Ready to take the leap and buy a PS5? You have one major decision to make. Disc or Digital.
It’s a dilemma many gamers grapple with when upgrading to the next generation of PlayStation consoles. Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
The disc version allows you to physically own and collect games. If you have a slower internet connection or a data cap, you’ll avoid a lot of internet speed pain points with a physical disc version. It can also double as a 4K Blu-ray player so you can save some space in your entertainment setup.
On the other hand, the digital edition offers a slightly more compact design. If your internet connection is blazing fast and you don’t have any data caps, you can download your games and not have to worry about scratching discs or keeping track of where the cases are or where to store them. You won’t be able to play Blu-rays on the digital edition but let’s be honest, if you have fast internet, you’re probably streaming your entertainment anyway.
So which version of the PS5 should you choose? Well, that’s where things get interesting, and we’re here to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
– The PS5 Digital Edition relies on online availability for game purchases.
– The PS5 Disc Edition has better availability of game titles, allows for physical game purchases and trading, and may have more options for used game purchases.
– The Digital Edition offers a sleeker design and may be more visually appealing for those who prefer a minimalist look, while the Disc Edition has a more traditional console design and may appear bulkier due to the disc drive.
– The choice between the Digital Edition and Disc Edition depends on personal gaming habits, with the Digital Edition suitable for those who primarily buy games digitally and the Disc Edition suitable for those who prefer physical media and game trading.
Price Comparison: Disc Vs Digital
When comparing the prices of the PS5 Disc and Digital Edition, it’s important to consider both the upfront cost and potential long-term savings.
Currently on Swappa, the Standard Disc edition is generally more available than the Digital edition but the prices are very close. If you’re looking for the Slim versions of the console, they will run you a little more money and are a little harder to get ahold of on Swappa. We recommend subscribing to the Slim models to be notified when new listings become available. Use the links below to browse the available PlayStation 5 listings on Swappa
As the PS5 console ecosystem ages, physical games become more available and cheaper. You may be able to grab some amazing deals for used games to play on your disc editions. You won’t have the same luxury with the digital version unless you fork over more cash to buy a disc drive to attach to your digital version.
Digital downloads for games may go on sale but not to the level of physical discs. So if you’re a gamer who likes to keep a large collection, you may end up paying more money in the long run to play on the digital console if you’re not able to take advantage of great deals on physical games.
Both PS5 models have the same specs, except for the missing disc drive in the Digital Edition, which can be added for an additional cost. Both models have the same 825GB SSD capacity, with no difference in loading times or performance. Both the Disc and Digital models can play the same games, but the Digital Edition can only play digital copies of PS5 and PS4 games.
Choosing the PS5 Disc version allows you to play Blu-ray movies and older PS4 discs, offering more flexibility in terms of physical media and potential cost savings. Additionally, if you already own a collection of physical PS4 games, the Disc Edition would be the better choice.
However, if you prefer digital media and don’t mind not having a disc drive, the Digital Edition may be a more affordable option for you. Ultimately, the decision between disc or digital comes down to personal preference and your gaming and entertainment needs.
Storage Capacity: Disc Vs Digital
Both the PS5 Disc Edition and the PS5 Digital Edition come with the same storage capacity of 825GB, so there’s no difference in loading times or performance between the two versions. However, it’s important to note that approximately 19% of the PS5’s storage is reserved for mandatory files, leaving you with around 667GB of usable space.
The Slim versions of the console come with a little more storage at 1TB for each model.
For gamers who prefer physical game discs, the Disc Edition allows for trading, lending, and playing even if the PlayStation Store goes offline. On the other hand, the Digital Edition relies solely on digital downloads from the PlayStation Store. This can be a drawback for those who enjoy collecting physical copies or prefer the convenience of reselling games.
You can’t resell digital games so you will not be able to recoup any money when you’re done playing it or decide the game is not for you. With a physical copy of the game, you can trade it, sell it, give it away, or throw it in the trash. You own it so you decide what happens to it. Unfortunately, that may not be the case with digital games. If PlayStation decides to stop selling or supporting a particular game in the future, you may not even be able to download it.
Regardless of which version you choose, storage filling up quickly is a common concern. However, both consoles offer the option to expand storage using the empty SSD bay. This allows you to add additional storage to accommodate your growing library of games.
Performance Comparison: Disc Vs Digital
To compare the performance of the PS5 Disc Edition and the PS5 Digital Edition, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two models. The short answer, there isn’t any except the drive.
Both versions of the PlayStation 5 have the same specifications, except for the missing disc drive in the Digital Edition. This means that there’s no difference in loading times or overall performance between the two models.
Both the PS5 Disc Edition and the PS5 Digital Edition deliver stunning visuals and smooth gameplay, making them excellent choices for gaming enthusiasts.
Game Availability: Disc Vs Digital
Game availability differs between the PS5 Disc Edition and the PS5 Digital Edition due to their respective capabilities and limitations.
