The Two PS5 Models and What Differs Between Them

Sony makes two versions of the PlayStation 5: the PS5 with Disc Drive and the PS5 Digital Edition. The only meaningful difference is that the Disc Drive model has a slot to play physical game discs, while the Digital Edition does not. Both play the same games, both connect to PlayStation Network, and both have identical processing power and graphics performance.

The Disc Drive model costs more—typically $499 to $549 depending on sales and your region—because of the hardware inside. The Digital Edition runs $399 to $449. If you already own physical PS4 discs or plan to buy used games from stores or online, the Disc Drive model lets you play them. If you buy all your games through the PlayStation Store or subscribe to PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium, the Digital Edition saves you money upfront and takes up less shelf space.

Key Takeaways

  • The Disc Drive model plays physical game discs; the Digital Edition does not—this is the only hardware difference that affects gameplay.
  • Disc Drive costs $100 more but lets you play used games, borrow games from friends, and resell games you finish.
  • Digital Edition is cheaper and smaller, but locks you into buying games through the PlayStation Store at full retail price.
  • Both models have the same processor, graphics chip, and storage, so performance and game library are identical.
  • Your choice depends on whether you value owning physical media and reselling games, or prefer the lower price and convenience of digital-only purchases.

When to Choose the Disc Drive Model

Buy the Disc Drive model if you own PS4 games on disc. The PS5 Disc Drive plays most PS4 discs—Sony maintains a list of incompatible titles on its website, but the list is short. If you have a library of 10 or more PS4 games, the Disc Drive model protects that investment.

The Disc Drive model also makes sense if you buy used games. Retailers like GameStop, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace sell used PS5 games for $15 to $35, compared to $60 to $70 for new digital copies. If you finish games and resell them, the Disc Drive pays for itself within a few months. You can also borrow games from friends without paying anything, which the Digital Edition cannot do.

Physical discs also hold their value better than digital licenses. When you buy a game on disc, you own a physical object you can sell, trade, or give away. When you buy a game through the PlayStation Store, you own a license that Sony can revoke if your account is compromised or if you violate terms of service.

When to Choose the Digital Edition

The Digital Edition makes sense if you have no PS4 discs and plan to buy all games through the PlayStation Store or through a subscription. If you subscribe to PlayStation Plus Extra or PlayStation Plus Premium, you get access to hundreds of games at no additional cost per title. For players who rotate through many games rather than replaying the same ones, a subscription can cost less than buying.

The Digital Edition is also the right choice if you value space and convenience. It is smaller and lighter than the Disc Drive model, and you never need to swap discs or store them. Games read to your internal storage or external drive, and you launch them from the home screen. If your internet connection is fast and reliable, this workflow is genuinely faster than walking to a shelf and inserting a disc.

The lower price—$100 less than the Disc Drive model—matters if you are on a tight budget. That $100 can go toward a second controller, a charging dock, or your first month of PlayStation Plus.

Storage and Speed Are the Same on Both Models

Both the Disc Drive and Digital Edition come with 825 GB of internal storage. After the operating system takes its share, you have roughly 667 GB usable. Both models support the same external SSD expansion, so if you run out of space, you can add a compatible drive to either one.

Load times, frame rates, and graphics settings are identical between the two models. A game runs at the same speed and looks the same whether you launch it from a disc or read it digitally. The only performance difference you will see is if your internet is slow—a digital read takes longer on a 10 Mbps connection than on a 100 Mbps connection, but the disc drive has no advantage there.

What to Know About Game Availability

Most new PS5 games release in both disc and digital versions simultaneously. However, some games—particularly indie titles and smaller releases—come out digital-only. If you own a Digital Edition, you can still play these games. If you own a Disc Drive model, you cannot play digital-only releases unless you also buy them through the PlayStation Store.

This is rare enough that it should not drive your decision, but it is worth knowing. Check the PlayStation Store or the game publisher's website if you are interested in a specific upcoming title and want to know which formats it supports.

Refurbished and Bundled PS5 Models

Sony and retailers sometimes sell refurbished PS5 consoles at a discount—typically 10 to 20 percent off the new price. A refurbished console has been returned, tested, cleaned, and repackaged. It carries the same warranty as a new console and performs identically. If budget is your main concern, a refurbished Disc Drive model can cost less than a new Digital Edition.

Bundles that include a game, extra controller, or PlayStation Plus subscription are also common. These bundles do not change which model is right for you, but they can add value if you were planning to buy those items anyway. Compare the bundle price to the cost of buying the console and items separately before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade a Digital Edition to play discs later?

No. The Digital Edition does not have a disc drive slot, and Sony does not sell an add-on drive. If you later decide you want to play physical games, you would need to sell the Digital Edition and buy a Disc Drive model instead.

Do PS5 games ever go on sale, or is it always $60 to $70?

Games go on sale regularly through the PlayStation Store, usually 20 to 50 percent off. Sales happen most often during holiday periods and when a game has been out for several months. PlayStation Plus subscribers sometimes get additional discounts. Physical games often drop in price faster than digital versions.

What internet speed do I need for the Digital Edition?

A typical PS5 game is 40 to 100 GB. On a 100 Mbps connection, a 50 GB game downloads in about an hour. On a 10 Mbps connection, it takes 10 to 12 hours. If your internet is slower than 10 Mbps, digital downloads become tedious, and the Disc Drive model is more practical.

Is the PS5 Disc Drive model worth the extra $100?

It depends on your habits. If you buy three or more used games per year, the savings on used copies will exceed the $100 difference within a year or two. If you never buy used games and have no PS4 discs, the Digital Edition saves you money over time.

Can I play PS4 games on the Digital Edition?

Only if you buy them through the PlayStation Store. The Digital Edition cannot play PS4 discs. If you own PS4 games on disc and want to play them on PS5, you must choose the Disc Drive model.