Often, we overlook minor features and details of our expensive machines. It’s easy to overlook them when these machines come packed with hardware, settings, and specific features. I’ll bet that many PlayStation 5 owners aren’t utilizing the console’s ports to their fullest extent. Sometimes, getting the most out of a game console doesn’t necessarily mean spending even more money on accessories. It might just mean discovering everything that the package has to offer. The USB port on your PS5 console is often seen as a controller charger or an accessory connection port. Believe it or not, the launch version of the PS5 has four USB ports. There are both a USB-A and USB-C port in the front, and then two USB-A ports in the rear. Both the PS5 Slim model and the PS5 Pro have two USB-C ports in the front and two USB-A ports in the rear.
Out of the box, you likely plugged your PS5 DualSense controller directly into the front port in order to sync and charge the device. Long-term, these ports don’t have to simply be relegated to serving a direct-to-controller charging function. There are several other uses for these ports if you are so inclined to make use of them.
Extended Storage
Free up space on your SSD with these storage options
Naturally, thumb drives and external storage drives are suited for USB ports. If you’re like me, you enjoy taking screen captures, especially when a game features a photographic mode that lets you create wild and striking screenshots of the characters and scenery in your favorite games. And, of course, you’ll want to save video captures of moments like that time you sniped another online player parachuting onto the map. But those screen captures add up over time. Consider plugging a thumb drive into your rear ports so you can back up your favorites and clear space on your PS5’s SSD when you need the room. I have one hidden away behind my console that I haven’t touched for quite some time. But it’s always there and ready to receive backup data.
I’ve also found that I still enjoy playing many PS4 games on my PS5. You can actually have PS4 games install directly to an external drive instead of on your SSD. It’s a setting that is available and worthwhile if you find yourself playing many PS4-compatible titles. I have a dedicated external SSD plugged into one of my rear ports, constantly filled to the brim with PS4 games that I can access at any time without having to affect my PS5’s core SSD space specifically needed for PS5 games. Also, if you find that you don’t want to uninstall a particular PS5 game but don’t plan on returning to it any time soon, you can archive it to an external SSD and bring it back over whenever you’re ready for it. So, while you can’t play PS5 games from an external SSD, you can certainly store them there for safekeeping until you’re ready to return to them, to avoid retreading lengthy download and installation processes.
You can even get creative with your storage. There are USB-C adapters that would allow you to access other storage options like SD cards. If you have more flash drives that you’d prefer to utilize with USB-A connections, you could add USB-C to USB-A adapters. Some of these adapters could include up to 4 additional USB-A ports. Keep in mind, however, that you need to make sure that these products are compatible with the PS5. If you’re purchasing these adapters online to make use of SD cards or other USB-A storage options you have in your possession, be sure to check the product page for the adapter to ensure that it’s PS5 console-ready.
Crafting a more versatile gaming setup
Explore accessories or devices that could suit your particular setup
Aside from DualSense controllers or wireless headset adapters, there are other accessories that can make use of these ports. If you’re a Gran Turismo fan or wish to jump into Forza Horizon 6, grab yourself a racing wheel. Fans of the fighting genre, including Mortal Kombat 1, Street Fighter 6, or the latest PlayStation hero fighter, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, a fight stick setup might be up your alley. There are a multitude of specialty peripherals that can make use of the USB ports on your PS5. Keep in mind, however, that any particular accessory isn’t guaranteed to work with every game in that peripheral’s genre of choice. Make sure that the game is compatible with the device you’d like to use.
Some PS5 users treat their consoles like a PC stationed at a desk with a specialized gaming monitor. You can absolutely plug a keyboard and mouse into your console and use them for games that are compatible with these inputs. Most shooter fans would argue that a keyboard and mouse are the superior controller input, offering better precision. If that is true for you, then enhance your combat in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 with a keyboard and mouse to dole out punishment to online players.
Your PS5’s USB ports aren’t the most exciting feature of your console, but despite this, they don’t need to be underutilized if you have an interest in getting the most out of your hardware. Whether you’re managing your growing game library, photos and in-game videos, or looking to buy accessories to curate a more personalized gaming setup, these ports can go a long way. So, don’t count them out.
