Ps5 Digital vs Disc: Specs, Price & Which Should You Buy?
So, you’re ready to dive into the next generation of gaming? Excellent choice! But before you grab your DualSense controller and start playing, there’s a crucial decision to make: which PlayStation 5 is right for you? This is the eternal question for many.
We’re talking about the age-old debate of the PS5 Digital Edition versus the PS5 with a disc drive. Both offer incredible performance and access to a vast library of games, but they differ significantly in key areas. Let’s delve into the details to help you make the best choice for your gaming needs.
We will explore the specs of both consoles, looking at their pros and cons. We’ll analyze their differences in terms of price, game availability, and overall user experience. By the end of this comparison, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to confidently choose between the PS5 Digital and the PS5 with a disc drive.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | PS5 Digital | Disc Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Drive | No | 4K UHD Blu-ray Drive |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Zen 2-based CPU | AMD Ryzen Zen 2-based CPU |
| GPU | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based GPU | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based GPU |
| System Memory | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | Custom 825GB SSD | Custom 825GB SSD |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (NVMe SSD Slot) | Yes (NVMe SSD Slot) |
| Game Compatibility | Digital Downloads Only | Digital Downloads & Physical Discs |
| Backwards Compatibility (PS4) | Yes | Yes |
| Audio | Tempest 3D AudioTech | Tempest 3D AudioTech |
| Controller | DualSense Wireless Controller | DualSense Wireless Controller |
| Internet Connection Required for Initial Setup | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | Smaller | Larger |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Price
- Ps5 Digital: Typically cheaper upfront due to the absence of a disc drive. However, game prices are often the same or slightly higher digitally, potentially offsetting initial savings. Pros: Lower initial cost. Cons: Potentially higher game prices.
- Disc Specs: Higher initial cost due to the inclusion of a disc drive. However, you can often find used games or sales on physical copies, potentially saving money in the long run. Pros: Access to used games, sales. Cons: Higher initial cost.
- Winner: Disc
Game Availability
- Ps5 Digital: Access to all games available on the PlayStation Store. Digital-only releases are exclusive to this version. Pros: Convenient access, no need to swap discs. Cons: Relies on the PlayStation Store; requires internet for purchase and download.
- Disc Specs: Access to physical game discs. Also, can access digital games. Pros: Wider availability including pre-owned games. Cons: Limited by physical releases; requires disc swapping.
- Winner: Disc
Storage Space
- Ps5 Digital: Games are downloaded and stored on the internal SSD or an external drive. Requires sufficient storage space for downloads, which can quickly fill up. Pros: No need to insert discs. Cons: Relies on storage space.
- Disc Specs: Games can be installed from the disc to the internal SSD or an external drive, freeing up the disc drive. Still requires storage space for game installations and updates. Pros: Saves on storage space. Cons: Requires storage space.
- Winner: Tie
Used Games Market
- Ps5 Digital: No access to the used games market. Once a game is purchased, it cannot be resold. Pros: N/A. Cons: No access to the secondary market.
- Disc Specs: Allows for the purchase and sale of used games, offering the potential for cost savings and recouping some of the initial investment. Pros: Access to the used game market. Cons: N/A.
- Winner: Disc
Resale Value
- Ps5 Digital: Games have no resale value. Once purchased, they are tied to your account. Pros: N/A. Cons: No resale value.
- Disc Specs: Discs can be resold, allowing you to recoup some of the cost of the game after you’re finished playing it. Pros: Potential for recouping investment. Cons: N/A.
- Winner: Disc
Internet Dependency
- Ps5 Digital: Requires an internet connection for purchasing, downloading, and sometimes playing games. Pros: Easy access. Cons: Dependent on internet connectivity.
- Disc Specs: Does not require an internet connection to install and play games, although updates and some online features still need one. Pros: Plays games without internet. Cons: Updates and online features require internet.
- Winner: Disc
Physical Media Collection
- Ps5 Digital: No physical collection of games. Games are stored digitally on the console’s hard drive. Pros: N/A. Cons: No physical ownership.
- Disc Specs: Allows for the building of a physical game collection, appealing to collectors. Pros: Physical ownership. Cons: Requires physical space.
- Winner: Disc
Convenience
- Ps5 Digital: Offers convenience of always having access to your game library and not having to swap discs. Pros: Easy access. Cons: Requires storage space.
- Disc Specs: Requires inserting and removing discs, which can be less convenient. Pros: N/A. Cons: Swapping discs.
- Winner: Digital
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value (Long-Term) | Disc Specs |
| Game Library Flexibility | Disc Specs |
| Convenience | PS5 Digital |
| 4K Blu-ray Playback | Disc Specs |
| Overall Performance | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Processing Power: Both consoles share the same powerful CPU and GPU, ensuring identical performance in games.
- Graphics & Audio: Both offer the same stunning graphics capabilities and utilize the Tempest 3D AudioTech for immersive sound.
- Storage: Both consoles come equipped with a custom 825GB SSD for fast loading times and a smooth gaming experience.
- Controller: Both consoles include the innovative DualSense wireless controller, providing haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
- Online Services: Both require a PlayStation Network account and PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer gaming.
