Ps5 vs Digital Edition: Which Playstation 5 Should You Buy?
So, you’re ready to dive into the next generation of gaming with a PlayStation 5? Excellent choice! But before you start clearing space on your entertainment center, there’s a crucial decision to make: which PS5 is right for you?
You’re likely wrestling with the choice between the standard PS5 and the Digital Edition. The differences might seem subtle at first glance, but they can significantly impact your gaming experience and your wallet. This comparison will break down everything you need to know.
We’ll explore the key features, weigh the pros and cons of each console, and help you determine which PlayStation 5 model best suits your gaming habits and budget. Get ready to make an informed decision and start playing!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | PS5 | Digital Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Drive | 4K UHD Blu-ray | None |
| Storage | Custom 825GB SSD | Custom 825GB SSD |
| CPU | AMD Zen 2-based CPU | AMD Zen 2-based CPU |
| GPU | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based GPU | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based GPU |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Max Resolution | 8K | 8K |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| Audio | Tempest 3D AudioTech | Tempest 3D AudioTech |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB Ports | USB-A, USB-C | USB-A, USB-C |
| Controller | DualSense | DualSense |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Disc Drive
- Ps5: Includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray disc drive, allowing you to play physical game discs and Blu-ray movies. This offers the flexibility to buy, sell, and trade physical games, but adds to the console’s bulk and cost.
- Digital Edition: Lacks a disc drive, relying solely on digital game downloads. This results in a sleeker, more streamlined design and reduces upfront cost, but requires a reliable internet connection and limits resale options.
- Winner: ps5
Price
- Ps5: Generally more expensive due to the inclusion of the disc drive and slightly more robust design. The price reflects the added functionality and potential for physical game ownership.
- Digital Edition: Typically priced lower than the standard PS5, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious consumers. The lower price point is a direct result of omitting the disc drive.
- Winner: digital edition
Game Availability (Physical)
- Ps5: Offers access to both physical and digital game libraries. You can purchase physical copies from retail stores or online, providing a wider range of options for game acquisition.
- Digital Edition: Limited to digital downloads only. You’re reliant on the PlayStation Store for purchasing and downloading games. You’re unable to play any physical games.
- Winner: ps5
Storage Capacity
- Ps5: Both models have the same internal storage capacity and offer the option to expand storage with an NVMe SSD. The default storage is the same for both consoles.
- Digital Edition: Both models have the same internal storage capacity and offer the option to expand storage with an NVMe SSD. The default storage is the same for both consoles.
- Winner: Tie
Design
- Ps5: Features a slightly larger and more robust design to accommodate the disc drive. The design is iconic with its white panels and black core.
- Digital Edition: Boasts a sleeker, more streamlined design due to the absence of the disc drive, making it slightly more compact and potentially easier to fit into entertainment centers.
- Winner: digital edition
Resale Value
- Ps5: Offers the potential to resell physical games, allowing you to recoup some of the cost of ownership. Physical games can be sold to retailers or other individuals.
- Digital Edition: Does not allow for the resale of games. Digital games are tied to your account and cannot be transferred or sold.
- Winner: ps5
Used Game Purchases
- Ps5: Allows for the purchase of used physical games, potentially at a discounted price. This opens up opportunities for cost savings and accessing games you may have missed.
- Digital Edition: Restricted to purchasing games through the PlayStation Store. You cannot buy or sell used digital games.
- Winner: ps5
Internet Dependency
- Ps5: Can play physical games without an internet connection, allowing for offline gaming. However, updates and online features still require internet.
- Digital Edition: Requires a constant internet connection for initial game downloads, updates, and online multiplayer. This can be a disadvantage for users with unreliable or limited internet access.
- Winner: ps5
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Physical Media Support | PS5 |
| Price (Upfront) | Digital Edition |
| Game Library | Tie |
| Performance | Tie |
| Future-Proofing (Disc-Based) | PS5 |
What They Have in Common:
- Processing Power: Both consoles share the same powerful custom CPU and GPU, ensuring identical performance in games. This means you’ll experience the same frame rates, resolutions, and overall gaming experience on either console.
- Storage: Both the standard PS5 and the Digital Edition come equipped with a custom-built 825GB SSD. This high-speed storage technology significantly reduces loading times in games.
- Game Library: Both consoles have access to the same extensive library of PlayStation 5 games. You won’t miss out on any titles regardless of which console you choose.
- Audio Technology: Both consoles feature the innovative Tempest 3D AudioTech, providing immersive and realistic soundscapes when using compatible headphones or speakers. This enhances your gaming experience.
- Controller: Both consoles include the DualSense controller, known for its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, providing a more immersive and interactive gaming experience.
- Online Services: Both consoles require a PlayStation Network account and PlayStation Plus subscription to access online multiplayer features and other online services.
Ps5 Vs Digital Edition Buying Guide
Price and Value
The primary difference between the PS5 and the Digital Edition is the inclusion of a disc drive. This seemingly small addition significantly impacts the price. The standard PS5, with its disc drive, typically costs more upfront. However, the value proposition extends beyond the initial purchase. While the Digital Edition is cheaper initially, the ability to buy physical games, often at discounted prices, can save you money in the long run. Consider your gaming habits and budget when deciding which offers better long-term value. Think about the cost of digital games versus the potential for used game discounts or trading.
