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Sony PlayStation 5
The default PS5 is the top choice for us, since that disc drive opens up so many options for game sharing, media viewing and more.
Pros- Disc drive for game sharing
- Amazing library of games
- Occasionally discounted
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PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
The Digital Edition of Sony’s console is superb, but it does mean you can’t borrow games or trade them in – if the saving is worth it, though, it’s a great pick.
Pros- Slimmer build
- Same excellent roster of games
- Lower starting price
Cons- Rarely discounted
- No sharing games or watching Blu-Rays
Key Takeaways
- The PlayStation 5 and PS5 Digital Edition have very similar specs, including 4K capability, game support, processing power, and storage capacity.
- The main difference between the two versions is the presence of a disc drive in the standard PS5, allowing for physical game playback and media usage.
- A PlayStation 5 Pro potentially releasing later in 2024 could change which version of the PS5 you buy.
Since its 2020 debut, the PlayStation 5 has been in high demand, often making it hard to find. But now, with ample stock available, the main question is: Which PS5 should you buy?
Besides the standard model — the one with a disc drive — there’s a slimmer, more affordable PS5 Digital Edition. Here are the key differences between the two consoles to help you figure out which one suits your needs best. Also, rumors suggest a new Pro version of the PlayStation 5 could be released later this year, which might sway your decision on which console to pick.
Sony
PS5 and PS5 Digital are still available
But Digital Edition is harder to find
If you’re looking at the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition side by side, checking out their specs can show you they’re pretty similar in many ways. Both are on sale right now, and Sony’s still making both versions. However, the Digital Edition is a bit harder to find and hasn’t been discounted yet, unlike the standard PS5, which has started to see some welcome price cuts.
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PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Sony PlayStation 5 4K Capability Yes Yes Game support PS5, PSVR 2, PS4, PSVR PS5, PSVR 2, PS4, PSVR Processing Power 10.3 TFLOPS 10.3 TFLOPS Storage 825GB SSD 825GB SSD CPU x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 cores x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 cores Dimensions 390 x 260 x 92 mm 390 × 104 x 260 mm Audio Tempest 3D audio Tempest 3D audio RAM 16GB GDDR6 16GB GDDR6
Both consoles have the same power
Identical specs
The main thing to note about the two PS5 versions is that their components are nearly identical, as shown in the chart above. You’ll get the same graphical performance, processor, and storage options, no matter which one you choose. Both models feature an eight-core Zen 2 processor, running at 3.5GHz per core, supported by 16GB of GDDR6 RAM.
They also have a GPU capable of delivering 10.28 TFLOPS across 36 CUs, significantly outperforming the PS4 Pro. In terms of storage, both PS5s are equipped with 825GB custom SSDs that offer ultra-fast data reading speeds of 5.5GB/s during gameplay, making long loading times obsolete.
How to fix stick drift on your PS5 controller
Stick drift is a common problem with the PS5’s DualSense controller. Here are some things you can do to fix it.
Pocket-lint
PS5 is thicker and heavier due to its drive
Very similar designs otherwise
Both consoles sport very similar designs, featuring the distinctive wing-tip flares on the sides and a sleek white casing, complemented by blue lighting accents.
When positioned vertically, they match in height, but the standard PlayStation 5 is noticeably thicker due to its disc drive. This difference is most apparent at the console’s base, where the adjustment for the disc drive has been made.
How PS5 backward compatibility works: Which PS4 games can you play?
The PlayStation 5 can play PS4 games on disc and digital downloads. Here’s everything you need to know about PS5 backward compatibility.
PS5 Digital is cheaper
Priced nearly $100 cheaper
By now, you’ve probably noticed the two main differences between the PS5 models are the disc drive and the price.
The standard PS5 includes a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, allowing you to play games from physical discs and watch Ultra HD movies. This also means you can trade in games after playing them and lend them to friends. Plus, nearly every PS4 game you own on disc will work on it, thanks to backward compatibility. In contrast, the PS5 Digital Edition lacks a disc drive, so you’ll have to purchase games digitally and stream media instead of playing it from a disc.
Naturally, the absence of a disc drive makes the Digital Edition cheaper than its counterpart. It’s generally $100 less, making it more affordable.
PS5 Pro rumours and details: What we know about the PlayStation 5 Pro so far
The PlayStation 5 could get Pro upgrade in the near(ish) future – here’s what we know about it.
PlayStation 5 Pro is likely coming
You might want to wait on buying a PS5
Sony is rumored to be releasing a new version of the PS5 later this year, a CNBC report suggests. This is expected to be called the PlayStation 5 Pro. Keep in mind Sony released a Pro model for the PS4 three years after its debut, and now the PS5 Pro looks set to arrive about four years after the original PS5 launched.
We’re still in the dark about the PS5 Pro’s specs, but its arrival could lead to a price cut and a fresh look for the current PS5 models. The original PS4 saw both a redesign and a $100 price drop with the Pro’s introduction. So, waiting for the PS5 Pro to be announced might be smart if you’re eyeing the latest tech or hoping to snag the current PS5 at a lower price.
How to connect Bluetooth headphones to your PS5
Sony doesn’t make the process as easy as it should.
Which is better: PS5 or PS5 Digital Edition?
Depends on whether you’ll use discs and care to pay more
The choice between the two PS5s comes down to a couple of factors: How you buy your games and whether you want to watch DVDs, Blu-rays and 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays.
Sony PlayStation 5
Editor’s Choice
The standard PlayStation 5 is the best choice for most people, we’d say.
If there’s even a small chance you’ll use the disc drive to borrow games, trade them in after playing, or watch physical movies, then the standard PlayStation 5 is the way to go. Trading in just a few games can quickly offset the price difference.
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
Worth considering
If you’ve been a fan of digital storefronts for a long time and rarely use discs, then the Digital Edition might be the right choice. It saves you money upfront, reduces the console’s size, and eliminates the clutter of game boxes. Additionally, with the expansion of digital game catalogs through PlayStation Plus membership, you have access to hundreds of games for a single monthly fee.
Then there’s the consideration of the PlayStation 5 Pro. Sony has taken longer to announce it than they did with the PS4 Pro in the previous console generation. If the rumors are true and Sony plans to launch the PS5 Pro toward the end of 2024, waiting for the enhanced features and hardware of the Pro model could be worthwhile.
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