After what seemed like ages, Sony finally revealed the PS5 release date and prices on September 16. The PS5 digital edition and the standard version will both launch on November 12, but which should you get? How does the digital edition stack up against the full version?
Sony isn’t the only one releasing a cheaper version of their next-gen console this November. The Xbox Series S, like the PlayStation 5 digital, features a lower price point and no disc drive. The PS5 digital is more like the standard PS5 than the Series S is like the Series X, though.
Let’s take a closer look at the PS5 digital edition and what it offers.
PS5 Digital Edition Specs and Price
The PS5’s digital edition costs $399.99, a whole $100 less than the standard PS5. You might expect decreased performance at that price, but the specs are identical to the standard version. It has the same RAM, processor, and GPU for $100 less, thanks to the lack of an expensive disc drive.
Both digital and standard editions of the PS5 have the same 825GB SSD too. Since PS5 games could be as much as 105GB, you may quickly run out of space with digital copies. Not all games will be that massive, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Since the digital edition doesn’t have an optical drive, it won’t play Blu-rays or DVDs. It will be slightly slimmer, though, making it more aesthetically pleasing to some. Next-gen consoles will take up a lot of space, so you may appreciate the thinner profile.
Backwards Compatibility
Every time a new console comes out, backwards compatibility is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. The PS5 is backwards compatible with 99% of PS4 games, according to PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan. That includes the PlayStation 5 digital edition.
If you have physical copies of PS4 games, you’ll need the standard PS5 to play them. The PS5 digital edition can play any digital copies of PS4 games you have, though. Any titles you got through PlayStation Plus will also be available on the digital-only console.
PlayStation is also offering free upgrades fo some PS4 games, but only for the standard PS5. These upgrades require a disc drive to transfer your data, so they won’t work with the digital edition.
Which PS5 Should You Buy?
Compared to the standard console, the PS5 digital edition is an excellent deal. It’s a considerable $100 cheaper and doesn’t come with any performance downgrades. The only caveats are the limited storage space, lack of a blu-ray player, and less flexible backwards compatibility.
Another thing you may want to consider is the limited availability of the PlayStation 5 digital. Both editions will have limited stock at launch, but it may be harder to get your hands on a digital-only console. With some retailers, digital editions make up only 20% of their PS5 stock.
PlayStation said they couldn’t give information about stock numbers, but will have enough to meet expected demand. They could anticipate the digital edition to be less popular, causing them to release fewer of them. If that’s the case, you could have a hard time finding a digital-only PS5 at launch.
Which edition is best comes down to your preference. If you don’t have many physical PS4 games or want to save some money, the digital edition is your best bet. If you want more flexibility, and possibly a better chance at finding one, go with the standard PS5.
Next-Gen Consoles Are Almost Here
Whether you want a PS5 digital or standard edition, you can get one in just a couple of months. Both promise an unprecedented console gaming experience for gamers, and both are launching soon. The PlayStation 5 will be here before you know it, so stay tuned for more updates.