Preload's live, and the 212GB install has people eyeing new SSDs

So preload kicked off today, and the headline number floating around is 212GB. That's a chunky install. GamesRadar's take is basically that rushing out to buy a bigger SSD just for this might not be the smartest money you spend this month, and I kind of agree with the angle.

Think about it. You've already dropped $79.99 on the standard edition or $99.99 if you went Ultimate. Now you're supposed to add a couple hundred on a drive? For one game? The math gets silly fast, especially when the console storage you already paid for is sitting right there.

What I'd actually do instead

• Clear out the stuff you haven't touched in months. We all have a backlog graveyard.
• Move older titles to an external drive if you've got one lying around. Cheaper than a new NVMe.
• Check what's actually eating space before you assume you need more hardware.

I've been guilty of buying storage I didn't need because a number on a store page scared me. 212GB sounds huge until you realise half your library is games you finished in 2024 and never went back to.

The preload timing thing

Preloading early is nice for the download itself, but it also means the game is just sitting there on your drive, taunting you until November 19. That's a long couple of weeks of staring at an icon. Some people love it, some people would rather not bother until launch day.

Preload starts today, but there might be a better way to clear your SSD.

Honestly the smarter play for most people is probably just deleting two or three big games and calling it a day. Save the SSD money for launch week snacks and maybe a festival ticket if you're feeling lucky. Storage upgrades will still be there in December if you genuinely need one.

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Source: GamesRadar+ · Curated content.