Neither PS5 discs nor digital games are always cheaper over time. A disc can cost less if you find a good used copy and later resell it; a PlayStation Store sale can make digital the lowest-priced option, with no resale step. Compare the same game edition and content at the prices available when you plan to buy, then factor in how long you are willing to wait and whether you expect to resell.
What determines the long-term cost?
The relevant figure is what you actually spend to get the game and the content you want—not simply the price on its box or Store page. Physical games have a used market and possible resale proceeds. Digital games have no disc to resell, but can be deeply discounted during Store sales. Either format can win for a particular game.
- Disc: Net cost is the price you pay, including shipping, minus what you actually recover if you resell. Treat resale proceeds as an estimate until you have a realistic buyer and have accounted for marketplace fees and shipping.
- Digital: Cost is the price paid on the PlayStation Store. A sale price may be lower than new or used discs, but you may need to wait for a sale.
- Subscription access: This is a separate way to access games, not the same transaction as buying a copy. Consider it only if the subscription’s available catalog and access terms suit you.
For either format, match the edition and included content. If one listing includes DLC or a paid PS5 upgrade and the other does not, compare the price of obtaining the same content on both paths. Sony’s Games Support page covers PS4 disc-to-PS5 digital upgrades; check the specific game’s terms before comparing.
What a 2026 price comparison found
In a comparison published July 20, 2026, Kyle Orland of Ars Technica examined 19 popular PlayStation games. For each, the analysis compared the standard PlayStation Store price and the lowest Store discount in the previous year with current new Amazon discs, GameStop pre-owned prices, and an average of five successful eBay sales including shipping. It adjusted comparisons where needed for DLC or PS4-to-PS5 upgrades.
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- PHYSICAL DISC - Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 (disc) includes the full EA SPORTS FC 27 game. Not compatible with PlayStation 4 console.
- Experience The World's Game in EA SPORTS FC 27. Play in The Grounds, team up with friends in Clubs, learn from football mentors and express your style on and off the pitch
- Enjoy more authentic gameplay with dynamic corners, enhanced attacking intelligence, player-focused defending and community-inspired innovations that give you greater control in every match.
- Build your legacy in Manager Career with a rebuilt Transfer Market and Dynamic OVRs, then create your dream squad in Football Ultimate Team and showcase your achievements in the new FUT Gallery.
- Standard PlayStation Store prices were the most expensive option for 15 of the 19 games.
- During sale periods, digital was the cheapest option for 10 games; used discs were cheapest for seven; and two had roughly equivalent lowest prices for a sale download and a disc.
- In that sample and period, Store sale prices were available 13%–33% of the time.
These are findings for that selected set of games and comparison period, not a market-wide rule or a promise about a particular title. The article also found older games whose standard Store price remained $59.99 while used discs cost $9.99, as well as sale downloads priced at half or less than the cheapest used discs. Those are historical examples from the comparison, not current quotes. See the full Ars Technica analysis.
How to compare a game before buying
- Choose the exact game edition and content. Check whether each option includes the same DLC, bonus content, and PS5 version or upgrade.
- Record prices for the same game. Check a new disc, a pre-owned disc (including shipping), and the PlayStation Store listing. Note whether the Store price is a sale price.
- Decide whether you will wait. If you need the game now, compare today’s prices. If you can wait, use the Store’s sale price only as a possible future option—not a guaranteed discount.
- Estimate a disc’s resale recovery realistically. Subtract likely proceeds after fees and shipping from the purchase price. If you plan to keep the disc, do not count hypothetical resale money as savings.
- Include hardware only if you are deciding what console or drive to buy. A disc’s lower game price does not by itself prove that buying different hardware will pay off; the total depends on your games and actual prices.
Repeat this for the games you expect to buy rather than relying on a universal break-even number. Prices, sale timing, and resale value vary by title and date.
Rank #2
- Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 (disc) includes the full EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 game. Experience authentic NFL gameplay with Franchise mode, Superstar Career, and Ultimate Team.
