When using an external USB storage device with your PlayStation 4, it’s essential to choose the correct file system for compatibility and optimal performance. In this article, we’ll discuss the supported file systems for PS4 and provide recommendations for the best option to use.
File Systems Supported by PS4 The PlayStation 4 supports the following file systems for external USB storage devices:
- FAT32
- exFAT
It’s worth noting that the PS4 does not support the NTFS file system, which is commonly used in Windows. If you have an NTFS-formatted external USB storage device, you’ll need to reformat it to one of the supported file systems before using it with your PS4.
FAT32 vs. exFAT: Which One to Choose? While both FAT32 and exFAT are compatible with PS4, each file system has its advantages and limitations. Let’s examine their differences to help you decide which one is best for your needs.
FAT32:
- Widely compatible with various operating systems and devices.
- Maximum file size limit of 4GB, which can be a significant drawback for storing large game files, videos, or other large media files.
- Suitable for smaller storage devices, such as USB flash drives.
exFAT:
- Compatible with modern operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux (with proper drivers).
- No practical file size limit, making it suitable for storing large files.
- Suitable for larger storage devices like external hard drives and SSDs.
- Offers better performance, especially when dealing with large files.
Recommendation: exFAT for Best Performance and Compatibility Considering the advantages and limitations of both FAT32 and exFAT, we recommend using exFAT as the file system for your external USB storage device on PS4. exFAT provides better performance and compatibility with large files, making it the ideal choice for gamers who want to store and manage their game data, screenshots, videos, and other media files without worrying about file size limitations.
To use an exFAT-formatted external USB storage device with your PS4, simply connect it to one of the console’s USB ports. The PS4 will recognize the device, and you can start managing your data right away.
In conclusion, choosing the right file system for your external USB storage device is crucial for seamless compatibility and performance with your PS4. While both FAT32 and exFAT are supported, exFAT is the recommended choice due to its improved performance and ability to handle large files without limitations.