Western Digital has pushed the boundaries of PlayStation 5 storage with its latest offering - an enormous 8TB SSD that promises to end storage woes for even the most avid gamers. However, this technological marvel comes with a hefty price tag that may give many pause.
The WD_BLACK SN850P NVMe SSD, officially licensed for the PlayStation 5, boasts an impressive 8TB capacity, doubling the size of its previous largest offering. This expansive storage space can accommodate up to 200 games, allowing gamers to keep their entire library readily accessible without the need for constant deletion and reinstallation.
Key features of the new SSD include:
- Capacity: 8TB
- Read speeds: Up to 7,300 MB/s
- Custom heatsink designed for PS5's M.2 slot
- Official PlayStation 5 license ensuring compatibility
- Includes a one-month trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe
While the performance metrics are impressive, they come at a cost. The 8TB model is priced at a staggering $999.99 (£718.99), nearly triple the cost of its 4TB counterpart. This significant price jump raises questions about its value proposition, especially considering that the non-PS5 specific WD_BLACK SN850X 8TB version (without a heatsink) is about $150 cheaper.
It's worth noting that the SN850P is slightly shorter than the standard SN850X, ensuring a better fit within the PS5's SSD slot. However, for budget-conscious gamers, the standard SN850X with a heatsink can still fit and function in the PS5, albeit with a tighter squeeze.
The need for such massive storage capacity is becoming increasingly apparent as modern AAA game installations continue to grow. With titles like God of War: Ragnarok requiring 190GB and expectations of GTA VI potentially needing 150-300GB, the 8TB capacity could prove invaluable for serious gamers who prefer to keep their entire library installed.
Western Digital's latest offering certainly pushes the envelope in terms of storage capacity for the PS5. However, its premium pricing may limit its appeal to all but the most dedicated (and deep-pocketed) gaming enthusiasts. As game sizes continue to balloon, it will be interesting to see how the market responds to high-capacity, high-price storage solutions like this.