Installing a PS5 SSD is far easier than it looks - here’s how

The PS5 might be a premium console that’s already loaded with fantastic exclusives so early in its lifespan. But games like Returnal, Horizon Forbidden West and Gran Turismo 7, while amazing, can very quickly fill up your PS5’s storage space due to immensely large file sizes.

Thankfully, a firmware update made available just under a year after the PS5 launched made it so that owners of Sony’s flagship hardware could install their own internal SSDs to greatly expand the storage space available on the console. The downside is that it also meant having to remove your PS5’s faceplates and getting more intimate with the system’s innards.

This is what initially put me off trying to install an internal SSD for my PS5. I’m heavy-handed at the best of times, so I’d drummed it into my own head that I’d surely need surgical precision to successfully install one of the best PS5 SSD into my console, with one wrong move potentially bricking the system entirely.

I needn’t have been so cynical about it, as upon finally plucking up the courage to install my own internal SSD, I found that the whole process was more blissfully simple than I’d imagined it to be.

Installing a PS5 SSD - the full adventure

Legitimately the trickiest part of installing the PS5 SSD wasn’t actually the clicking and fixing the thing into place. Nor was it removing the SSD cover with a screwdriver. Nay, by far the most difficult part of the whole process turned out to be removing those damn faceplates from the PS5 itself.

Yet after spending a few minutes feeling like SpongeBob Squarepants, fruitlessly trying to pry the lid off a bottle of ketchup to get into the Salty Spitoon, I soon managed to slide the faceplate out of place, revealing what’s under the hood of the PS5.

But from there, the rest of the process proved to be delightfully simple. All that was left to do was grab a crosshead screwdriver and unscrew the protective lid under which the internal SSD is to be installed.

I grabbed my compatible M.2 SSD, attached the included passive heatsink, and carefully clicked it into place in the open slot. Then I just had to repeat the previous steps, albeit in reverse order, until the PS5’s faceplate was slotted back into place.

Upon plugging the PS5 back into the mains and switching it on, the console automatically went into an extremely brief SSD formatting process before returning to the familiar dashboard. And just like that, I had an entire extra terabyte of storage space available on my PS5.

How to install your own PS5 SSD

If you’ve just bought a compatible M.2 PS5 SSD, or are looking to buy one for yourself soon, here’s a quick step-by-step breakdown of the steps you’ll need to follow in order to install it. Ensure you have a crosshead screwdriver to hand before you begin the process, too.

And with that, you’re almost done. Finally, you’ll need to go into your Storage Settings on PS5, and manually select your PS5 SSD as your preferred internal storage device, to ensure your downloads are stored on your new SSD as opposed to the one already built into the console.

As a last step for peace of mind, you may want to download a game from your library onto the internal SSD, just to make sure everything works as intended, which if you follow the above steps, it should.

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Should you still buy a gaming headset in 2022?

Gaming headsets are one of the most common accessories you’ll find being sold in both physical and digital stores, and that's for a good reason. While peripherals such as gamepad controllers , keyboards and mice are often locked into specific systems (or at least may need a workaround to work across all platforms), gaming headsets are used across almost every current generation of consoles, as well as gaming PCs .

This makes them easy to sell to folks who are buying their first system, be that a PS5 , an Xbox Series X (or Series S ), or new PC gamers. Heck, even the Nintendo Switch can support a gaming headset when in docked mode, despite not being a platform known for competitive games that benefit from live communications.

Thing is, even the best gaming headsets will typically offer convenience over quality. Audiophiles will need to splurge on something seriously expensive if you want something that can rival the quality of a semi-decent pair of headphones, and even the best microphones built into these gaming headsets pale in comparison to relatively cheap USB microphones .

That convenience is nothing to sniff at of course – if you enjoy gaming on a couch then setting up a more dedicated solution is more of a pain than it’s worth, unless you’re planning on streaming to platforms like Twitch or YouTube . I say this because the quality of your audio is one of the most important factors in live streaming as nobody wants to listen to someone who sounds like they’re talking from inside a box. Radio and TV presenters sound that good for a reason after all.

