn’t have had any added value on the PS5, as the console’s USB ports are limited to a maximum of 10 Gbps anyway. At the price that Seagate is announcing here, the speed boost should have been included.
My conclusion
If you have already expanded the internal storage space of your PlayStation 5 with an additional M.2 SSD and would like even more capacity for archiving PS5 games or starting PS4 titles, then the Seagate Game Drive External SSD with 2 TB capacity be a fine option. However, you pay a hefty surcharge for the official PlayStation license and the design that matches the PS5. Comparable external SSDs with identical capacity without PlayStation branding are available in stores for around 100 euros less.
In this respect, this model from Seagate is worth it if you are looking for an uncomplicated external SSD solution that fits the PlayStation 5 perfectly and goes beyond the internal expansion options. The Seagate Game Drive External SSD also does its job. Personally, I would wait a little longer until the street price levels off.
Transparency: This article contains affiliate links. By clicking on it you will go directly to the provider. If you decide to make a purchase there, we will receive a small commission. Nothing changes in price for you. Partner links have no influence on our reporting.
