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The choice between the PS5 Disc Edition and Digital in 2024 is just as confusing as it was at launch. Both editions have seen minor changes since then and are now slimmer and more compact. The pricing has also changed a lot, which made it more confusing for people to choose between the two. On paper, the two editions are quite similar, but the kind of experience they deliver can be polar opposites.
In this article, we are comparing various aspects of the two console variations to see which is the best in 2024.
Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and solely reflect the writer's opinions.
PS5 Disc Edition vs Digital
In essence, the PS5 Disc Edition has a disc drive, which allows it to play games from a disc as well as the online PS Store. On the other hand, the PS5 Digital doesn't have the drive, and the only way gamers can play games is through the PS Store.
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The specs, performance, and game support are identical in both options. With that said, let's compare the two editions of the PS5 console, starting with their physical design differences.
Design comparison
The design is where you will see the obvious difference between the two consoles. The PS5 Disc Edition is a bit thicker and has cutouts to insert or eject the disc from the console. In comparison, the PS5 Digital is slimmer due to the absence of the disc drive.
Also, the disc edition of the console doesn't look symmetrical. It has a bulge on the right side where the disc drive is, which doesn't quite match the aesthetics of the rest of the body. On the contrary, the digital edition looks symmetrical and is more pleasing to the eyes.
There's also a weight difference between the two consoles. The PS5 Disc Edition weighs 4.5 kg, and the digital version weighs 600 grams less at 3.9kg.
Pros and cons of PS5 Disc Edition
Here are the pros of the PS5 Disc Edition:
- You can play games by getting them from the PS Store or through the disc.
- If you purchase game discs, you can share or resell them to your friends when you are done playing.
- You can buy used game discs for cheaper instead of paying the full price on the PS Store.
- You can watch Blu-ray movies on the console without requiring a separate Blu-ray player.
- If there's ever a buggy update that breaks your game, you can remove it and install the earlier version of the game if you have the disc.
Here are the cons of the PS5 Disc Edition:
- The cost of the console is higher.
- It is bulky and weighs more.
Pros and cons of PS5 Digital
Here are the pros of the PS5 Digital:
- This edition of the console is cheaper, which would allow you to save more upfront.
- It is lighter and takes up less space on the desk.
- It is symmetrical and looks more elegant.
Here are the cons of the PS5 Digital:
- You cannot share or buy used games for cheaper. Instead, you must pay the full price at the PS Store unless there's a special discount.
- You cannot play Blu-ray movies.
- If there's ever a buggy update to any game, you won't be able to downgrade it. You must wait for the game developers to fix it.
Price comparison
At launch, the PS5 Disc Edition was sold at $499, while the Digital Edition was priced at $399. The two console editions went through ups and downs in pricing, but there was a clear difference of $100 most of the time.
However, that's not the case anymore. The new PS5 Disc Edition Slim costs $499, which costs only around 11% more than the PS5 Digital Slim ($449). The difference in pricing is only $50 now. The previous non-Slim versions are not available anymore.
Who should buy the PS5 Disc Edition?
If you enjoy collecting game discs, then the PS5 Disc Edition is for you. It also allows you to buy used game discs for cheaper and resell them later. The fact that the device doubles up as a BlueRay disc player is an added benefit.
Who should buy the PS5 Digital?
The PS5 Digital is more for people who would rather purchase the PS Plus subscription, which provides access to a huge library of games for players to enjoy. If you have no intention of buying a game disc or Blu-ray movies, it makes very little sense to buy the Disc Edition. In this case, I would recommend the Digital Edition of the console.
If you ever change your mind, you can always buy the drive add-on later for $80 and get the same functionality as Disc Edition.
Final verdict of PS5 Disc Edition vs Digital
Since the difference between the two console editions is only $50 in 2024, it's best to buy PS5 Disc Edition. With this, you get a lot of advantages on your side, including the ability to buy used games for cheap and resell them later.
With the PS5 Digital, you get none of those advantages, but you do get to save $50. However, if you change your mind later, you must pay $80 more for the disc drive add-on.
Depending on the urgency of your requirements, it would be better to wait for the PS5 Pro console, which is expected to launch in the next two years.
