Gaming has evolved, and so has the hardware powering it. If you’re looking to truly “level up” your PC’s performance and shave off those agonizing load times, an NVMe SSD is an absolute must-have. For 2025, we’re not just talking about any SSD; we’re focusing on the sweet spot for storage and speed: 2TB NVMe drives. And when it comes to reliability and top-tier performance, brands like SanDisk and its Western Digital counterpart, WD_BLACK, are often at the forefront. Many of WD_BLACK’s acclaimed flash products are powered by SanDisk technologies, making them a fantastic choice.
So, if you’re hunting for the SanDisk best 2TB NVMe SSD for gaming 2025, or other leading options in this category, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve meticulously reviewed ten top-performing 2TB NVMe SSDs to help you make an informed decision and ensure your gaming rig is ready for the future.
Why a 2TB NVMe SSD is a Game-Changer for 2025 Gaming
Modern games are gargantuan. With titles often exceeding 100GB, a 1TB drive fills up surprisingly fast. A 2TB NVMe SSD gives you ample space for your extensive game library, future updates, and essential software without constant juggling. Beyond capacity, NVMe technology, especially PCIe Gen4 and the emerging Gen5, offers mind-boggling read/write speeds that dramatically reduce loading screens, install times, and even improve in-game asset streaming. Features like Microsoft’s DirectStorage API, becoming more prevalent in 2025, will heavily leverage these speeds, making high-performance NVMe SSDs indispensable. Simply put, it’s about getting into the action faster and enjoying a smoother, more responsive gaming experience.
How We Chose the Best NVMe SSDs
Our selection process focused on several key factors crucial for gaming:
- Speed: Sequential read/write speeds are vital for game loading and large file transfers.
- Capacity: All chosen drives are 2TB, offering plenty of room for modern game libraries.
- Interface: Prioritizing PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 for future-proof performance.
- Endurance (TBW): How much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime.
- Features: Heatsinks, dedicated gaming software, thermal management, and reliability.
- Brand Reputation: Focusing on trusted names like SanDisk and WD_BLACK, known for quality and support.
Now, let’s dive into the reviews!
The Top 10 2TB NVMe SSDs for Gaming in 2025
WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
The WD_BLACK SN7100 is a fantastic choice for gamers looking for a solid Gen4 performer that balances speed with efficiency. Designed with the serious on-the-go gamer in mind, this drive offers impressive speeds and improved power efficiency, making it ideal for high-performance gaming laptops and handheld devices. It’s built with SanDisk’s next-generation TLC 3D NAND, ensuring reliability and robust performance for your gaming adventures.
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Key Features:
- Speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models).
- PCIe Gen4 interface with SanDisk’s next-generation TLC 3D NAND.
- Up to 100% more power efficiency than previous generations.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard software for performance optimization (Windows only).
- Manufactured by SanDisk Technologies.
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Pros:
- Excellent speeds for a Gen4 drive.
- Highly power-efficient, great for laptops and portable consoles.
- Reliable SanDisk TLC 3D NAND technology.
- Good value for performance.
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Cons:
- Dashboard software is Windows-only.
- May not reach the absolute top-tier speeds of premium Gen4 drives.
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User Impressions: Gamers frequently praise the SN7100 for its snappy performance in their laptops, noting significant improvements in load times and overall system responsiveness without excessive heat. Many find it a perfect upgrade for their gaming notebooks.
See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State (Performance Focused)
When it comes to raw, unadulterated speed for your gaming PC, the WD_BLACK SN850X is a beast. This drive is engineered to transform your PC into a top-tier gaming machine, delivering ridiculously short load times and pushing the boundaries of PCIe Gen4 performance. With insane speeds, it’s clear why this is a strong contender for the SanDisk best 2TB NVMe SSD for gaming 2025. It’s not just fast; it’s built to handle the most demanding titles and workloads.
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Key Features:
- Insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s read.
- Built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND.
- Optional heatsink version available for sustained performance.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard with Game Mode 2.0 and RGB customization.
- Future-forward features like Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds, among the best for PCIe Gen4.
- Excellent for competitive gaming and demanding applications.
- Advanced features like Game Mode 2.0 enhance performance.
- High endurance and reliability.
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Cons:
- Premium price point.
- Optimal performance might require the heatsink version for some systems.
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User Impressions: Users consistently report lightning-fast boot-ups and virtually non-existent load times in their favorite games. The performance boost is instantly noticeable, making it a favorite for those building or upgrading high-end gaming PCs.
See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State (Heatsink Variant Highlight)
The WD_BLACK SN850X makes another appearance, and for good reason: its optional heatsink version is a game-changer for prolonged, intense gaming sessions. While the core performance remains blistering fast, the integrated heatsink ensures that those top-tier speeds are sustained even under heavy load. This version is perfect for gamers who push their systems to the limit, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining peak performance when it matters most. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a SanDisk best 2TB NVMe SSD for gaming 2025 that won’t break a sweat.