Game Library and Availability
The standard PS5 gives you access to both physical and digital games. This opens up a wider range of options for acquiring games. You can purchase physical copies from retail stores, online, or used game markets. The Digital Edition, however, is limited to digital downloads from the PlayStation Store. While the PlayStation Store offers a vast library, you are restricted to the prices set by Sony. Furthermore, you can’t play any existing PS4 physical games on the digital version. Consider your existing game library and preference for physical media.
Storage and Space Considerations
Both consoles come with the same internal storage capacity. However, the PS5’s disc drive allows you to install games from physical discs, potentially saving storage space on your internal SSD. You can install a game from a disc and then remove the disc to free up space. The Digital Edition relies solely on internal storage, and downloaded games consume space directly. Both consoles support expandable storage via an NVMe SSD slot. Managing storage is crucial for a smooth gaming experience, especially with the large file sizes of modern games.
Connectivity and Features
Both consoles boast identical performance capabilities, including the same custom CPU, GPU, and fast SSD. They both support 4K gaming at up to 120fps, and feature the same DualSense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The only difference is the physical disc drive. Both consoles offer the same online services, including PlayStation Plus. Both also offer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. Therefore, your gaming experience will be identical in terms of performance and features, regardless of which console you choose.
Resale Value and Ownership
The standard PS5 with a disc drive typically holds its resale value better than the Digital Edition. The ability to sell physical games and the console itself to recoup some of the cost can be a significant advantage. The Digital Edition’s value relies solely on the digital account, which is not transferable. If you ever plan to upgrade or sell your console, the standard PS5 might offer a better financial return. This is especially true if you are a collector or enjoy having physical media.
Convenience and Personal Preference
The Digital Edition offers a cleaner, more streamlined setup, as you don’t need to worry about inserting or removing discs. It’s a great option for those who prioritize convenience and a minimalist setup. The standard PS5 offers the flexibility of physical media, letting you borrow, trade, or buy used games. Your gaming habits and personal preferences play a crucial role in deciding. Consider how you prefer to acquire and manage your games, and whether you value the convenience of digital downloads versus the flexibility of physical discs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy PS5 If…
- You prefer to buy physical game discs.
- You want the option to watch 4K Blu-ray movies.
- You appreciate having a disc drive for potential resale or borrowing of games.
- You want the most versatile option.
Buy Digital Edition If…
- You primarily buy games digitally through the PlayStation Store.
- You’re looking for a slightly more compact console design.
- You want to save money upfront (as the digital edition is usually cheaper).
- You don’t need to watch 4K Blu-ray discs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the PS5 and the Digital Edition?
The primary difference is the presence of a 4K Blu-ray disc drive in the standard PS5, which is absent in the Digital Edition. This allows the standard PS5 to play physical game discs and 4K Blu-ray movies. The Digital Edition is designed to play digital games only, downloaded from the PlayStation Store. This is the only physical difference between the two consoles.
Can I play PS4 games on either the PS5 or the Digital Edition?
Yes, both the standard PS5 and the Digital Edition are backward compatible with most PS4 games. You can play digital PS4 games on both consoles. The standard PS5 can also play PS4 games from physical discs, while the Digital Edition will require you to repurchase the digital versions of those games if you own the physical disc.
Which console is cheaper?
The Digital Edition is generally cheaper than the standard PS5. The absence of the disc drive reduces the manufacturing cost, resulting in a lower retail price. The price difference can vary depending on retailer promotions and bundles. However, the standard PS5 may offer better long-term value, because of the ability to buy used games.
Does the Digital Edition support 4K gaming?
Yes, both the standard PS5 and the Digital Edition support 4K gaming at up to 120fps, provided you have a compatible TV. They share identical internal hardware, including the same custom CPU, GPU, and fast SSD. The only difference is the presence or absence of a disc drive; the gaming performance is identical. Both consoles also support HDR for improved visuals.
Can I upgrade the storage on either console?
Yes, both the standard PS5 and the Digital Edition support expandable storage via an NVMe SSD slot. You can add an NVMe SSD to increase the console’s storage capacity for games and other media. This is crucial as game sizes increase. The internal storage is the same for both consoles. Ensure the SSD meets Sony’s specifications for optimal performance.
Can I use a physical disc to install a game and then remove the disc?
Yes, on the standard PS5, you can install a game from a physical disc and then remove the disc to free up space on your internal SSD. The disc acts as a license key, allowing you to play the game without keeping the disc inserted. This is not possible on the Digital Edition, as it relies on digital downloads only. This is a significant advantage of owning the standard PS5.
Which console should I buy?
The best choice depends on your gaming habits and preferences. If you prefer physical media, want to save money on games by buying used, or already own a large library of PS4 discs, the standard PS5 is the better option. If you value convenience, a cleaner setup, and are comfortable with digital downloads, the Digital Edition is a good choice.
Final Verdict
Both the PS5 and the Digital Edition offer exceptional gaming experiences. The standard PS5, with its disc drive, provides the flexibility of physical media and potential cost savings. The Digital Edition offers a streamlined, purely digital experience. The choice boils down to personal preference and budget. Consider the long-term cost of games and your preferred way of acquiring them.
Winner: PS5