Digital vs Disk Ps5: Which Playstation 5 Should You Buy?
So, you’re ready to dive into the next generation of gaming with a PlayStation 5, but you’re facing a crucial decision: digital vs disk ps5. This choice isn’t just about how you’ll buy your games; it impacts your overall gaming experience, budget, and future flexibility.
The PlayStation 5 comes in two primary flavors, each offering the same powerful performance under the hood. The first is the sleek and streamlined PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, designed for a completely digital library. The second is the standard PlayStation 5, equipped with a disc drive for physical games and 4K Blu-ray movies.
Understanding the differences between these two consoles is key to making the right choice. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from pricing and game availability to resale value and long-term costs. Get ready to explore the pros and cons of each console to determine which PS5 best suits your gaming style.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | digital | disk |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Drive | No | Yes (4K UHD Blu-ray) |
| 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 |
| Resolution | Up to 8K | Up to 8K |
| Frame Rate | Up to 120fps | Up to 120fps |
| Audio | Tempest 3D AudioTech | Tempest 3D AudioTech |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Controller | DualSense Wireless Controller | DualSense Wireless Controller |
| Backward Compatibility | PS4 Games | PS4 Games |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Price
- Digital: Typically cheaper upfront due to the absence of a disc drive. However, sales on digital games can vary, and you can’t buy or sell used games to recoup costs.
- Disk Ps5: More expensive initially due to the inclusion of a disc drive. Allows access to physical game sales, used games, and the potential to recoup some cost if you sell games later.
- Winner: Digital
Game Availability
- Digital: Access to the PlayStation Store, offering a wide selection of downloadable games. No need to visit a store or wait for shipping.
- Disk Ps5: Access to both physical discs and downloadable games. Offers the flexibility of purchasing games in retail stores or online.
- Winner: Disk PS5
Game Ownership & Resale
- Digital: Games are tied to your PlayStation Network account. No option to resell games once purchased.
- Disk Ps5: Allows for resale of physical game discs, potentially recouping some of the initial cost. Also, borrowing and lending games is possible.
- Winner: Disk PS5
Storage Space
- Digital: Requires significant storage space for downloaded games. You may need to manage storage more frequently and possibly purchase additional SSD storage.
- Disk Ps5: Games still require installation, but the physical disc serves as the primary license. You may need less storage initially, but large game installations still require space.
- Winner: Disk PS5
Internet Dependency
- Digital: Requires a stable internet connection for downloading games and playing online. Can’t play purchased games without downloading them.
- Disk Ps5: You can play games directly from the disc without an internet connection (after installation). Requires internet for updates and online play.
- Winner: Disk PS5
Used Games Market
- Digital: No access to the used game market. All games must be purchased through the PlayStation Store.
- Disk Ps5: Access to the used game market, offering a lower cost option for buying games.
- Winner: Disk PS5
Backward Compatibility (PS4 Games)
- Digital: Can play digital PS4 games purchased on your PSN account.
- Disk Ps5: Can play both digital PS4 games and PS4 games purchased on disc.
- Winner: Disk PS5
Media Playback
- Digital: Can play digital movies and TV shows from streaming services.
- Disk Ps5: Can play digital media and also physical Blu-ray discs, including 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.
- Winner: Disk PS5
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | Tie |
| Value | Tie |
| Game Selection | Tie |
| Physical Media Support | disk |
| Portability | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Processing Power: Both consoles share the same powerful CPU and GPU, ensuring identical performance in games and applications. This means the gaming experience will be the same regardless of which console you choose.
- Storage: Both the digital and disc versions come equipped with the same custom 825GB SSD, which provides fast loading times and a smoother gaming experience. Although the usable space is slightly less, the speed is the same.
- Game Library: Both consoles can access the same extensive library of PlayStation 5 games, ensuring you don’t miss out on any exclusive titles. The digital version relies on digital downloads, while the disc version uses physical media.
- Controller: Both consoles include the innovative DualSense wireless controller, offering haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for a more immersive gaming experience. This feature is consistent across both models.
- Audio Technology: Both versions support Tempest 3D AudioTech, delivering immersive and realistic audio experiences through compatible headphones or speakers. This technology enhances the overall gameplay.
Digital Vs Disk Ps5 Buying Guide
Price and Initial Investment
The initial cost is a significant factor. The Digital PS5 typically has a lower upfront price compared to the Disc version. This difference is due to the absence of a disc drive, reducing manufacturing costs. However, consider the long-term implications. While the digital edition might seem cheaper initially, the cost of individual digital games can sometimes be higher or less subject to discounts compared to physical copies. This makes the initial saving less important to some.