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Key Features:
- Top-tier performance with speeds up to 7,300 MB/s read.
- Integrated heatsink designed to maintain peak performance.
- Ample room for games with up to 8TB capacity in the SN850X lineup.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard for monitoring and customizable RGB lighting (heatsink versions).
- Advanced features like Overhead Balancing and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
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Pros:
- Maintains peak performance even during extended gaming sessions.
- Integrated heatsink simplifies installation and cooling.
- Customizable RGB lighting adds aesthetic appeal to your build.
- Exceptional speed and reliability for competitive play.
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Cons:
- Heatsink adds to the overall cost and may not fit in all cramped M.2 slots (especially laptops).
- RGB lighting might not be a priority for all users.
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User Impressions: Many gamers swear by the heatsink variant, particularly those with airflow-challenged cases or who engage in long, graphically intensive sessions. They appreciate the peace of mind knowing their SSD is running optimally without manual cooling solutions.
See it on Amazon here
WD Blue SN5100 2TB NVMe SSD – M.2 2280, PCIe
While often marketed towards creative professionals, the WD Blue SN5100 2TB NVMe SSD offers a compelling blend of speed and reliability that makes it surprisingly effective for gaming. Built with SanDisk 3D CBA NAND technology and featuring nCache 4.0, this drive is designed to accelerate workflows and transfer large files at blistering speeds – benefits that directly translate into faster game installations and shorter load times. It’s a solid, reliable choice if you need a versatile drive.
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Key Features:
- PCIe Gen 4.0 speeds up to 7,100 MB/s (1TB-2TB models).
- SanDisk 3D CBA NAND technology.
- SanDisk nCache 4.0 technology for faster file transfers.
- 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
- Includes Acronis True Image for SanDisk data migration software.
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Pros:
- Very fast Gen4 speeds, excellent for gaming and productivity.
- Robust SanDisk NAND technology ensures reliability.
- Comes with useful data migration software.
- Great endurance for long-term use.
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Cons:
- No integrated heatsink (though not always necessary).
- Marketing is more focused on creative work, though performance is strong for gaming.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the SN5100’s consistent performance and value. It’s often chosen for its dependable speed and the included software, making upgrades straightforward. Many find it a very capable all-rounder for both gaming and daily tasks.
See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN770 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
The WD_BLACK SN770 is a fantastic mid-range Gen4 NVMe SSD designed specifically for gaming. It strikes a superb balance between performance and affordability, making blazing-fast speeds accessible to more gamers. With speeds up to 5,150MB/s, it significantly cuts down on load times and helps fuel in-game responsiveness, providing a noticeable performance boost that you can truly feel. It’s an excellent value pick for those upgrading their gaming setup.
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Key Features:
- Blazing speeds up to 5,150MB/s read and 4,850MB/s write (1TB and 2TB models).
- PCIe Gen4 interface, backward-compatible with PCIe Gen3.
- Supports future games developed for Microsoft’s DirectStorage technology.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard for optimizing performance and monitoring health.
- Trusted reliability from the WD_BLACK brand.
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Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio for a Gen4 drive.
- Significant upgrade over SATA SSDs and older NVMe drives.
- DirectStorage support for future game optimization.
- Reliable and from a trusted brand.
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Cons:
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive on the market.
- No heatsink included.
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User Impressions: Gamers frequently highlight the SN770 as a “budget beast,” offering incredible speed for its price point. It’s a popular choice for those looking to experience the benefits of Gen4 NVMe without breaking the bank, consistently delivering a smooth gaming experience.
See it on Amazon here
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C (Versatile Portability)
Sometimes, you need your games to go where you go, and that’s where the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD shines. This isn’t an internal NVMe for your motherboard, but a super-fast external drive that leverages NVMe technology to deliver impressive read/write speeds of up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s respectively. It’s perfect for carrying your favorite titles, large game files, or even running games directly from the drive on compatible systems. Its compact size and robust build make it incredibly versatile.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid-state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- USB-C connectivity for wide compatibility.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.
- Manage files with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.
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Pros:
- Excellent portable speed for an external drive.
- Rugged and durable for on-the-go use.
- Hardware encryption adds a layer of security.
- Highly versatile for different devices and use cases.
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Cons:
- Speeds are limited by the USB interface compared to internal NVMe.
- Not suitable as a primary internal gaming drive.
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User Impressions: Users love this drive for its blend of speed and portability. It’s frequently praised for being a reliable way to expand storage for laptops, consoles (like PS5 or Xbox Series X/S for last-gen games), and for carrying large media files, including entire game libraries for quick access.
