For many of us, the PlayStation 5’s USB ports are mostly used for one simple job: charging our controllers. However, I think this is a big misunderstanding, and it seriously underestimates what the PS5’s USB ports can really do.
This way of thinking ignores the careful design of the console’s ports and the different ways they can be used. I’ve learned to do a lot more than just charge my controllers, and I really think you’d benefit from knowing what else they’re for.
Here’s What I Like to Do With the PS5 Port
For me, the PlayStation 5’s USB ports have turned out to be much more important to my gaming and media use than just being simple places to charge devices. I have discovered that they are surprisingly flexible, greatly improving my overall experience with the console in ways that go beyond just providing power.
Many people don’t realize how useful these ports really are, so I want to share how I personally make the most of them. One of the most helpful ways I use these ports is for managing my game library, especially by connecting an external SSD to one of the PS5’s SuperSpeed USB ports.
I know that PS5 games can’t be played directly from external USB storage and must be moved to the internal drive or an M.2 SSD to run, but I still find it very useful for keeping PS5 games stored long-term when I’m not actively playing them. Moving a big PS5 game from the internal drive to external storage, and then back when I want to play it, is much faster than downloading the whole game again from the internet.
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This saves me a lot of time and internet data. As for my collection of PS4 games, these run perfectly straight from the external SSD, which helps free up space on the internal drive for PS5 games. It’s important to remember, though, that the external drive must be connected to one of the console’s SuperSpeed ports (either the front USB-C or one of the rear USB-A ports), because the front USB-A port (which is Hi-Speed USB 2.0) doesn’t support PS5 extended storage.
Having a Keyboard Nearby Makes Me Feel Like a Professional
Another big convenience in my daily PS5 use is being able to connect a USB keyboard. While the DualSense controller is great for playing games, typing messages in chats or entering passwords and navigating menus can be slow with the on-screen keyboard. Plugging in a standard USB keyboard, whether wired or with a wireless adapter, makes typing much faster and easier.
I like that I can adjust settings like how quickly keys repeat to make typing feel just right. This small change makes the PS5 much more user-friendly, not just for gaming but also for browsing the web or using apps.
I also find it very handy that I can charge controllers using any of the PS5’s USB ports. While the console itself is a convenient place to charge, I know the DualSense controller has a maximum charge rate of 5V at 1.5A (7.5W), and all the PS5’s USB ports can provide this power. This means that no matter whether I plug my controller into the front USB-A, the front USB-C, or one of the rear USB-A ports, it charges at the same speed.
When you start charging from behind your console, you realize how weird it feels, like you’ve been programmed to only charge in the front. Try it, it’s just not natural for some reason.
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It’s More Than a Charger
Many people assume the front USB-A port of the PS5 is only good for charging because it seems slower. This port is a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port, with a maximum speed of 480 Mbps.
While it works fine for charging your DualSense or DualShock 4 controllers, I’ve noticed that most people don’t use it for anything else. They miss out on the console’s stronger connectivity options. This port does not work with PS5 extended storage or the HD Camera, which makes it seem even more limited.
There are four USB ports placed in different spots for different purposes. On the front of the original PS5 models (the CFI-1000 series), there’s a USB Type-A port, which is a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port with speeds up to 480 Mbps, and a USB Type-C port, which is a much faster SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps port.
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On the back, there are two more USB Type-A ports, both SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps. If you have the PS5 Slim (the CFI-2000 or 7000 models), the front has two USB Type-C ports instead—one SuperSpeed 10Gbps and one Hi-Speed USB 2.0. Knowing these differences helps you use them the right way.
Don’t Forget the Other Uses
This port also works well for accessories that don’t need fast data transfer, like wireless headset adapters or dongles. Some people even recommend using the front ports for wireless sticks to avoid overheating. I also use a USB flash drive in this port to move screenshots and videos from my Media Gallery, which is faster than uploading and downloading from the cloud and avoids recompression.
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What’s cool is that I can play media files directly from a USB drive if it’s formatted to exFAT or FAT32 and the files are in supported formats like MP4, MKV, or WEBM for video, or MP3, FLAC, or AAC for music. Music plays through the control center’s Music section, while videos and photos open in the Media Gallery.
In short, the PS5’s USB ports are way more than just charging spots. By knowing the differences between them and how to use each one, I’ve made my console a much more powerful and flexible machine. So maybe you should test out its features too.
