Can You Play Digital Games on the PS5 Disc Version? A Comprehensive Guide
The PlayStation 5 launched in November 2020 with two model options – a standard edition with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive, and a Digital Edition without a disc drive. This key difference between the PS5 consoles has sparked questions among gamers about whether digital downloads are supported on the disc version.
As a tech analyst and avid gamer, I‘ve done an in-depth examination of the PS5‘s capabilities. Here‘s a detailed look at what each model offers, and the benefits of discs versus digital downloads on the new platform.
PS5 Hardware – Raising the Performance Bar
Sony built the PS5 as a cutting-edge gaming system poised to drive the future of play. Both models utilize the same powerful custom components.
The CPU is an 8-core, 16 thread AMD Zen 2 chip able to reach 3.5GHz frequencies. Combined with a custom RDNA 2 GPU, this provides a dramatic jump over the PS4‘s dated Jaguar CPU and AMD GCN GPU.
PlayStation Platform Compute Performance
| Platform | CPU Teraflops | GPU Teraflops |
|---|---|---|
| PS4 Pro | 0.4 TFLOPS | 4.2 TFLOPS |
| PS5 | 3.5 TFLOPS | 10.3 TFLOPS |
With 10.3 TFLOPS of processing power, the PS5 can achieve up to 8K graphics and ray tracing support most games do not offer. The 16GB of GDDR6 memory also enables much larger and detailed game worlds compared to the PS4‘s 8GB.
For storage, the PS5 utilizes a custom 825GB solid state drive. This provides ultra-fast load times of just 2-5 seconds in many titles, versus 15-30 seconds on PS4. The SSD‘s raw 5.5GB/s throughput enables data streaming fast enough to eliminate loading screens in some games.
Game Load Time Comparison (in seconds)
| Game | PS4 Load Time | PS5 Load Time |
|---|---|---|
| Spiderman: Miles Morales | 15.4 sec | 2.4 sec |
| Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla | 44.7 sec | 5.9 sec |
| Ghost of Tsushima | 32.5 sec | 14.5 sec |
This high-performance architecture allows the PS5 to offer experiences the previous generation simply cannot match.
Downloading and Playing Digital Games
With the PS5‘s capabilities covered, what about downloading digital games? Can you play them on the disc drive model?
The answer is absolutely, 100% yes.
The disc drive does not affect or limit the ability to download digital PS5 and PS4 games in any way.
On both consoles, you can:
- Purchase games on the PlayStation Store
- Download titles directly to the internal SSD
- Buy and stream games through a PlayStation Plus membership
Once downloaded, games play identically whether on the standard or Digital Edition PS5.
The same PlayStation Store interface allows browsing and buying games. Downloads are managed in the notifications menu, showing download progress. Digital games appear in the main menu alongside disc-based games.
In terms of performance and features, digital games work flawlessly on the disc PS5. The only difference is how you acquire the games, not how you play them.
Digital Game Sizes – Managing PS5 Storage
With digital downloads taking up precious SSD space, storage management is key. The average PS5 game requires a 50-60GB install.
The 825GB total capacity means fitting around 10-15 full games on the drive at once. Here‘s an example breakdown:
- Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War – 95GB
- Spiderman Miles Morales – 50GB
- Demon‘s Souls – 56GB
- Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla – 48GB
- Sackboy A Big Adventure – 32GB
As you can see, storage fills quickly. Thankfully, Sony built in an M.2 SSD expansion slot to increase capacity. Compatible PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives like the Western Digital SN850 provide seamless expansion.
Adding a high speed 1TB SSD for around $150 can double the PS5‘s storage to 1.8+TB. With an expanded drive, you can store 25+ of the largest PS5 titles. This keeps you from needing to re-download games as much.
Weighing Discs vs. Digital on PS5
While the disc drive PS5 supports digital games fully, which format has the advantage? Here‘s a comparison of benefits.
PlayStation 5 Game Formats Compared
| Feature | Digital Games | Disc Games |
|---|---|---|
| Game Prices | Typically higher | Drop in price faster, physical sales |
| Sharing with Friends | Not possible | Can share disc copies |
| Reselling Games | Can‘t resell | Can trade in used copies |
| Internet Required | Needs constant online checks | Can play offline |
| Changing Games | Immediate | Need to swap discs |
Digital downloads provide convenience and quick switching between titles. But physical discs offer potential cost savings and offline play. Combine the benefits by going digital for favorites but buying discs for shorter single-player games.
Backwards Compatibility – Your PS4 Library on PS5
The full backwards compatibility of the PS5 with PS4 games is a huge perk. Over 99% of PS4 titles can be played on the new console.
For disc users, simply insert your PS4 discs into the PS5 drive. Downloaded PS4 purchases are accessible by signing into your PlayStation Network ID.
Some games receive enhancements via Game Boost – higher or smoother frame rates and increased loading speeds. Popular backwards compatible titles include:
- God of War (60FPS/4K)
- Days Gone (60FPS)
- The Last of Us Remastered (60FPS)
Sony also provides paid upgrades on select PS4 games like Spiderman: Miles Morales. This lets you transfer physical discs to digital PS5 editions.
The breadth of the backward compatibility service means you can continue enjoying your full PS4 library day one on PS5.
PS5 Exclusives – The Key Launch Titles
A new generation means new exclusive experiences. The PS5 already has compelling system-sellers.
Launch Exclusives
- Demon‘s Souls – Stunning remake of the classic dark fantasy RPG
- Marvel‘s Spider-Man Miles Morales – Next entry in the hit superhero series
- Sackboy A Big Adventure – Charming platformer starring the LittleBigPlanet mascot
Coming Soon
- Horizon Forbidden West – Sequel to the open world robot dinosaur adventure Horizon Zero Dawn
- Gran Turismo 7 – Latest installment in Sony‘s hyper-realistic racer
- God of War: Ragnarok – Next Norse-themed chapter for Kratos
These games make a compelling case to jump into the new generation now and leave PS4 behind.
PS5 Pro – What Does the Future Hold?
Per industry analysts, Sony plans a PS5 Pro successor in late 2023 or 2024. This matches their previous pattern of mid-generation refreshes.
The PS5 Pro would likely offer:
- Native 4K 60-120 FPS gaming
- More ray tracing support
- 8K graphics
This gives lapsed PS4 owners incentive to upgrade years into the PS5 lifecycle. For developers, it extends the platform‘s lifespan for releasing new titles.
Considering the base PS5 is already so capable, the PS5 Pro stands to be a true next-gen beast once it ultimately arrives.
Digital or Disc? Best Choice for PS5 Owners
So which PS5 model makes the most sense for players? Here‘s my verdict:
-
The Digital Edition provides the simplest and most affordable PS5 experience focused on digital game delivery. For players happy staying all-digital, it‘s a great choice.
-
The standard PS5 drive edition costs $100 more but offers the most flexibility and value over time. The option to buy both physical and digital games provides cost savings and ownership benefits physical games allow.
Either model gives you the same elite performance. But the disc drive enables features digital-only can‘t match. For hardcore gamers planning to build a big PS5 library, the disc PS5 is worth the extra investment. You gain options while sacrificing nothing in terms of digital convenience.
That sums up the full breakdown. Hopefully this guide provided a detailed overview of everything PS5 related – the hardware, discs versus digital, and the platform‘s impressive capabilities. Let me know if you have any other PS5 questions!