See it on Amazon here
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C (Rugged & Secure Focus)
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD makes a second appearance due to its exceptional ruggedness and security features, making it a standout choice for gamers who demand durability. Beyond its impressive NVMe-powered speeds, this drive boasts up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance. This means whether you’re taking your game library to a friend’s house or on an outdoor adventure, your data is well-protected. The included hardware encryption also ensures your private content stays private.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid-state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop for secure attachment.
- 256‐bit AES hardware encryption for data security.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management.
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Pros:
- Extremely durable and resistant to environmental hazards.
- Strong security features with hardware encryption.
- Convenient for attaching to bags or belt loops.
- Reliable performance for portable gaming and storage.
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Cons:
- Still an external drive, so not for internal PC upgrades.
- The focus on ruggedness means it might be overkill for some users.
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User Impressions: Customers rave about the drive’s durability, often citing accidental drops or exposure to elements that it shrugged off. They appreciate the peace of mind offered by its robust build and the effective password protection, especially when traveling with sensitive data or their entire game collection.
See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
While we’re focusing on 2TB drives, the inclusion of the WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X highlights the scalability and premium performance of this lineup. This 4TB monster brings all the incredible speed and features of its 2TB sibling, but doubles down on capacity. For gamers with truly immense libraries or those who never want to worry about deleting a title, this drive offers unparalleled room. It’s powered by the same Western Digital TLC 3D NAND and offers speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, proving that you don’t have to compromise on speed for space.
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Key Features:
- Top-tier performance with insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s read.
- Massive 4TB capacity for an unparalleled game library.
- Optional heatsink version available for sustained performance.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard with Game Mode 2.0 and RGB customization.
- Future-forward features including Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
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Pros:
- Huge capacity combined with elite Gen4 speeds.
- Ideal for extreme gamers and content creators who need vast, fast storage.
- Maintains all the advanced features of the SN850X series.
- Excellent future-proofing for game sizes.
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Cons:
- Significantly higher price point due to capacity.
- 4TB might be overkill for some users.
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User Impressions: Users who invest in the 4TB SN850X are typically those who have struggled with smaller drives. They often mention the relief of having virtually unlimited space for their games, coupled with the unmatched performance that the SN850X series is known for, allowing them to install everything without a second thought.
See it on Amazon here
SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD – Up to 2000MB/s
Taking portable storage to the next level, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD offers powerful NVMe solid-state performance with read/write speeds of up to 2000MB/s. This isn’t just fast for a portable drive; it rivals many internal Gen3 NVMe drives! Designed for professionals and serious gamers on the move, its forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink, ensuring sustained high speeds. With enhanced drop protection and IP65 water/dust resistance, it’s built to endure any adventure while keeping your games accessible and fast.
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Key Features:
- Powerful NVMe performance with up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds.
- Forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink for sustained performance.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- 256‐bit AES hardware encryption for enhanced security.
- Handy carabiner loop for easy attachment.
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Pros:
- Exceptional speeds for a portable SSD, great for running games directly.
- Robust and durable construction, ideal for outdoor or travel use.
- Integrated heatsink for better thermal management.
- High-level data security with hardware encryption.
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Cons:
- Premium price for portable storage.
- Still an external drive, so internal PC benefits are not applicable.
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User Impressions: This drive is a favorite among content creators and gamers who frequently transfer huge files or run applications directly from an external drive. They consistently highlight its blistering speeds and peace of mind from its rugged design, calling it the “Ferrari of portable SSDs.”
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Crucial T710 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD, Up to 14,500 MB/s
While our main focus is on the SanDisk best 2TB NVMe SSD for gaming 2025, it’s impossible to discuss top-tier performance without mentioning the Crucial T710 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD. This drive represents the cutting edge of storage technology, pushing boundaries with mind-blowing sequential read/write speeds of up to 14,900 MB/s and 13,800 MB/s. If you have a motherboard that supports PCIe Gen5, the T710 offers an unparalleled leap in performance, drastically improving load times and enhancing game immersion with features like advanced ray tracing and DirectStorage. It’s a true next-generation contender.
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Key Features:
- Blazing Gen5 speeds up to 14,900/13,800 MB/s sequential read/write.
- Enhances gaming experience with features like advanced ray tracing.
- DirectStorage support for faster creative workflows and gaming.
- Integrated premium heatsink for optimal heat dissipation.
- Hardware encryption support for data protection.
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Pros:
- Unmatched Gen5 speeds for the ultimate gaming experience.
- Future-proof performance for upcoming titles and technologies.
- Integrated heatsink ensures stable operation.
- Robust encryption options.
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Cons:
- Requires a compatible PCIe Gen5 motherboard (currently high-end).
- Premium price point, placing it at the top of the market.
