The PS5 comes in two versions, and deciding which one to buy can be confusing. Let’s break down the differences between the two models and discuss both. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which PS5 version is right for you.
What’s the difference
The main difference between the two versions of the PS5—the Disc Edition and the Digital Edition—is the presence of a disc drive. The Disc Edition includes a disc drive, while the Digital Edition does not. Aside from this, both versions have identical hardware specifications, including the CPU, GPU, memory, and internal storage capacity.
So, when deciding which version to purchase, the primary consideration is whether the presence of a disc drive is important to you. Let’s look into this further.
The main advantage of having a disc drive is the ability to read physical discs. The PS5’s disc drive can handle PS5 games, as well as PS4 games, various types of Blu-ray discs (including 4K Ultra HD), and DVDs. If you own a collection of physical media and want the option to play them on your PS5, then the disc-based console is the only choice for you.
Installation Files
Beyond the advantage of playing disc-based media, another benefit of having a disc drive is related to game installation files. These files can be quite large, with each game requiring an installation file—a core file that is delivered to your console and installed on the hard drive. This core file is then updated via the internet as patches are released for the game.
For instance, let’s consider a 45 GB installation file. With the Digital Edition of the PS5, you can download this file from the cloud, depending on your internet connection speed, or store it on an external hard drive and transfer it to your console when needed. While this method is quicker than downloading directly from the cloud, it’s still not lightning-fast.
On the other hand, if you own a disc-based PS5, you have the additional option of buying a disc copy of the game and accessing the installation file via the disc. Although the console still installs the game fully onto its internal hard drive, installing from a disc is generally quicker for most people compared to downloading from the cloud. However, keep in mind that most games will still require downloading updates from the cloud, so a poor internet connection can pose challenges regardless of which console you own.
If you have data caps or other restrictions on your internet usage, the disc-based console may be the preferable option for you.
Deals
Who opts for the digital edition of the console have their reasons as well. While they may not have access to physical deals found outside of the PlayStation network, they can still benefit from deals within the PSN store. Deals are often available, and it’s worth checking regularly to see what’s on offer. Over time, you can build a substantial digital collection, although there’s a debate about whether digital ownership is akin to long-term renting.
It’s worth noting that if you buy a disc copy of a game, you’ll need to insert the disc each time you play. This isn’t because the PS5 is reading anything from the disc each time; it’s actually an anti-piracy feature. This measure prevents users from buying a game, installing it, then returning the disc for a refund while still retaining access to the game.
Despite the benefits of owning a disc-based console, there are reasons why someone might opt for the digital edition. For instance, I chose the digital edition for my own reasons, which we’ll explore next.
Why?
The Digital Edition is more aesthetically pleasing. Its design without the notch for the disc drive looks sleeker compared to the disc-based console.
Financially, the Digital Edition is technically cheaper. However, due to the scarcity of both console versions, even Digital Editions are being sold online for twice the retail price. In such a scenario, you might find yourself with the opportunity to purchase the version you didn’t initially want at a reasonable price. In that case, you have to weigh whether having the “wrong” PS5 is better than having no PS5 at all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both versions of the PS5 have their pros and cons, and the choice ultimately depends on your preferences and circumstances. What about you? Have you managed to get your hands on a PS5? If so, which version did you get, and is it the one you wanted? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments, and let’s discuss further.
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PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)
Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version