As such, the following advice probably won’t come as a surprise, but if you’re buying a new system for yourself or a loved one and you know this will be set up on a desk or table, but consider removing a gaming headset from your shopping list and instead opt for a decent quality USB microphone.

Just 'ear me out okay?

These can often be cheaper than a premium headset despite offering much greater clarity, which isn’t just a benefit that streamers can enjoy – your teammates will also have a much easier time understanding you, as well as that better audio quality extending to applications like Discord for general chatrooms or video calls for PC gamers who will be using their computer or laptop to participate in video calls.

For better broadcasting quality, a dedicated microphone is the best option, and this really is a piece of kit that’s not just designed for germs or content creators. I’ve been complimented on how clear my voice is during video conferences, and the last two years have proved that working from home could be the new normal for many of us.

But what about audio? Well, chances are you already have a pair of wired earphones or headphones laying around your home, and if you’re fussy about the quality of your music then these might even be something high-quality. Another TechRadar native Tom Bedford also confessed to ditching a specialized PS4 headset in favor of some old Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones for a myriad of reasons, including weight and convenience.

Notably, though, he mentioned that the difference in audio quality between the unnamed ‘fancy’ Logitech headset and the aging Sony headphones was minimal,  which suggests that you’re going to get a much better listening experience with something more recent. I also use my Sony WH-CH710N headphones across most of my gaming systems these days as they’re comfortable, don’t require charging on a wired connection, and offer better audio quality than most gaming headsets I’ve tried.

Many of the best headphones are typically lighter than a headset as they’re not stuffed with all the additional features such as a microphone or LED lighting, and while wireless gaming headsets are great, they sometimes require charging between each use and either a USB-A receiver or BlueTooth connection. By contrast, standard headphones can plug into the standard aux connection on Xbox One/Series X and PS4/PS5 controllers. In some cases, you can even plug your headphones directly into a USB microphone.

Style over substance? Fine by me

This isn’t to say that gaming headsets don’t have a place in 2022 though. As mentioned, they’re convenient if you play competitive titles on the couch and need to update teammates, and some new models like the Razer Kraken V3 Hypersense include haptic drivers that convert sound into vibrations, much like the PS5 DualSense controller . Outside of features, they also allow you to express yourself.

Hear me out on this. Most accessories you could get in the 2010’s were available in the usual black or white, with the ‘funkier’ designs in edgy color combinations like black and red, or camo print patterns. It was all very masculine, but things changed when we started to see headsets like the Kraken Kitty gaming headset released back in 2019.

It wasn’t just available in black, but also a gorgeous pink, and as suggested by its name, included built-in cat ears that contained RGB lighting. This was one of the first instances I can recall feeling catered to by a gaming company, and I clearly wasn’t alone because this is still one of the most popular headsets worn by feminine-presenting streamers to this day, even if the microphone goes unused.

Other brands have since started to launch headsets in more traditionally 'girly' colors, such as the lilac Logitech G733 , which has since become another popular option across livestreamers, likely because its one of the few peripherals that your audience can actually see during your broadcast. As a woman who loves gaming, all this new variety is a breath of fresh air.

You can even purchase some interesting add-ons for headphones if you want a particular look - Etsy has plenty of options from small sellers that include cat ears, horns, crowns or even angelic halos, and these can be switched out, unlike the fixed options on purpose-built gaming headsets.

Still, if you don’t have your heart set on something based on its aesthetics, and you don’t intend on playing competitive titles on a couch, I would suggest using some existing headphones over buying a fancy gaming headset. You’ll save some cash if you already have a pair, and if you don’t then buying a decent set of regular cans will also allow you to use them for listening to music or podcasts when you’re not playing games or chatting on Discord. Overall, it really does feel like a smarter choice.

