5 Ways to Use Your PS5’s USB Ports to Enhance Your Gaming Setup

The PlayStation 5 is a powerful console, and its four USB ports are gateways to significantly enhancing your gaming experience. While they’re commonly used for charging controllers, these ports can unlock a world of functionality that levels up your entire setup.

Here are five practical ways to use your PS5’s USB ports to get more from your console.

1. Expand Your Game Library with External Storage

One of the most powerful uses for a USB port is expanding your console’s storage.

• What to Use: An External Hard Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD).

• How it Works: You can store and play your PS4 games directly from the external drive. For PS5 games, you can archive (back up) them to the drive to free up precious space on your internal SSD, then quickly copy them back when you want to play.

• Important Note: You cannot play PS5 games directly from an external drive, but using one for storage and backups is a game-changer for managing a large library.

2. Power a USB Hub for Maximum Connectivity

With only four ports, it’s easy to run out of connections. A USB hub solves this problem.

• What to Use: A powered USB Hub.

• How it Works: Plug the hub into one of your PS5’s ports to instantly create multiple new ports for all your accessories. This is perfect for connecting:

  • Multiple controller charging cables

  • A keyboard and mouse

  • RGB lighting

• Pro Tip: Remember, you cannot connect an external storage drive through a hub. It must be plugged directly into the PS5.

3. Gain a Competitive Edge with a Keyboard and Mouse

While the DualSense is a great controller, some games benefit from the precision of a keyboard and mouse.

• What to Use: Any standard wired or wireless (with a dongle) keyboard and mouse.

• How it Works: Plug them in, and the PS5 will recognize them. This is ideal for:

  • First-person shooters (FPS) that support mouse input for better aim.

  • Typing messages quickly in chats or the hidden web browser.

• Check Compatibility: Not all PS5 games support keyboard and mouse, so check the game’s settings first.

4. Set the Mood with Custom RGB Lighting

Transform your gaming space into an immersive battlestation with RGB lighting.

• What to Use: USB-powered LED light strips or other smart lighting.

• How it Works: Simply plug the lights into a USB port for power. You can line the back of your TV or monitor for a cool bias lighting effect or illuminate your entire entertainment center.

• Keep it On: To have the lights stay on even when the PS5 is in Rest Mode, enable “Supply Power to USB Ports” in the system settings under Settings > System > Power Saving.

5. Boost Airflow with a Cooling Fan (Debatable)

For users concerned about console temperature, an aftermarket cooling fan is an option, though its effectiveness is debated.

• What to Use: A PS5-specific cooling fan that plugs into a USB port.

• How it Works: These devices are designed to augment the console’s built-in cooling system by helping to expel hot air more efficiently.

• Considerations: Ensure the cooler does not block the PS5’s own vents. Most are designed for the console in an upright position. For many users, ensuring the PS5 is in a well-ventilated space is sufficient.

By thinking beyond just charging, you can use these USB port ideas to create a more powerful, personalized, and efficient PS5 gaming setup.