- DYNAMIC FRANCHISE MODE – Persona Engine brings each NFL athlete to life with unique personalities, creating a reactive and evolving league shaped by your decisions.
- AUTHENTIC NFL GAMEPLAY – Realistic WR vs DB battles, improved coverage, and new short-yardage mechanics deliver true on-field physicality and control.
- BUILD YOUR LEGACY – Progress through the Superstar G.O.A.T. Career Journey and customize your roster with Ultimate Team Captains.
Which format fits your buying habits?
- Choose a disc when you find a lower new or used price, want the option to resell or trade the copy, or prefer to shop outside the PlayStation Store.
- Choose digital when the current Store sale beats the available disc prices, you value downloading without changing discs, or you are willing to wait for a discount.
- Compare for each purchase when prices are close, you are unsure whether you will keep the game, or one format includes content the other does not.
For one household using one PS5, digital purchases may serve more than one person on that console. Sony says that with Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled, anyone using the enabled PS5 can play games and media purchased and downloaded by the purchasing account, including while the console is offline. The feature can be enabled on one PS5 at a time; it is not unrestricted account transfer or disc-style lending. See PlayStation’s Console Sharing and Offline Play instructions.
Check whether your PS5 can play discs
Hardware affects which options are available. Sony’s US product information lists the standard PS5 with 1TB storage and Blu-ray playback for PS5 and PS4 games. The listed PS5 Digital Edition has 825GB storage and no disc drive. These are the capacities in Sony’s US product information; verify the exact model and configuration where you live before purchasing.
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Rank #3
- Past meets present in SONIC GENERATIONS! Modern and Classic Sonic team up to defeat Dr. Eggman and the Time Eater to restore their timeline to normal!
- Spin dash through a greatest-hits collection of 3D and 2D versions of iconic stages from past Sonic games, now with updated visuals and reworked cinematics
- In this new standalone campaign, Black Doom has reemerged and threatens to take over the world. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.
- Harness Shadow's new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!
- Rescue Chao hiding in every level, rack up the highest pinball score in the Casino Nights zone, and check out the museum for behind-the-scenes art, music, and more!
Sony says its removable disc drive is compatible with specified slim Digital Edition model groups (CFI-2000 and CFI-2100) and PS5 Pro. An internet connection is required to pair the drive during setup. Do not assume it fits every Digital Edition: check your console’s model number and Sony’s PS5 console and Digital Edition product information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Sony’s January 2028 disc announcement means
On July 1, 2026, Sony Interactive Entertainment announced that “physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting January 2028.” Sony says new games released from that date will be sold in digital formats, while games released—or to be released—before January 2028 in disc format are unaffected and remain playable. This is Sony’s announced policy; it does not establish how resale prices or future hardware availability will change. Read Sony’s announcement.
Rank #4
- Full version of EA SPORTS NHL 27 on physical Blu-ray disc for PlayStation5. PS5 only – not compatible with PlayStation4 consoles.
- Experience authentic NHL atmosphere across all 32 arenas with real goal songs, new pre-game presentations and a fully revamped crowd that captures every team's unique identity.
- Take control in Connected Franchise with up to 32 user-controlled teams, roster management, league customization, commissioner tools and full online seasons.
- Powered by NHL EDGE data, 32 unique Team Playbooks bring authentic strategies, team identities and realistic gameplay to every matchup on the ice.
If you are comparing a title released after the announced transition, a new physical copy may not be an option. For existing disc releases, the announcement does not change the need to compare the particular game’s current prices and your own buying habits.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 (disc) includes the full EA SPORTS College Football 27 game.
- DYNASTY BLUEPRINT – Control your program’s future with recruiting, NIL, staff, facilities, and Athletic Director Expectations..
- ROAD TO GLORY – Build your player, explore new positions, earn NIL deals, chase the Heisman, and raise your Legacy Score.
- MASCOT MASHUP – Play as your favorite mascot, collect 120+ icons, and compete in wild 11-on-11 matchups full of school spirit.
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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