You know that sinking feeling when you're hyped to download the latest game only to see "Not enough free space"? Yeah, me too. Last month I had to choose between deleting Horizon Forbidden West or my kid's Minecraft worlds. Guess who won? Today we're fixing that for good.
Why Your PS5 Storage Fills Up So Damn Fast
Sony gave us this incredible machine with a ridiculously fast SSD... and only 667GB of usable space out of the box. Modern games don't help:
| Game Title | Install Size | Updates Size | Total Space Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II | 150GB | 90GB (seasonal updates) | 240GB |
| NBA 2K24 | 121GB | 45GB | 166GB |
| Baldur's Gate 3 | 108GB | 35GB | 143GB |
| Marvel's Spider-Man 2 | 98GB | 15GB | 113GB |
Simple math: Two AAA games can fill your drive. That's why knowing exactly how to delete games on PS5 isn't optional - it's survival.
What Actually Gets Deleted When You Remove a Game?
This is where people panic. Let me break it down:
- Game files: The actual 50-150GB installation (gone)
- Saved games: Your progress (SAFE if you have PS Plus cloud saves)
- Trophies: Tracked on Sony's servers (untouched)
- Settings: Controller configs, brightness settings (deleted)
Step-by-Step: How to Delete Games on PS5 Properly
Method 1: From the Home Screen (Quick and Dirty)
- Scroll to the game tile you want gone
- Smash that Options button on your controller
- Select "Delete" from the menu
- Confirm the massacre
This works but sucks for seeing how much space you'll actually gain. Which brings us to...
Method 2: Storage Settings (The Smart Way)
- Hit the Gear icon (Settings) > Storage
- Choose "Console Storage" > "Games and Apps"
- See every installed game with sizes - sort by largest first
- Highlight the space-hogger > Press X > Select "Delete"
• Horizon Forbidden West: 96.7GB
• Gran Turismo 7: 112.3GB
• Uncharted Legacy: 78.4GB
Deleted GT7 = 112GB instantly freed
Method 3: Bulk Deletion (Sort Of)
Sony's UI fails here. No true bulk delete exists. My workaround:
- Go to Settings > Storage > Games and Apps
- Sort by "Last Used"
- Delete anything you haven't touched in 3+ months first
Deleting Specific Game Components
Some games let you remove parts you don't use:
| Game | What You Can Remove | Space Recovered |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty | Campaign mode, Zombies mode | 35-70GB |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator | Specific world regions | 15-40GB |
| NBA 2K24 | Career mode cutscenes | 12GB |
To do this: Options button on game tile > Manage Game Content. Lifesaver for COD players.
PS5 Storage Management: Pro Tips They Don't Tell You
• Game name
• Install size
• Last played date
• Completion status
Sounds obsessive? Saved me 10+ reinstalls.
- PS4 Games: Move to external USB drive (works instantly, costs $50 for 1TB)
- Screenshots/Videos: Settings > Captures > Auto-Upload to app = off
- Cache Build-Up: Power off completely weekly (not rest mode)
- Database Rebuild: Hold power button until second beep > Rebuild Database (fixes phantom storage)
Why Your "Delete" Button Might Be Grayed Out
Infuriating when this happens. Causes I've battled:
- Game is suspended: Press PS button > Close game from Control Center
- Update in progress: Pause downloads in Downloads/Uploads menu
- Corrupted data: Safe Mode > Clear Cache (nuclear option)
- System app: Can't delete Netflix, Spotify, etc.
M.2 SSD Expansion: Worth It?
Added a 2TB WD_Black SN850 last year. Real costs:
| Option | Cost | Install Difficulty | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1TB SSD | $80-120 | Medium (need screwdriver) | Worth it if you play 5+ AAA games |
| 2TB SSD | $130-180 | Medium | Best value - no more deletes |
| External USB HDD | $50-80 for 2TB | Easy (plug & play) | PS4 games only |
Frequently Asked Questions (Real Player Edition)
If I delete a PS+ game, do I lose access forever?
No! As long as your subscription is active, you can redownload anytime from your library. Even if you cancel then resubscribe later.
How to delete games on PS5 without deleting saves?
Settings > Saved Data > Console Storage. Back up to USB or cloud FIRST. Delete game normally afterwards.
Why is my storage still full after deleting games?
Three culprits: 1) Capture gallery full of 4K clips 2) "Other" storage cache bloated 3) Game updates still sitting in temp files. Rebuild database.
Can I delete pre-installed games like Astro's Playroom?
Yes! Options button > Delete. But... why? It's only 11GB and actually fun.
How to prevent accidental deletion?
Settings > Users and Accounts > Parental Controls. Set deletion to require password. Saved me from my toddler's button mashing.
Best way to manage PS5 game storage?
My brutal system: Delete anything unplayed for 6 months unless it's a masterpiece. Keep multiplayer games friends play. Everything else goes.
The Emotional Cost of Deleting Games
Weird to say, but uninstalling a game feels like breaking up. That 300-hour Elden Ring save? It's part of your identity. Practical tips:
- Upload capture gallery highlights to PS App first
- Take final screenshots of your character
- Back up saves manually (Settings > Saved Data)
- Remember: Reinstall takes 20-90 minutes
When to Upgrade vs. Delete
Decision chart based on your situation:
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Casual player (3-5 games) | Just delete what you don't play |
| Game hoarder (10+ games) | 1TB SSD upgrade ($100) |
| PS4 + PS5 library | External HDD for PS4 games + delete PS5 titles |
| Content creator (captures) | Regularly export to PC/USB drive |
Final Reality Check
Look, no one wants to learn how to delete games on PS5. But Sony gave us a Ferrari with a tiny gas tank. Until you upgrade:
- Delete via Storage Settings menu
- Check save data backup status
- Remove unused game components
- Move PS4 games to external drive
Last week my buddy deleted God of War Ragnarök thinking he'd finished it... then remembered he hadn't fought the final boss. Don't be my buddy. Delete smart.
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