- Not a SanDisk/WD_BLACK product, but a top competitor in the space.
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User Impressions: Early adopters of Gen5 technology are ecstatic about the T710. They report system responsiveness and game load times that feel almost instantaneous, describing it as a truly transformative upgrade for their high-end builds. The integrated heatsink is also a common point of praise for its effectiveness.
See it on Amazon here
Key Considerations When Buying a Gaming SSD
When you’re looking for the ideal 2TB NVMe SSD for your gaming rig, keep these points in mind:
- PCIe Generation: Gen4 is the current standard for high-performance gaming, offering fantastic speeds. Gen5 is the bleeding edge, providing even faster speeds but requiring a compatible (and often more expensive) motherboard.
- Heatsink: For high-performance NVMe drives, especially Gen4 and Gen5, a heatsink is often crucial to prevent thermal throttling during intense use. Some motherboards have integrated heatsinks, but for drives without one, a dedicated heatsink can ensure sustained performance.
- Internal vs. Portable: Determine if you need an internal drive for your PC’s primary storage or a portable one for external use with consoles, laptops, or sharing files.
- DirectStorage: Look for drives that explicitly mention support for Microsoft’s DirectStorage API, as this will be key for optimizing game loading in future titles.
- Endurance (TBW): Higher TBW (Terabytes Written) indicates a longer lifespan for the drive, especially important for frequently updated game libraries.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SSD is paramount to your gaming experience, and in 2025, a 2TB NVMe drive offers the perfect blend of speed and capacity. Whether you prioritize blazing-fast internal speeds with a WD_BLACK SN850X, seek power-efficient performance with the SN7100, or need the rugged portability of a SanDisk Extreme Portable, there’s a top-tier option for you. Even if you branch out to a cutting-edge Gen5 drive like the Crucial T710, the market is rich with high-quality storage solutions.
Ultimately, choosing the SanDisk best 2TB NVMe SSD for gaming 2025 (or a WD_BLACK equivalent) depends on your specific system, budget, and how you game. Any of the drives on this list will provide a significant performance boost, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time dominating. It’s time to upgrade your storage and truly unleash your PC’s full gaming potential!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why is a 2TB NVMe SSD recommended for gaming in 2025?
A1: Modern game files are massive, often exceeding 100GB. A 2TB NVMe SSD provides ample space for a large game library without constant management, combined with the ultra-fast load times and responsiveness that NVMe technology offers, especially important with upcoming DirectStorage features.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 NVMe SSDs?
A2: PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs offer speeds typically up to 7,500 MB/s, which is excellent for current gaming. PCIe Gen5 is the newest standard, doubling the bandwidth of Gen4 and offering speeds up to 14,000 MB/s or more. Gen5 requires a compatible motherboard (often newer Intel or AMD platforms) to utilize its full potential.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A3: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 NVMe SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives generate more heat, and without proper cooling, they can “throttle” (reduce performance) to prevent overheating during intense use, such as long gaming sessions. Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can purchase SSDs with pre-attached ones.
Q4: Are portable NVMe SSDs good for gaming?
A4: Yes, portable NVMe SSDs like the SanDisk Extreme PRO are excellent for gaming on the go, for expanding storage on consoles (like PS5 or Xbox Series X/S for last-gen titles), or for quick transfers. While their speeds are limited by the USB interface compared to internal NVMe, they are still significantly faster than traditional external HDDs.
Q5: What’s the relationship between SanDisk and WD_BLACK?
A5: Western Digital acquired SanDisk in 2016. As such, many WD_BLACK, WD Blue, and WD Green flash products are manufactured by SanDisk Technologies, Inc., or its affiliates and distributed under license from Western Digital Corporation. This means that when you choose a WD_BLACK drive, you’re often getting technology and reliability rooted in SanDisk’s expertise.
Q6: What is DirectStorage, and why is it important for NVMe SSDs?
A6: DirectStorage is a Microsoft API (Application Programming Interface) that allows games to load assets directly from the NVMe SSD to the GPU, bypassing the CPU. This significantly reduces CPU overhead and dramatically speeds up game loading and asset streaming, leading to faster load times and smoother in-game experiences. High-speed NVMe SSDs are essential to fully benefit from DirectStorage.
Q7: Can I use these 2TB NVMe SSDs with my PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S?
A7: Many of the internal 2TB NVMe SSDs (specifically PCIe Gen4 M.2 drives with a heatsink) are compatible with the PlayStation 5 for storage expansion, provided they meet Sony’s speed and dimension requirements. Xbox Series X/S, however, uses proprietary expansion cards, so standard M.2 NVMe drives are typically not compatible for running next-gen games directly, though some can be used for storing them. Portable SSDs can often be used with consoles for older generation games. Always check the console manufacturer’s specific requirements.