Are Digital Consoles Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether a digital console is the right choice for you is a complex one, with no simple yes or no answer. Ultimately, the value of a digital console hinges entirely on your personal gaming habits, preferences, and priorities. If you’re a gamer who primarily buys games from digital storefronts, doesn’t collect physical media, and values convenience, then a digital console is absolutely worth it. However, if you enjoy trading or selling used games, or prefer owning physical copies, then a standard disc-based console remains the superior option. This article will dissect the nuances of digital consoles, explore their pros and cons, and equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
The Allure of Digital: Convenience and Cost Savings
The main attraction of a digital console lies in its convenience and often lower price point. Consider the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, which is typically $100 cheaper than its disc-drive counterpart. This price difference can translate to an extra game, a subscription to PlayStation Plus, or an additional controller. For budget-conscious gamers, this upfront saving is a significant advantage.
Furthermore, the digital-only format eliminates the hassle of physical discs. No more swapping games, searching for lost cases, or dealing with scratches and damage. Games are downloaded directly onto the console’s storage, granting quick access to your entire library. This streamlined experience is a considerable selling point for gamers who value immediate access and convenience. Digital gaming also offers other benefits like preloading games before launch, so you can start playing the second they become available.
The Downside: Limited Options and Storage Concerns
While the convenience is undeniable, there are some crucial drawbacks to consider. The most notable is the lack of a disc drive. This means you’re locked into purchasing games solely through the platform’s digital store. This is fine for players who prefer that, but it limits the option to buy physical games, second hand, at a lower price. It also prevents you from borrowing games from friends, or renting them from a store.
Another issue to consider is the storage space. Digital games can be quite large, with some titles exceeding 60 GB. Given that the usable storage space on a console is often less than the total amount due to operating systems and other required files, you may find yourself quickly running out of space. For example, the PS5 has 825GB of storage on paper, but users only get around 667GB usable space. While you can add extra storage through an M.2 SSD, this is an additional cost to factor in. Having limited space can lead to deleting and re-downloading games, which some may find tedious and inconvenient.
Digital vs. Disc: A Matter of Preference
Ultimately, the “better” console is subjective. There’s no superior system, as both disc-based and digital consoles share identical internal specifications and performance. The core gaming experience remains consistent across both models. The choice comes down to your individual gaming habits and what you prioritize: cost savings and convenience versus the flexibility of physical media.
Why are Digital Consoles Cheaper?
Digital consoles are typically cheaper because they have lower manufacturing costs. Removing the disc drive reduces the number of components needed and the associated licensing fees, which can translate to lower prices for consumers. This reduction in hardware costs allows manufacturers to pass these savings on to gamers, making the digital edition an attractive alternative for those on a budget.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Gaming
The gaming industry is increasingly trending towards digital distribution. Many titles are not being released on physical media at all, and digital game purchases account for the vast majority of sales. This trend suggests a potential future where physical media is phased out, however, there is still a substantial minority of consumers that still prefer to have physical copies. While consoles may always include a disc drive, there may eventually be an industry-wide switch to all-digital purchases.
Xbox and a Digital Future
Microsoft has previously considered abandoning physical media entirely in new Xbox consoles, moving to a digital-only future. This indicates that the move towards all digital is not just a hypothetical possibility, but one that might eventually become the norm for gaming.
Making the Right Choice for You
Choosing between a digital and disc-based console isn’t about finding the objectively superior option, but rather about evaluating your own needs and preferences. If you’re a casual gamer who primarily purchases games from online stores, doesn’t have a large library of physical games, and wants to save money, the digital edition is a great choice. However, if you are a collector, prefer the ability to buy and sell used games, or have a collection of physical discs that you don’t want to lose access to, then a disc-based console is the better option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you play all PS5 games on the Digital Edition?
Yes, you can access all PlayStation games and exclusives online through the PlayStation Store and download them to your PS5 Digital Edition. However, you will not be able to play physical games on it.
2. How many games can the PS5 Digital Edition hold?
While this depends on the size of the games, you can realistically store about 10-15 games on the drive at a time. You may need to delete and re-download them if you ever want to play them again.
3. Are digital games permanent?
Yes, digital games are tied to your account, and essentially remain on your account permanently. You can download and play them anytime, as long as the account exists and the title is still available on the store.
4. Are digital games more expensive than physical games?
Digital games can sometimes be more expensive than physical games, particularly when they first release. While they don’t require manufacturing, the convenience and immediacy of digital purchases often come at a premium.
5. Can you sell your digital games?
No, you cannot sell or trade digital games in the same way as you can with physical copies.
6. Do digital games take up the same space as physical games?
Yes, both physical and digital games need to be installed on the console, and they take up the same amount of storage space. The main difference is how you obtain them, and the need to keep a physical disc to play it.
7. What are the benefits of digital games?
Digital games offer more flexibility, convenience, and preloading options. They allow you to access your games instantly, with no need to swap discs and the ability to start playing immediately after the game becomes available.
8. Can you add extra storage to a PS5 Digital Edition?
Yes, you can add storage to a PS5 Digital Edition using a compatible M.2 SSD that is bought separately.
9. Do digital games run better than physical games?
Digital games tend to run better, especially when installed on an SSD. Running a game through a disc reader, which tends to be slow, may result in suboptimal loading times and performance.
10. Are all games going digital?
The gaming industry is trending towards digital distribution. Many titles are exclusively released on digital stores, though physical releases are still common.
11. Can you play PS3 games on a PS5 Digital Edition?
Yes, the PS5 is compatible with PS3 games through streaming on the Playstation Plus service, you cannot play physical PS3 games on any PS5. You can play physical PS4 games on a disc version of the PS5 but not on the digital version.
12. What is the price difference between the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition?
The PS5 Digital Edition is typically $100 cheaper than the standard disc-based model, but this can vary depending on sales and availability.
13. Will the PS6 be digital only?
It is unlikely that the PS6 will be digital-only. Unless PlayStation Network has designed a game stream engine for sustained multi-user 8k streaming by the time it releases, it’s likely to be available as a disc and digital model like the PS5.
14. Is an all-digital Xbox worth it?
An all-digital Xbox is worth it for gamers who don’t require physical discs. However, if you have a large library of games on disc, a standard Xbox is probably the better choice.
15. How much is a PS6 likely to cost?
Given the pricing trends of recent consoles, the PS6 is expected to be priced at least $600 at release, potentially higher.