Volkswagen ID Buzz first look: the icon is back, with electric power and Easter eggs

After years of concepts and months of leaks, Volkswagen has finally unveiled its long awaited electric microbus – the ID Buzz. Better yet, we were given the opportunity to experience the ID Buzz in person at SXSW in Austin.

Now, before you get too excited, we weren't able to drive the ID Buzz yet – just see it and ride in it. Regardless, here are our first impressions after spending about an hour with it.

Historically, VW's microbus is a big deal. This is especially true in the US, where it was a significant cultural icon from the 60's to the 80's, but was discontinued in 2002 after the fourth generation (T4 / Eurovan).

As a result, these vans – and especially the Westfalia-branded camper variant – are still highly sought after to this day. While other markets enjoyed VW's fifth and sixth generation vans, North America was left wanting.

It uses the same MEB platform as the ID.3 and ID.4

But the wait is almost over. While we were able to take a look at the short wheelbase ID Buzz passenger van for Europe (launching Q3 2022), a long wheelbase version with an optional third row of seats is coming to North America sometime in 2024 – including a California-branded camper variant. The ID Buzz is also available as a cargo van in Europe, but that's not destined for the US – chicken tax and all.

The ID Buzz is built on VW's Modular Electric-drive Toolkit (MEB) platform, shared with EVs like the ID.3 and ID.4 . As such, the ID Buzz's specs are similar to its siblings, down to the 82kWh (77kWh usable) battery pack.

Initially, it will be available as a RWD model with 201hp (150kW) and 228 lbt (309Nm) of torque, with AWD coming later, adding an extra motor in front with 107hp (80kW) and 119 lbt (161Nm) of torque.

While we don't have any official range figures yet, the ID Buzz is expected to deliver between 220 and 250 miles (350-400km) of real-world range. Obviously, that's not spectacular, but it's probably enough for the majority of use cases, including road trips.

It also supports 11kW AC charging and 170kW DC fast charging with plug-and-charge capability. That's 5-80% in 30 minutes – not too shabby.

It's retro and modern outside

Design-wise, the ID Buzz's exterior pays homage to the original Type 2 microbus, with a two-tone paint job, V-shaped hood (bonnet), and large VW emblems front and back.

The top half, roof, and hood are painted white, and the bottom half is painted orange, yellow, green, or blue. But unlike the original van, the ID Buzz's windows surrounds aren't painted white (they're black), and its headlights aren't round.

Still, it works. The lineage is obvious, and the ID Buzz looks great. Interesting details abound –  we like how the headlights stretch upward along the paintline under the A pillar, like the chrome trim on the original.

Ditto the shape of the front quarter windows, which echo the vent windows on the microbus. Likewise, the D pillar features three horizontal trim pieces reminiscent of the engine cooling vents on the second-generation (T2) van.

The ID Buzz isn't very big for a van. At just 185.5 in (4.71m) long, the short wheelbase version is about the same length as the Tesla Model 3 . But the 20-inch wheels and short overhangs make it look even smaller.

What's odd about the ID Buzz's design is the grille-like opening in the lower half of the front bumper, which seems large for an EV. Turns out it's mostly cosmetic, with only half of the holes being used for ADAS sensors and cooling.

It's spacious and modular inside

Inside, the ID Buzz is vast. By default, the short wheelbase version gets a two-row 2 + 3 seating configuration, with an optional three-row 2 + 2 + 2 arrangement (six captain's chairs). The long wheelbase model will also offer a three-row 2 + 3 + 2 layout.

Either way, the bench seat folds 60/40, moves fore and aft, and appears to be removable. Cargo space is a massive 39.6 cut (1,121L) with the seats up, 77.8 cut (2,205L) with the seats down.

The ID Buzz's interior is just as unique as the exterior. It's mostly white (seats, headliner, door panels, steering wheel), with colored accents matching the outside color (orange, yellow, green, or blue) inset into the dashboard, door panels, and cargo area.

