Not sure which of Sony’s upcoming consoles is right for you? Let us help you decide between PS5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.
Sony’s PlayStation 5 has been one of the most requested gaming consoles since its launch in 2020, which is why it’s so hard to buy a device. Due to the limited supply at launch, you may rush to buy a PS5 Digital Edition or standard PS5 without much thought.
However, with reports of the console starting to hit stores, it might be time to pause and consider which version best suits your needs.So how does the PS5 compare to the PS5 Digital Edition?
Similarities and differences between PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition
The two PS5 models look similar at first glance, but it is necessary to distinguish between the shared features and the unique features of the PS5 model.
PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition: Price
One of the biggest differences between the PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition is the price.At launch, the PS5 disc version will cost US$499.99 / GBP449.99 / AUD749.95 / CAD629, while the digital version will cost US$399.99 / GBP359.A big difference from 99 / 599.95 AUD / 499 CAD – 100 USD / 90 GBP / 150 AUD / 130 CAD.
However, since the PS5 is out of stock, it’s worth noting that both versions have gone up in price in most parts of the world except the US. For example, the standard version of PS5 costs 479.99 GBP and 799 AUD.It ranks 95th in the UK and Australia. Meanwhile, the price of the PS5 digital edition has increased to GBP 389.99 and AUD 649.95. Sony attributed the price hike to global inflation.
2. PS5 Digital Edition and PS5: Disc Drive
Insert the disc into the PS5
The standard version of the PlayStation 5 has a 4K Blu-ray disc drive designed to play physical copies of games, Blu-ray movies and other media. On the other hand, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition does not have a disc drive. This means you can simply play digital games from the PlayStation Store and stream content from services like Netflix.
When you buy the disc version of the PS5 you can buy both physical and digital games, giving you more options when it comes to playing on other platforms, while the smaller version is discless.
3. PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Design and Size
There’s no doubt that the PS5 has been a hot topic since its introduction, thanks to its impressive size and futuristic design. Both versions are very similar, but the standard PS5 version is slightly larger to accommodate the disc drive, giving it a symmetrical design at the base, while the bezel-less model is slimmer and more symmetrical.
The standard PlayStation 5 measures approximately 15.4″ x 4.1″ x 10.2″ or 390 mm x 104 mm x 260 mm and weighs 9.9 pounds or 4.5kg, while the digital version measures approximately 15.4″ x 3.6″ x 10.2″ or 390mm x 92mm x 260mm and weighs 8.6lbs or 3.9 kg. However, the new PS5 model is lighter than the original model due to some changes in the cooling system and other internal components.
For guidance, you can use the included stand to adjust your PS5 model vertically or horizontally.
4. PS5 vs PS5PS5 Digital Edition: Performance and Storage
Whether you choose PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, you’ll enjoy the latest gaming features. Both models support 4K gaming at 120 FPS, ray tracing and 3D audio. It has the same CPU as AMD Ryzen Zen 2, AMD RDNA 2 GPU and 16GB GDDR6 memory.
When it comes to storage, the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition come with an 825GB SSD. It’s enough to save some games, but it might not be enough for more serious gamers.Fortunately, you can use an external drive to play PS4 games on your PS5 or add an M.2 SSD to your PS5.
Please note that PS5 usage is disk related and using physical copies of games will not save storage space. This is because the game data, whether it is a digital title or a disc title, must be stored on the SSD.
Why you should buy a standard PlayStation 5
Although this model is more expensive than its counterparts, it still has good value for money. Here are some reasons why you should buy a standard PS5:
1. You have a lot of PS4 games
The PS5 is backwards compatible, so there are plenty of PS4 disc games you’ll want to keep playing. The PS5 Digital Edition is backward compatible, but can only play digital copies of PS4 games purchased from the PlayStation Store.
2. Unstable Internet connection.
PS5 game file sizes can reach 100GB or more, so downloading PS5 games over a slow internet connection is a nightmare. If your internet plan has a data cap, you might consider a disc-based PS5.If you choose a standard PS5, that doesn’t mean you don’t need an internet connection. This is because you need to download the latest game updates and updates. It’s more manageable to download smaller files for updates instead of the whole game.
- The standard PS5 is cheaper in the long run
Buying a standard PS5 will require you to spend extra money up front, but it will save you money in the long run. Because you can buy physical copies of used PS5 games (cheaper), exchange them for other PS5 games in the store, or trade with your friends.
You can also enjoy discounts from other retailers like Amazon and GameStop that offer discounts on physical copies of games on the PlayStation Store.
4.I want to play on a different platform
The standard PS5 supports Ultra HD Blu-ray discs and other formats, so it can be used as a media player. This means you don’t have to invest in a special media player to watch movies on your TV, turning your console into a multi-channel entertainment system.
Why you should buy the PS5 Digital Edition
The free PS5 version offers some advantages. Here are some reasons to choose the PS5 Digital Edition:
- PS5 Digital Edition has a lower starting price
Save money on your first purchase by choosing the PS5 Digital Edition.Depending on your region, the PS5 Digital Edition could cost $100 / £90 / AU$150 less than the standard model. That’s a lot of money to buy your first PS5 game. - The internet connection is great.
If you have a good unlimited internet connection, PS5 Digital Edition might be the best option for you as you can buy and download games from the PlayStation Store. You can also share digital games with your friends by turning on game sharing on PS5.
3. You want the full digital experience
In the digital world, you may want to have the full digital experience without owning a physical copy of the game. Since it doesn’t take up much space, it’s easier and less difficult to organize your game library.
4. I like the design of the PS5 digital edition
Unlike the part that extends to the base to accommodate the disc drive, the PS5 Digital Edition has a frame, symmetrical design that is preferred by many. So, if you think the PlayStation 5 looks better, you might want to download the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.
Which PS5 model is right for you?
In general, the standard PS5 is better for serious gamers who can use the disc drive to play physical copies of PS4/PS5 games and share, trade and sell used games. On the other hand, if you’re just a gamer who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time playing and wants a full digital experience, the PS5 Digital Edition is the best choice.
But if you buy PS5 or PS5 Digital Edition, you can be sure that you will enjoy a great and immersive gaming experience.
