Never has a console from Sony been this much anticipated. But before you start counting the days before the PS5’s launch, you should take a little time to breathe, relax and think: which edition is truly right for me?
Sony came in with a surprise announcement that they will not only be releasing one console for this generation but two – PS5 Standard and PS5 Digital. While both have their pros and cons, it’s really up to you whether which edition fits you the best. But don’t worry. We have a few things in mind that might just make this monumental decision a little bit easier.
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PS5 VS PS5 Digital Edition:
So, what exactly is the difference between the two? First, of course, is the price tag. The PS5 Standard comes in at USD 499.99 which is more expensive than the PS5 Digital at USD 399.99. However, it does so for a very good reason. First, the PS5 Standard comes fully equipped with a disc drive. This means that the PS5 Digital will be purely for digital copies. Unfortunately, there is no option for the PS5 Digital to play titles that have no digital equivalents, which includes your old PS4 physical title copies.
Lastly, both editions will, of course, have different designs – although very minimal. The PS5 Standard will have a more robust chassis as it gives way to a disc drive in the lower right fin, while the PS5 Digital will have a smoother and leaner chassis, owing to the fact that it has no disc drive. And that’s basically all there is to it.
Why the PS5 Standard Edition is Better
If you’ve been a long time PlayStation user, then you should know just how expensive upgrading consoles can be. And for those new to the console or started with the PS4, we’ll be swift and tell you right now that the real money-grabber here is not the console itself but the games. Imagine all the money you poured into your PS4 games going to waste because it’s not compatible with your new console. Well, luckily, Sony has announced that most if not all titles of the PS4 (yes, we mean the discs) will be compatible with the PS5. This means that you don’t have to spend on remastered or wait for upscaled versions to replay your favorite games. In fact, Sony has announced that it has integrated software with the PS5 disc drive to be a sort of catch-all application that makes PS4 discs completely compatible with the newer console. Additionally, they have tested out over 100 games and have found the software to have worked smoothly.
Likewise, if you’re a fan of 4K Ultra-HD Blu-rays, then you really should be looking into investing in the PS5 Standard. The PS5 Digital has no disc drive, making this edition obsolete in that aspect.
So, all-in-all, if you’re an avid physical copy collector and Blu-ray enthusiast, then spending a few more bucks is the smarter move.
Why the PS5 Digital Edition is Better
Basically, the only reason you’ll opt for the PS5 Digital Edition is if you’re thinking or have already moved to a 100% digital gaming library. And, that’s not a bad thing. In fact, moving completely digital can be the next wave of gaming itself. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it is also cost-efficient as more often than not digital copies are a little bit cheaper than physical ones. As well as more prone to sales. In addition, you’ll get a more symmetrical looking console that is way more pleasing to the eyes and a better fit for smaller entertainment centers. And don’t worry about losing your PS4 digital copies because all of those can be played in the PS5 Digital with no problem.
The only problem you’ll probably run into is storage as the PS5 (both editions) are only equipped with 856 GB worth of storage. Although there is an option to expand the storage capacity through another SSD or HDD, we just don’t know how much this will cost. Our guess is a little less than the price gap to buy the PS5 Standard.
Which Should You Buy?
Ultimately, it all depends on what you’re going for. If you’re having a hard time letting go of the physical copy of titles then go for the Standard Edition. But, if you’re leaning more towards a 100% digital library, then the Digital Edition should be more than enough.
I think it will be helpful if you would include how much storage (on the average or min-max) does a digital version of game take, not to mention the DLCs as well.