The floor, windshield trim, rear tailgate, seat pedestals, seat belts, and some controls are black, but there are also silver accents throughout (door pulls, dashboard, and center console).

And did we mention there's also open-pore wood on the dashboard? Yes, this sounds like a mess of colors and (recycled) materials, but honestly, it all comes together really well.

The ID Buzz's interior looks just as great as the exterior. VW even includes some fun easter eggs, like the smiley face behind the door pulls, the ID Buzz silhouette embossed in the orange panels in the cargo area, and the Beetle-like white straps attached to the B pillars.

You'll find two cup holders behind a panel in the lower middle of the dashboard. The center console is removable, and includes a pull out bottle holder and two USB Type-C ports.

Speaking of which, there are two more USB Type-C ports (along with a Qi wireless phone charger) next to the steering wheel, one in the passenger-side door, one in each sliding door, one on each side of the cargo area, and one by the rear view mirror (for a dashcam).

Those sliding doors are power-operated, and so is the tailgate, but unlike most other modern vans, the ID Buzz's sliding door windows don't open, which is unfortunate.

On the plus side, second row passengers get a pair of airplane-style folding trays mounted on the backs of the front seats. It's also worth mentioning that the front seats are power-operated, include a massaging function, and are also heated and (presumably) ventilated.

It packs familiar tech and features

Most of the ID Buzz's controls and screens carry over from the ID.3 and ID.4, including the 5.3-inch instrument display, 10-inch (and optionally 12-inch) center touchscreen, three-spoke steering wheel, window and mirror switches – and even all those annoying capacitive buttons.

The gear selector has been relocated from the right side of the instrument display to the right stalk, while the wiper controls have moved over to the left stalk.

Obviously, when it comes to tech, the ID Buzz also follows in the footsteps of its ID.3 and ID.4 siblings. It features VW's IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance (ADAS) and safety package, self parking, a 360-degree view, LTE connectivity, over-the-air (OTA) updates, WiFi hotspot functionality, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, the Hello ID voice assistant, and ID.Light for visual cues.

This driving and safety tech is enabled by multiple cameras (in the front, at the bottom of the windshield, on the side mirrors, and in the back) plus ultrasonic and radar sensors all around.

Overall, the ID Buzz delivers a comprehensive set of tech features, but it doesn't really break any new ground. We were hoping for additional functionality, like the ability to stream video on the infotainment display ( Tesla style ), or power appliances from the battery pack ( hello, Ioniq 5 ).

It's super quiet and comfortable

VW took us on a 20-minute ride around Austin – away from the downtown hustle and bustle of SXSW – to experience the ID Buzz in motion. This urban loop mostly included surface streets and a brief jaunt on the highway across the Colorado river.

As a passenger, the electric microbus basically feels a lot like the ID.4 RWD. Based on a single acceleration run, we'd peg the ID Buzz's 0-60mph (96km/h) time in the 9-second range.

Obviously, there's more to an EV's performance than acceleration. The ID Buzz's ride is firm but compliant, and handling seems well sorted – especially for a van – thanks no doubt to the low center of gravity afforded by the large battery pack mounted below the floor.

It appears to use the same strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension setup, and the same front disc and rear drum brakes as the ID.3 and ID.4.

We sat in the ID Buzz's front passenger seat, and one of our colleagues sat behind the driver in the bench seat, and we both found the seats comfortable enough to be road-trip worthy.

Leg, shoulder, and headroom are superb, and so is visibility – as you'd expect from the high seating position. But what struck us the most is how quiet the ID Buzz is compared to a typical ICE (internal combustion engine) passenger van.

Ultimately, our brief time with the ID Buzz left us extremely impressed. VW's done an excellent job creating a modern electric successor to the iconic microbus.

Still, without range and pricing details – and especially specifics about the long-wheelbase version coming to North America – it's hard to draw an accurate conclusion. As such, we'll reserve our final verdict for when we drive the US-market ID Buzz next year.