PS5 Digital vs PS5 Disc: Which PlayStation 5 version should you choose?
Which version of the Sony PlayStation 5 is best for you, especially now that it’s readily available and discounted on some platforms?
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After years of scarcity due to supply chain issues, the PlayStation 5 is now much easier to find. Photo: Unsplash/ Ben Iwara
The Sony PlayStation 5 is still widely regarded as the king of the console hill thanks to its outstanding gaming performance and a slew of platform-exclusive titles like Gran Turismo 7, Final Fantasy 16 and Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut. For years after its launch, the PS5 was like a golden unicorn –extremely hard to find due to supply chain issues and overwhelming demand. The good news for gamers is that it’s now readily available in PlayStation 5 Slim guise.
The current variant of the console has been downsized. Sony says it’s about 30 per cent smaller than the original PS5, while its solid-state hard disc has been upsized to 1TB from 825GB. As with the launch edition PS5, the PS5 Slim is available in two versions: The PS5 Slim Digital Edition model without a disc drive and the PS5 Slim Disc Edition.
Apart from this distinction, all PS5 Slim variants deliver similar performance:
- Support for 4K (3,840 x 2,160) gameplay at up to 120 frames per second on supported displays
- Advanced graphics features like ray tracing on supported games
- 16GB DDR6 system memory
- 448GB/s memory bandwidth for fast loading times
- 3D audio technology
PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition, with 1 controller (S$699; Usual Price S$769)
With a disc drive that also plays 4K Blu-ray discs, this version of the PS5 is a versatile option, especially if you already have a large collection of PS4 games on disc that you still play.
PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition, with 1 controller (S$658)
The Digital Edition is the way to go if you don’t want physical media. The money saved can also go towards accessories like an extra DualSense Wireless Controller (S$99.90).
DISC OR DIGITAL?
If you’re in the market for a new console, the PS5 Slim is worth considering, especially as it’s currently discounted on some platforms. But which edition – Disc or Digital – should you buy? To help you decide, we’ve shortlisted some factors to consider.
Get the Disc Edition if:
- You still want to play your collection of PS4 games on disc
- You want to exchange or buy pre-owned PS5 games
- You’re a home cinema buff who appreciates the quality that Blu-ray or 4K Blu-ray discs offer over streaming platforms
Get the Digital Edition if ...
- You want to use the money saved to buy additional accessories
- You only want to download digital games to save space at home
- You don’t want to trade in used games after you’ve completed them
The PS5 is backwards-compatible with PS4 games. While the PS5 Disc Edition costs more, it may be cheaper in the long run if you already own an extensive library of PS4 discs that you still play. Physical PS4 or PS5 discs can also be shared with fellow gamers or bought pre-owned.
If you’re a home cinema buff with an extensive collection of Blu-ray discs, the PS5 can also perform double-duty as a 4K Blu-ray disc player. While physical media may seem anachronistic in the age of streaming, there is a valid reason for sticking with this – image quality.
Platforms offer 4K (3,840 x 2,160) streams but your mileage will vary. You may not be able to enjoy a 4K stream depending on your hardware and online traffic. Even if you do get a 4K stream, the video bitrate – the amount of data sent to your device each second – will most likely be lower than on a dedicated 4K Blu-ray disc. This means you will not be enjoying the movie at its best quality.
So when would the PS5 Slim Digital Edition be better for you? If budget is your main consideration, then the more affordable PS5 Digital Edition is the way to go. The money saved could be used to buy additional accessories.
If you don’t have a large collection of PS4 discs or want to transition to digital-only media, then consider the Digital Edition. If you change your mind later, the PS5 Slim Digital Edition can also be connected to an external disc drive. Either way, you’ll be investing into a gaming ecosystem with a rich catalogue of award-winning games, accessories and segment-leading hardware.
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