PS5 Digital vs Disc Specs Buying Guide
Cost Analysis
The initial cost is a key factor. The PS5 Digital Edition typically has a lower upfront price than the standard PS5 with a disc drive. However, consider the long-term implications. Digital games are often priced similarly to physical copies at launch, and while sales exist, you can’t buy used digital games. Physical games can be resold, potentially recouping some of the initial cost. Factor in your buying habits; if you’re a heavy gamer who buys many new releases, the price difference might be negligible, but selling physical games can change this balance.
Game Availability and Ownership
Digital games are readily available for immediate download from the PlayStation Store. No need to visit a store or wait for shipping. With physical discs, you need to purchase the game and insert the disc to play. Consider if this convenience is important to you. Moreover, when purchasing digital games, you do not physically own the game. You are purchasing a license to play it. Physical copies can be lent, borrowed, or resold, offering more flexibility in terms of ownership and sharing.
Storage and Space Considerations
Digital games consume hard drive space. The PS5 has a solid-state drive (SSD), but with the size of modern games, you will need to manage storage. You might need to delete and reinstall games. Physical discs remove this issue, as the game data is stored on the disc. The console only needs to install some initial data. Consider whether you have a fast internet connection to download large games. Furthermore, think about how much space you have available near your TV for the console and the games themselves.
Resale Value and Trading
One of the biggest advantages of physical games is their resale value. You can sell your used games to recoup some of the cost. This is not possible with digital games. The digital market offers some sales, but you will not get any money back for the game. This can be significant if you play many games and often move on to new titles. The ability to trade games with friends or family is also exclusive to physical copies, providing additional value and cost-saving opportunities.
Convenience and Portability
Digital games offer ultimate convenience. You can purchase and download games from anywhere, any time, provided you have an internet connection. Physical games require you to carry the disc with you. However, you can easily switch between games with a disc. This can be more convenient for people who like to quickly swap between games. Digital games, once downloaded, are always available on your console without needing to find the disc. Consider your gaming habits and what is more convenient for you.
Longevity and Future-Proofing
Physical games are less susceptible to issues related to account bans or online store shutdowns. If the PlayStation Store were to have problems, you could still play your physical games. This offers a degree of future-proofing, as you retain access to the game even if the online services change. Digital games are tied to your PlayStation account and the availability of the PlayStation Store. However, with physical games, consider the disc’s condition. Discs can be damaged, making the game unplayable.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy PS5 Digital If…
- You prefer a completely digital library of games.
- You want a slightly smaller and potentially more affordable console.
- You don’t mind relying solely on digital downloads and potentially slower download speeds.
- You are okay with not being able to play used games.
Buy Disc Specs If…
- You prefer the option to buy physical games and potentially resell them.
- You want to be able to play games even without an active internet connection.
- You like the flexibility of borrowing or lending games to friends.
- You want to be able to play 4K Blu-ray movies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade in a digital game?
No, you cannot trade in digital games. When you purchase a digital game, you are acquiring a license to play it, not the physical ownership. This means you do not have the right to resell or trade the game. This is a significant difference compared to physical copies, where you can sell or trade used games for a partial refund or exchange.
Can I play digital games offline?
Yes, you can play downloaded digital games offline, provided your PlayStation account is activated on your console and the game’s license is verified. However, you may need an internet connection for the initial download, updates, and sometimes for online features within the game itself. The console checks the license periodically, so it’s a good idea to connect to the internet occasionally.
Does the PS5 Digital Edition support backward compatibility?
The PS5 Digital Edition supports backward compatibility for PS4 digital games, meaning you can play your existing digital library from the previous generation. However, it cannot play PS4 or PS5 physical discs. The console lacks the necessary disc drive. This is an important consideration if you have a collection of physical games from previous PlayStation consoles.
Are digital games cheaper than physical games?
At launch, the prices are typically very similar. However, digital games might occasionally have sales. Physical games offer the possibility of buying used games, which are often cheaper, and you can sell them later. Ultimately, the cost depends on your buying habits and willingness to wait for sales or buy used games. Consider the long-term cost.
What happens if my PS5 Digital Edition’s hard drive fails?
If your PS5 Digital Edition’s hard drive fails, you will need to replace it. Your digital games are tied to your PlayStation account. You can redownload them after replacing the hard drive, provided you remember your account credentials. You may also need to reinstall any game updates. You would not lose the games unless your account was compromised.
Can I use an external hard drive with the PS5 Digital Edition?
Yes, you can use an external hard drive to store PS4 games and PS5 games. However, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive; you will need to move them to the internal SSD to play them. External hard drives are excellent for archiving games or storing PS4 titles to free up space on the internal drive. This is useful for either console.
What are the benefits of owning a PS5 with a disc drive?
The PS5 with a disc drive offers multiple benefits: the ability to play physical games, which can be resold or traded; the option to buy used games at a lower cost; and access to 4K Blu-ray discs. It provides more flexibility regarding game ownership and potentially saves money in the long run. Also, if the internet connection is unstable, you can still play the disc-based games.
Final Verdict
The PS5 Digital Edition offers convenience and a lower initial price. The standard PS5 with a disc drive provides more flexibility due to the ability to play physical games, offering resale value, and access to 4K Blu-ray discs. The choice depends on your gaming habits, budget, and preference for owning physical media.
Winner: PS5 with Disc Drive