A console without a disc drive cannot play a physical game disc by itself. Your options are to add a manufacturer-supported drive if your exact model allows it, use another compatible console, or buy the digital version. Nintendo physical games use game cards rather than discs, so they need a compatible console with a card slot.
Check your console and the physical format first
“Physical game” does not mean the same media across every platform: PlayStation and Xbox games may be on discs, while physical Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 games are game cards. A USB optical drive is not a general workaround; use only a drive or license method the console maker explicitly supports.
- Find the exact console model. For PlayStation, check the model number on the console and compare it with Sony’s supported model groups. Do not rely on the name “PS5 Digital Edition” alone.
- Identify the copy you want to play. Check whether it is a Blu-ray game disc, a Nintendo game card, or a digital download code. A download card supplies a code; it is not a playable game card.
- Check the full setup. Consider any required accessory, initial internet setup, downloads, storage, and whether you want to lend or resell physical copies. Prices and accessory availability vary by region, so check the local manufacturer listing before buying.
PlayStation 5: which digital models can add a drive?
Sony describes the PS5 Digital Edition as an all-digital console, and the PS5 Pro also has no built-in drive. Sony sells a separate Disc Drive, but its current US listing specifies compatibility with PS5 Pro and PS5 Digital Edition CFI-2000 and CFI-2100 slim model groups. It requires an internet connection to pair with the console during initial setup. Check Sony’s Disc Drive compatibility listing and your console’s model number before purchase; do not assume another digital PS5 model is compatible.
On supported models, the add-on drive plays PS5 game discs and supported PS4 titles on Blu-ray. Sony also lists 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD movie playback. Sony’s PS5 Digital Edition listing and PS5 Pro listing describe the consoles’ all-digital configuration and the separately sold drive option.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Xbox: Series S, Series X, and disc-to-digital licenses
Xbox Series S is designed for disc-free gaming; it cannot read a game disc. Xbox Series X is available with a UHD Blu-ray Disc player. For the standard disc route, a game may install to the console’s storage, but the disc must remain in the drive to play. See the Xbox Series X product information and FAQ for current console details.
Xbox also documents a limited disc-to-digital license option, but it is not a way for a Series S to read a disc. Claiming a license requires an eligible game disc and a supported Xbox One or Series X console with an optical drive:
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Sign in on a supported Xbox One or Series X console that has an optical drive.
- Insert an eligible Xbox One or Series X game disc.
- Follow the on-screen prompt to claim the digital license, if the title and market are eligible.
Xbox 360 and original Xbox discs are not supported by this feature. Eligibility can change, the terms provide for one revokable license per game disc, and the digital license remains linked to the disc. Check Xbox’s current eligibility list and terms before relying on this route.
Nintendo Switch and Switch 2: physical games are cards
Physical Switch and Switch 2 games are game cards, not discs. To play one, insert it into a compatible console with a game-card slot. Nintendo says the game content is the same whether a title is bought physically or digitally. Its digital games information page describes digital purchase options including Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Store, Nintendo’s official website, and selected retailers that sell download cards. A download card provides a digital code, not software stored on a physical game card.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
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Nintendo digital games and downloadable content are tied to the purchasing Nintendo Account and are used across consoles under Nintendo’s virtual game card or online-license rules. Consult Nintendo’s instructions for playing games across multiple Switch 2 or Switch consoles before planning to share digital purchases between devices.
If your problem is storage rather than physical media, a memory card can expand storage but cannot add a disc reader or game-card slot. Nintendo says Switch 2 accepts only microSD Express cards, while Switch uses compatible microSD cards; check the relevant regional support information before buying storage.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Choose physical or digital based on how you play
| What matters | Physical copy | Digital copy |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible hardware | Requires a console that reads the media, or a supported add-on drive where available. | Requires access to the platform’s digital store and a compatible console. |
| Sharing or resale | A physical copy may be lent or resold where platform and retailer rules allow. | Access is linked to an account or platform license; Nintendo says digital titles are tied to the purchasing Nintendo Account. |
| Internet and setup | Sony’s detachable PS5 drive needs internet for initial pairing. Xbox disc games may install to storage and require the disc to remain inserted during play. | Games need to be downloaded. Nintendo digital purchases follow its account, virtual game card, and online-license rules. |
| Other media | Sony’s supported PS5 add-on drive also plays specified movie-disc formats. | Movie-disc playback is not provided by a digital game download. |
| Total cost | Compare the console, compatible drive if needed, and physical game. Local prices and inventory were not established here. | Compare the console and digital game price in your region; local prices were not established here. |
PlayStation disc availability after January 2028
In a July 1, 2026 announcement, Sony said physical disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles would be discontinued starting January 2028. Sony said the change would not affect games released or scheduled for release in disc format before that date. This is Sony’s announced policy as of October 4, 2026; check for later updates when making a purchase decision. Read the PlayStation Blog announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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.
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