SanDisk’s new PlayStation 5 SSD will cost you more than three PS5 Pros

2026-06-17 · Source: The Verge · Field: Technology & Digital — Gaming & Interactive Media · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

SanDisk has introduced the Optimus GX PRO 850P NVMe SSD, an officially licensed PlayStation 5 accessory, offering storage capacities from 1TB to 8TB. The largest 8TB option, capable of storing up to 200 PS5 games, is priced at \$2,959.99, discounted from \$3,699.99. This pricing is attributed to a global memory shortage. For context, this 8TB SSD costs more than three PS5 Pro consoles. Smaller capacities are also expensive, with the 4TB version at \$1,499.99 and the 2TB option at \$759.99, which is \$100 more than a standard PS5. The SSD includes an optimized heatsink for PS5 and PS5 Pro M.2 slots. A comparable 8TB Western Digital SSD is currently available for \$1,470 on Amazon, and sold for approximately \$640 last year, indicating over a 360 percent price increase for similar capacity.

Key takeaway

For PlayStation 5 owners considering a storage upgrade, you should critically evaluate the value proposition of officially licensed SSDs. SanDisk's new Optimus GX PRO 850P NVMe SSD carries a substantial premium, costing significantly more than comparable alternatives due to market conditions. Before purchasing, compare prices of similar M.2 NVMe SSDs from other reputable brands to ensure you are making a cost-effective decision for your console.

Key insights

New officially licensed PS5 SSDs are significantly overpriced due to global memory shortages and brand premiums.

Principles

• Global memory shortages can drastically inflate consumer electronics component prices.
• Official licensing often commands a substantial price premium over functionally similar alternatives.

In practice

• Compare prices of officially licensed console accessories against functionally equivalent, non-licensed components.

Topics

• PlayStation 5
• NVMe SSD
• SanDisk Optimus GX PRO
• Memory Shortage
• Console Storage
• Gaming Hardware Pricing

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Verge.