PSA: The PS5’s SSD Screw is Easy to Strip

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PlayStation 5 owners adding extra storage with an SSD should be gentle with the screw holding the expansion cover in place – it can strip surprisingly easily. While expanding the PS5’s storage is a great feature, some gamers have unfortunately run into problems during installation.

It’s hard to believe, but the PlayStation 5 is already five years old! Since it launched, the console has built up a fantastic collection of games, both from Sony itself and other developers. Even with competition from the Nintendo Switch, the PS5 has sold very well – over 80 million units worldwide, Sony announced earlier this year. While it hasn’t matched the incredible sales of the PlayStation 2, it’s quickly catching up to the PlayStation 3 in terms of all-time sales. With so many people buying the console since 2020, there’s been a growing need for more storage space to hold all their games.

Be Careful When Adding an SSD to the PS5 Expansion Slot

The PS5 lets you add more storage with an SSD, but it’s important to be careful during installation. Several gamers have reported accidentally stripping the screw that holds the cover in place while trying to install the extra storage, as one Reddit user, h974974, recently shared. They posted a photo showing a stripped screw and explained that their attempts to fix it actually made the problem worse.

The Reddit user explained more about the issue in the comments and shared how they finally fixed it. They first tried using a standard #1 screwdriver to remove the SSD screw, but it didn’t work. A smaller 0.5 screwdriver started to damage the screw. Eventually, they were able to remove the stripped screw using 8-inch needle-nose pliers. They warned other PS5 owners not to use screwdrivers smaller than a #1 Philips head. They also recommended loosening the screw with pliers before trying to fully remove it with a screwdriver.

Many gamers are reporting problems with the PS5’s SSD expansion slot, as seen in Reddit discussions and online searches. The general advice is to be very careful when installing an SSD, using the right tools to avoid damage. It’s frustrating for players that the screw for the slot seems easily damaged. Because of these issues, some are considering USB-connected external drives as a simpler alternative, even though they can’t be used to play PS5 games directly.

Sony’s PlayStation Holiday Sale for 2025 is happening now, and it’s a great time for gamers to expand their game collections. As players download more games for their PS5, they might also consider upgrading to an SSD. The sale lasts until January 21st and features a wide variety of games, from big-name titles to popular indie releases.

It’s still unclear what Sony has planned for PlayStation in 2026, but talk about the PS6 is already starting. While details are scarce, some reports hint at a possible handheld version of the console. We’ll have to wait for Sony to officially announce their plans. In the meantime, PS5 owners can look forward to exciting exclusive games like Marvel’s Wolverine and Saros, which will take advantage of the console’s fast SSD storage.

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2025-12-23 04:04