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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsChoose the PS5 disc console if you want to play games from discs or watch Blu-ray, DVD, or 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray movies. Choose the Digital Edition if you buy and play games digitally and do not need disc media. Both configurations support digital game downloads; the main difference is physical-disc capability. Sony’s UK comparison also lists different storage capacities: 1 TB for the disc console and 825 GB for the Digital Edition.
What is different between the PS5 disc console and Digital Edition?
The disc console has a built-in drive for compatible physical games and video discs, as well as the ability to download digital games. The Digital Edition has no built-in disc drive and is designed for games downloaded from PlayStation Store. Sony’s product page describes it as “An all-digital version of the PS5 console with no disc drive.”
| Configuration | Physical games and media | Digital games | Stated SSD capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 console with disc drive | Plays PS5 and PS4 games on Blu-ray discs; supports Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD playback on disc-capable systems. | Supported | 1 TB |
| PS5 Digital Edition | No built-in drive. Disc use depends on whether the specific model supports Sony’s optional add-on drive; the original CFI-1000 Digital Edition does not support disc-based games or media. | Supported | 825 GB |
The capacities are Sony’s stated SSD specifications, not the amount of free space guaranteed to be available for games after system software and other content. Sony’s comparison is for the UK market, and specifications or availability may differ elsewhere. See Sony’s PS5 console comparison and CFI-21XX instruction manual.
Choose based on how you buy and play games
Choose the disc console if you use physical games
If you own PS4 or PS5 game discs, want to buy used or discounted physical copies, or expect to borrow or share disc games, the built-in drive is the straightforward option. A Digital Edition needs a compatible add-on drive for disc use, and not every Digital Edition model supports one.
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#1 Best Overall
- CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
- 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
- HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
- What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, HDMI cable, AC power cord. Nogtox PVT HDMI_cable
Choose the disc console if you watch movies on disc
Sony lists Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD playback for disc-capable PS5 systems. The original CFI-1000 Digital Edition cannot play disc-based games or media. If you are considering adding a drive to a newer Digital Edition, confirm the console’s model group and the drive’s compatibility first. Sony’s disc and USB playback guidance describes supported media and the original Digital Edition limitation.
Choose the Digital Edition if your library is digital
If you already buy games digitally, are comfortable purchasing through PlayStation Store, and have no need for physical games or movies, the Digital Edition fits that routine. Both configurations can download digital PS5 and PS4 games; choosing the disc console does not prevent you from buying digital games.
Rank #2
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, Disc Drive, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold separately
Can you add a disc drive to a Digital Edition later?
Yes, but compatibility depends on the exact console model. Sony identifies its CFI-ZDD1-series add-on drive for CFI-2000 and CFI-2100 Digital Edition model groups and PS5 Pro on its current UK product page. The original CFI-1000 Digital Edition is not compatible for disc use. Check the model number on the console and Sony’s compatibility information before buying; “PS5 Digital Edition” alone is not enough to establish compatibility.
Sony requires an internet connection to pair the compatible add-on drive with the console during setup. Details are on Sony’s PS5 Disc Drive page and disc playback support page.
Rank #3
- CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
- 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity; Ultra HD Blu-ray, up to 100GB/disc.
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1.
- HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
- What's Included: Playstation 5 PS5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, AC Power Cord. HDMI cable.
How much should storage and price affect your choice?
Sony’s UK comparison lists 1 TB for the disc console and 825 GB for the Digital Edition. Treat those as stated SSD capacities, not guaranteed free space. If storage is a deciding factor, compare the current specifications for the exact model sold in your market and consider how many installed games you expect to keep at once.
The cited official pages do not establish current console prices or savings. Compare prices for the same market and equivalent bundles at the time you buy. If you are considering a Digital Edition plus an add-on drive, include the drive’s price and check whether its compatibility and setup requirements suit you. The value of disc support also depends on whether you will actually use physical games or movies.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Enjoy smooth and fluid high frame rate gameplay at up to 120 fps for compatible games, with support for 120Hz output on 4K displays.
- PS5 consoles support an 8K output, so you can play games on your 4320p resolution display.
- Maximize your play sessions with near-instant load times for installed PS5 games.
- 825GB SSD allows ultra-fast load times, while 3-D audio output produces crisp acoustics.
- Explore uncharted virtual territories and slay dragons with this sleek Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console.
A quick decision checklist
- You own or plan to buy physical PS4 or PS5 games: choose the disc console, or verify that a Digital Edition model supports Sony’s add-on drive.
- You want to watch movies from discs: choose a disc-capable system and confirm the exact model’s media support.
- Your purchases and library are digital: the Digital Edition is a sensible fit; the disc console also supports digital downloads.
- Storage is important: compare the stated capacity of the specific regional model rather than assuming the UK figures apply everywhere.
- You are choosing on price: compare current same-market prices, bundles, and any compatible add-on drive against your expected disc use.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