The Disc version allows you to play physical copies of games and also gives you the option to access second-hand titles. This means that you have a wider range of game options available to you, including older or out-of-print titles that may not be available digitally. Additionally, physical game discs for PS4 often come with cheaper or free PS5 upgrades, providing more cost-effective options for disc version owners.
On the other hand, the PS5 Digital Edition is limited to digital games available on the PlayStation Store. This means that you won’t be able to play physical copies of games or access second-hand titles unless you purchase the disc drive to attach to your digital version.
When considering game availability, it’s important to take into account your gaming habits and reliance on digital purchases. If you prefer physical copies of games or enjoy browsing second-hand options, the Disc version may be the better choice for you. However, if you primarily purchase games digitally and don’t mind the limitations, the digital version could be a suitable option. It’s also worth noting that bundles are usually available for the Disc version, offering additional game options and potential savings.
Ultimately, the decision between the disc or digital version of the PS5 will depend on your personal preferences and gaming needs.
Physical Media Benefits: Disc Edition
Considering the convenience and ease of use between the PS5 Disc Edition and the PS5 Digital Edition, the Disc version offers several benefits specifically related to physical media.
Here are three reasons why you might want to consider buying the PS5 **Disc Edition**:
1. Save Money in the Long Run:
While the initial cost of the Disc Edition may be slightly higher than the Digital Edition, it can save you money in the long run. Physical game discs can often be found at discounted prices, especially when buying second-hand copies. This means you can build your game library at a lower cost compared to purchasing digital downloads at full price.
2. Play Physical Games and Blu-ray Discs:
The Disc Edition includes a 4K Blu-ray disc drive, giving you the ability to play physical media such as Blu-ray movies and older PS4 game discs. If you already own a collection of physical games or enjoy watching movies on disc, the Disc Edition provides the convenience of playing them directly on your PS5.
3. More Flexibility and Availability:
With the Disc Edition, you have the option to trade or lend physical game discs. This flexibility is especially valuable if the PlayStation Store goes offline or if you want to share games with friends or family members. Additionally, the Disc Edition tends to be more readily available in bundles, making it easier to find in stock compared to the Digital Edition.
Digital Advantages: Digital Edition
The Digital Edition of the PS5 offers certain advantages over its Disc Edition counterpart.
One advantage is the storage aspect. Since the Digital Edition lacks a disc drive, it’s slightly slimmer and lighter than the Disc Edition. This can be beneficial for those who’ve limited space or prefer a more streamlined design. Additionally, without the need for physical games, you can save space by not having to store game discs.
Future-Proofing Your Purchase Decision
To make an informed decision about future-proofing your PS5 purchase, carefully assess your gaming preferences, budget, and the importance of physical media in your gaming experience. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Availability of physical games:
The PS5 Disc Edition allows you to buy and trade physical game discs, giving you access to a wider range of game titles and potentially better availability compared to the Digital Edition. This can be a deciding factor if you prefer owning physical copies of games or if you like to buy and sell used games.
2. Cost savings in the long run:
While the Digital Edition may have a lower upfront cost, the ability to buy and trade physical games with the Disc Edition can save you money in the long run. Physical game discs can often be found at discounted prices or traded with friends, allowing you to save on game purchases over time.
3. Importance of physical media:
Consider how important physical media is to your gaming experience. If you enjoy collecting game discs, displaying them on shelves, or simply prefer the tactile feel of physical copies, the lack of a disc drive in the Digital Edition may be a drawback. Additionally, if you already own a collection of PS4 games on disc, the Disc Edition will allow you to play those games on your new PS5 without having to repurchase them digitally.
Final Verdict: Disc or Digital
If there is little to no price difference, grab the Disc version of the console.
Both versions of the PS5 offer the same technical specifications, except for the presence of a disc drive in the Disc Edition. If you prefer physical games and enjoy the experience of owning physical media, then the Disc Edition would be the better choice for you. With the ability to play game discs and Blu-ray movies, the Disc Edition allows for long-term savings as you can buy games from various sources and take advantage of discounts or trade-ins. Additionally, the availability of game titles and stock for the Disc Edition is generally better compared to the Digital Edition.
Check out our PlayStation 5 Buyer’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Get the Digital or Disc PS5?
If you’re deciding between the digital or disc PS5, consider the price difference, game library options, long-term cost savings, resale value, convenience of disc-free gaming, potential for game sharing, internet connection requirements, collecting physical game copies, availability of limited edition releases, and impact on the environment.
Is It Better to Buy Digital Games PS5?
It’s worth considering the advantages of digital game downloads. They can be more cost-effective and accessible, but there are limitations, such as the inability to resell or trade games. Factors like internet speed and personal preferences should be considered when choosing between digital and disc games.
Do Digital Games Take up More Space Than Physical PS5?
Digital games on the PS5 do not take up more space than physical games. Both versions have the same storage limitations. However, digital games offer the convenience of a virtual library and do not require disc drives.
Which PS5 Is Better Slim or Normal?
The slim PS5 offers better performance and faster game loading times compared to the regular version. It also has advantages in terms of storage capacity and portability. However, it may have limitations in-game compatibility and is more expensive.