Game Availability and Selection
Both versions offer access to the same vast library of PS5 games. However, the method of acquiring these games differs. The Digital Edition relies solely on the PlayStation Store, limiting your options to digital downloads. The Disc version allows you to purchase both digital downloads and physical discs. This opens up opportunities to buy used games, borrow from friends, or trade-in games to offset the cost of new titles, ultimately giving you more flexibility.
Used Games and Resale Value
This is a crucial distinction. The Digital PS5 doesn’t support used games. Once you buy a digital game, it’s tied to your account. This prevents you from reselling or trading games. The Disc version allows you to buy and sell used physical games. This can help recoup some of the initial cost of a game and offers a cost-effective way to experience a wide variety of titles. Resale value is a huge benefit.
Storage and Digital Library Management
Both consoles offer the same internal storage capacity, but the digital edition relies entirely on it. Digital games take up considerable space, and you’ll need to manage your library carefully. You will need to delete and redownload games as you cycle through them. The Disc version allows you to play games directly from the disc, freeing up storage space on the console. This makes it easier to manage a larger game collection without constantly deleting and redownloading games.
Internet Dependency
The Digital PS5 requires a constant internet connection for game downloads and online play. Even if you’ve purchased a game, you need to download it before playing. The Disc version requires an internet connection for initial setup, game updates, and online play. However, you can play disc-based games offline. This offers a degree of flexibility, especially in areas with unreliable internet. The disc drive provides a backup.
Physical Media and Collectibles
For some gamers, physical game boxes are highly valued. The Disc version allows you to collect physical game cases, artwork, and manuals. This provides a tactile experience that digital downloads can’t replicate. It is a visual representation of your gaming library. Digital owners miss out on the collectable aspect of physical media. This aspect can be very important to hardcore gamers and collectors alike.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy digital If…
- You prefer a completely digital gaming library and don’t want to deal with physical discs.
- You value a sleeker console design, as the digital edition is slightly thinner.
- You often take advantage of digital sales and promotions.
- You want to save a bit on the initial purchase price.
Buy disk ps5 If…
- You prefer physical game discs and enjoy the ability to buy, sell, and trade games.
- You want to play 4K Blu-ray movies.
- You want the option to buy used games.
- You are okay with the larger size of the console.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play used games on the Digital PS5?
No, the Digital PS5 does not support used games. It’s designed solely for digital downloads through the PlayStation Store. This is a fundamental difference between the two versions. You will not be able to purchase pre-owned or trade in games for value. This limits your options for acquiring games and can impact your overall gaming budget.
Can I use my old PS4 games on the Digital PS5?
If you own the digital versions of PS4 games, yes. If you own physical copies of PS4 games, you will need the disc drive version to play them. The Digital PS5 can only play digital versions of PS4 games. Check the PlayStation Store for compatible titles, and remember that game saves can be transferred.
Does the Digital PS5 support external hard drives?
Yes, both the Digital and Disc PS5 models support external hard drives for storing PS4 games. However, PS5 games must be stored on the internal SSD or an officially supported M.2 SSD expansion. This offers flexibility in managing your storage. Consider the cost of an M.2 SSD if you plan on playing a lot of PS5 games.
What happens if the PlayStation Store goes down?
If the PlayStation Store goes down, you won’t be able to purchase or download new digital games on the Digital PS5. You can still play any games you’ve already downloaded. The Disc version is less affected, as you can still play disc-based games. This is a major advantage during outages.
Is the Digital PS5 cheaper than the Disc PS5?
Generally, yes, the Digital PS5 is cheaper at the point of purchase. The absence of a disc drive reduces the manufacturing costs. However, the long-term cost can vary depending on your gaming habits. The price difference might not be significant if you are a heavy user of physical games.
Can I upgrade the storage on the Digital PS5?
Yes, both versions of the PS5 support storage upgrades. You can install an NVMe SSD to expand the internal storage. This is recommended if you have a large digital library or intend to download a lot of games. This will improve the load times and overall performance.
Does the Digital PS5 have any advantages over the Disc PS5?
The Digital PS5 is slightly smaller and potentially quieter due to the absence of a disc drive. It also streamlines the gaming experience by eliminating the need to swap discs. This offers a cleaner and simpler setup. Its cost is also lower, making it more accessible to more players.
Final Verdict
The Disk PS5 offers a more versatile experience due to its ability to play physical games, buy used titles, and avoid reliance on a constant internet connection for playing disc-based games. While the Digital PS5 is cheaper and offers a streamlined experience, the limitations of digital-only ownership and the lack of resale value make the Disc version a more compelling choice for most gamers. The Disk PS5 provides a better value and more flexibility.
Winner: Disk PS5