PlayStation 5: Version with disc drive or digital – it is better to choose?
PlayStation 5 (PS5) Available in two versions – The standard model is equipped with a Blu-Ray drive, and the digital version without a disc drive is designed for downloading games from an online store. Which version of PS5 do you prefer? – with disk drive or digital? Let's see. 
Features of the standard PS5 with disc drive
The standard PS5 has a state-of-the-art disc drive, compatible with Blu-Ray discs with a capacity of 100 GB. This allows:
- Download and play disc copies of PS5 games
- Watch 4K UHD movies on Blu-Ray discs
- Resell, borrow or buy used disc games
- Collect disc editions of games
Besides, At the initial stage, disc versions of games are often cheaper, than digital ones in online stores.
However, the cost of the PS5 console itself with a disc drive is higher.
Digital PS5 Features
The digital version of PS5 does not have a disc drive. It means, that all games must be purchased from the PS Store online store and downloaded to the console for installation and launch.
Benefits of digital PS5:
- More compact and lighter design
- Lower cost of the console itself
- Instant access to games from the PS Store without having to wait or go to the store to buy discs
However, the digital PS5 also has its disadvantages:
- Cannot buy or sell used disc games
- In some cases, digital versions of games are more expensive than physical ones
- Can't play 4K UHD movies from discs
Let's compare both consoles in more detail.
PS5 comparison: with floppy drive vs digital
For the most part, the technical specifications of the PS5 are identical in both versions, including performance, graphics, SSD storage capacity and network connection options.
Design varies, cost of, options for purchasing games and multimedia capabilities.
Price and cost of ownership
| Characteristic | PS5 Standard (with disk drive) | PS5 Digital |
| Starting price | 499$ | 399$ |
| Cost of games | Cheaper physical copies | More expensive digital |
| Game resale | Possible | Impossible |
From the table it is clear, that the digital PS5 is initially cheaper, however, in the long run, with a disc you can save money on buying and reselling games.
Opportunities
| Opportunity | PS5 Standard (with disk drive) | PS5 Digital |
| 4K UHD Movies | Yes | Not |
| Retro compatible with PS4 | Full | Full |
| Used games | Yes | Not |
| Physical media | Yes | Not |
The standard PS5 supports UHD movies and is backwards compatible with PS4 discs.
design
PS5 with disc drive is larger and heavier than the digital version:
- Weight: 4.5kg against 3.9 kg
- dimensions: 390mm x 104mm x 260mm vs 390mm x 92mm x 260mm
If saving space or weight of the console is important, digital PS5 has advantages.
Which PS5 to choose: recommendations
- For movie buffs and collectors, a standard PS5 with a disc drive is better suited due to the ability to play 4K UHD movies from discs and collect editions of games on discs.
- Digital PS5 is more suitable for those, who plans to purchase all games digitally. You can choose it for its more compact design and lower price.
- If it's important to be able to buy and sell used games, a standard PS5 with a disc drive is preferable.
The choice of PS5 version largely depends on the user's preferred style of using the console and collecting games. Analyze your priorities and financial capabilities, to determine which PS5 variant is best for you.
