Which PS5 Does Not Take Discs? The Digital Edition Explained
The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition is the only PS5 model that does not take discs. This version of the console forgoes the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive found in the standard PlayStation 5, relying solely on digital game purchases and streaming services.
Understanding the PS5 Digital Edition
The PS5 Digital Edition offers the same powerful performance and next-generation features as its disc-based counterpart, including the same custom AMD processor, GPU, and ultra-fast SSD. The core difference lies in its lack of a disc drive. This design choice has several implications for gamers, primarily affecting how they acquire and play games.
Advantages of the Digital Edition
- Lower Price Point: One of the biggest draws of the PS5 Digital Edition is its typically lower price compared to the standard model. Eliminating the physical disc drive reduces manufacturing costs, which Sony often passes on to consumers.
- Sleeker Design: Without the need to accommodate a disc drive, the Digital Edition boasts a more streamlined and symmetrical design. Some gamers find its aesthetics more appealing.
- Fully Digital Library: This console encourages embracing a completely digital game library. All games are purchased and downloaded directly from the PlayStation Store, eliminating the need to store physical game cases.
Disadvantages of the Digital Edition
- No Physical Game Support: The most significant drawback is the inability to play physical games. Gamers can no longer buy, sell, trade, or borrow physical copies.
- Limited Resale Value: Since games are tied to your PlayStation Network account, you cannot resell them after you’ve finished playing.
- Reliance on PlayStation Store Prices: You are entirely dependent on the prices set by the PlayStation Store. You lose the option of finding cheaper deals on physical games from other retailers.
- Internet Dependency: Strong and reliable internet access is crucial for downloading games and updates.
- No Used Games: Since you can’t use physical discs, you can’t buy and play used games.
Who is the Digital Edition For?
The PS5 Digital Edition is ideal for gamers who:
- Prefer to purchase all their games digitally.
- Value a lower upfront cost for the console.
- Have a fast and reliable internet connection.
- Don’t mind being tied to the PlayStation Store for game purchases.
- Do not intend to buy or play physical Blu-ray movies.
Choosing Between the PS5 Models
Deciding between the PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition hinges on your gaming habits and preferences. Consider the following factors:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on the console upfront?
- Game Acquisition: Do you prefer physical or digital games?
- Internet Connectivity: Do you have a reliable and fast internet connection?
- Resale Value: Do you value the ability to resell your games?
- Blu-ray Movies: Do you plan to use the console for playing Blu-ray movies?
Carefully weighing these factors will help you determine which PS5 model best suits your needs and gaming lifestyle. Remember that once you choose, you’re committed to that ecosystem, so thoughtful consideration is key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the details about the PS5 Digital Edition and its differences from the standard PS5.
1. Can I upgrade the PS5 Digital Edition to play discs later?
No. The PS5 Digital Edition is designed without a disc drive and cannot be upgraded to add one. It’s a fundamentally different piece of hardware.
2. Does the PS5 Digital Edition have the same internal storage as the standard PS5?
Yes. Both the PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition come with the same 825GB SSD. However, the usable storage space after accounting for the system software is less than that.
3. Can I play PS4 games on the PS5 Digital Edition?
Yes, you can play compatible digital PS4 games on the PS5 Digital Edition. Many PS4 games are backward compatible and can be downloaded and played on the new console.
4. How do I download games on the PS5 Digital Edition?
You download games directly from the PlayStation Store after purchasing them. You can also access games you’ve previously purchased on your PlayStation Network account.
5. Does the PS5 Digital Edition support cloud gaming?
Yes, the PS5 Digital Edition supports cloud gaming through PlayStation Plus Premium. This service allows you to stream select PS4 and PS5 games over the internet.
6. Is the performance of the PS5 Digital Edition different from the standard PS5?
No. The performance is identical between the two models. Both consoles share the same internal components, including the CPU, GPU, and RAM.
7. What if my internet goes down while playing a digital game on the PS5 Digital Edition?
If your internet connection is interrupted, you may be unable to play online games or access cloud gaming services. However, games that have already been downloaded and installed on the console can typically be played offline.
8. Can I share digital games purchased on the PS5 Digital Edition with friends?
You can share digital games through the PlayStation Network’s game sharing feature, but there are limitations and restrictions. You can only share with one other account at a time, and both accounts must be on the same PlayStation system.
9. Does the PS5 Digital Edition support external hard drives?
Yes, the PS5 Digital Edition supports external hard drives for storing PS4 games and media files. However, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive. You’ll need to transfer them to the internal SSD to play them.
10. Are there any exclusive games for the PS5 Digital Edition?
No, there are no exclusive games that are only available on the PS5 Digital Edition. All PS5 games are compatible with both models.
11. How often are digital games discounted on the PlayStation Store?
The PlayStation Store regularly features sales and discounts on digital games. These sales can vary in frequency and duration, offering significant savings on a wide selection of titles. It’s worth keeping an eye on the store for deals.
12. Can I use a PlayStation VR headset with the PS5 Digital Edition?
Yes, you can use the PlayStation VR headset with the PS5 Digital Edition. You may need a PlayStation Camera adapter, which Sony provided free of charge to PSVR owners when the PS5 launched.
13. What accessories come with the PS5 Digital Edition?
The PS5 Digital Edition comes with the same accessories as the standard PS5, including one DualSense wireless controller, a power cord, an HDMI cable, and a USB cable.
14. What is the difference in physical size between the PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition?
The PS5 Digital Edition is slightly smaller than the standard PS5 due to the absence of the disc drive. However, the difference in size is not significant.
15. Is it possible to return a digital game purchased on the PlayStation Store?
Sony has a refund policy for digital games purchased on the PlayStation Store, but there are specific conditions. Generally, you can request a refund within 14 days of purchase, provided you haven’t downloaded or streamed the game. It’s essential to review Sony’s refund policy for complete details.