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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Short answer: Xbox Series X is the simpler physical-media console because its disc model includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive. PS5 Pro has no optical drive in the box, but Sony’s separately sold PS5 Disc Drive (CFI-ZDD1) adds playback for Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD movies, plus PS5 and compatible PS4 game discs. Choose Xbox Series X for a ready-to-use disc console; choose PS5 Pro with the add-on drive if PS5 Pro performance features matter more than the extra purchase and installation.
At a glance: which console fits a disc collection?
| Question | PS5 Pro | Xbox Series X disc model |
|---|---|---|
| Optical drive included? | No. The console accepts Sony’s separately sold PS5 Disc Drive, model CFI-ZDD1. | Yes. Microsoft lists a 4K UHD Blu-ray optical drive in the disc model. |
| 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray movies | Yes, after the CFI-ZDD1 drive is installed. | Yes, using the built-in UHD Blu-ray drive. |
| Standard Blu-ray and DVD movies | Yes, after the CFI-ZDD1 drive is installed. | The console’s optical drive is designed for disc media; verify any unusual disc or regional requirement before buying. |
| Current-generation game discs | PS5-format discs work with the add-on drive. | Xbox Series X game discs work in the built-in drive. |
| Previous-generation games | Compatible PS4 Blu-ray game discs; Sony reports more than 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games on PS5 Pro, with compatibility still title-specific. | Selected Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games from Microsoft’s backward-compatibility catalog. A supported Xbox One disc normally installs required data and must remain inserted to play. |
| Extra hardware decision | Buy and install CFI-ZDD1 separately; availability and pricing are not stated here and can vary. | No optical-drive accessory is needed for the disc model. |
The important distinction is not whether either ecosystem can handle physical media. Both can. It is whether the drive is part of the console you buy and how each platform treats older game discs. PS5 Pro requires an accessory before it can read any disc. Xbox Series X is ready for discs immediately, while its older-game support depends on Microsoft’s catalog.
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What PS5 Pro can play from a disc
The drive is optional hardware, not a software unlock
Sony announced that PS5 Pro supports an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive sold separately. The relevant accessory is the PS5 Disc Drive, model CFI-ZDD1. Until that drive is physically attached, PS5 Pro is a digital-only console: inserting a movie or game disc is not possible because there is no optical mechanism in the base hardware.
With CFI-ZDD1 installed, Sony’s launch guidance identifies four media categories: PS5-format game discs, compatible PS4 Blu-ray game discs, Ultra HD Blu-ray movie discs, and ordinary Blu-ray and DVD media. That makes the upgraded console a full physical-media system, but only after you account for the separate accessory, its installation and any stock or regional availability issues.
#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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PS5 game discs
PS5 Pro can use PS5 game discs when the optional drive is installed. The disc supplies the physical license and installation source; the console may still need to copy data to internal storage and download updates. A disc does not turn every game into a permanently offline experience. Publisher requirements, patches and online services remain separate questions that are not determined by the drive itself.
PS4 game discs
Compatible PS4 Blu-ray game discs also work through the add-on drive. “Compatible” is the critical word: PS5 Pro does not promise that every PS4 disc behaves identically. Sony reports Game Boost support for more than 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games on PS5 Pro, a figure attributed to Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2024. The catalog is title-specific, so check the exact game before assuming a particular disc will install or run.
Movie discs
The installed drive handles Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD playback. If you are building a 4K movie collection, PS5 Pro can serve as the player, but the accessory is mandatory. The available specifications do not establish a separate price, regional policy or a list of supported audio and display formats, so confirm those details for your market and equipment before purchase.
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What Xbox Series X includes
Built-in 4K UHD Blu-ray drive
Microsoft’s Xbox Series X product information lists a 4K UHD Blu-ray optical drive in the disc model and describes the console as supporting native 4K gaming. The practical consequence is straightforward: a disc-model Series X can read a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray movie or a supported game disc without buying an additional drive.
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- 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.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
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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.
This is the easier setup for a household that wants one box for current games, older compatible titles and UHD movies. There is no separate drive installation decision, although you still need to verify a particular game’s backward-compatibility status and any online or update requirement.
Xbox game discs are catalog-dependent
Xbox Series X supports selected Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games through Microsoft’s backward-compatibility program. “Selected” means the generation label on a disc is not enough by itself. A title must be in the supported catalog, and availability can change with licensing, region or platform updates.
For a supported Xbox One disc, the console commonly downloads or installs the compatible game data. The physical disc remains required as the license check when you launch the game. Owning the disc therefore does not necessarily mean all game data is stored on that disc or that the title can run without an initial download.
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Microsoft’s current FAQ says Xbox 360 and original Xbox game discs are not supported for its disc-to-digital licensing flow. That statement should not be interpreted as a blanket guarantee that every older disc will work, nor as proof that every older disc is unusable. The safe procedure is to search Microsoft’s current backward-compatibility catalog for the exact Xbox 360 or original Xbox title and edition you own.
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- 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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- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
4K Blu-ray playback: the real difference
| Use case | PS5 Pro | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Play a UHD movie on day one | Not with the base console alone. Install the separately sold CFI-ZDD1 drive first. | Yes on the disc model, because the UHD Blu-ray drive is built in. |
| Play a standard Blu-ray movie | Yes after installing CFI-ZDD1. | Use the built-in optical drive; confirm any disc-specific regional or format requirement. |
| Play a DVD | Yes after installing CFI-ZDD1. | Use the built-in optical drive; confirm any disc-specific regional or format requirement. |
| Replace a standalone UHD player | Potentially, once the drive is installed; display and audio compatibility still depend on the rest of your setup. | Potentially, using the built-in drive; display and audio compatibility still depend on the rest of your setup. |
For movie playback alone, Xbox Series X has the lower friction because the required hardware is already present. PS5 Pro reaches the same broad disc-media categories only after an extra purchase and installation. Neither platform’s disc capability removes ordinary requirements such as a compatible display, an appropriate HDMI connection, clean discs and any network connection needed for updates or app functionality.
Physical game compatibility by generation
PS5 Pro: PS5 and PS4
- PS5 discs: Supported with CFI-ZDD1 installed.
- PS4 Blu-ray discs: Compatible titles are supported with the drive installed.
- PS4 catalog scale: Sony reports more than 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games on PS5 Pro, but the number is a catalog figure, not a guarantee for every disc.
- Other PlayStation generations: The stated compatibility covers PS4 and PS5 discs. Do not assume PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 or original PlayStation discs will work simply because they are optical media.
The PS5 Pro decision is therefore two-part: first confirm that the physical format is PS5 or a compatible PS4 Blu-ray title; then decide whether the optional drive’s cost and installation are acceptable. A PS4 disc that is not in Sony’s supported catalog will not become compatible through firmware alone.
Xbox Series X: Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox
- Xbox One discs: Supported titles can install the compatible version or required data, with the disc retained for play.
- Xbox 360 discs: Only titles in Microsoft’s backward-compatibility catalog should be treated as supported.
- Original Xbox discs: Apply the same catalog check; generation alone does not establish compatibility.
- Disc-to-digital limitation: Microsoft’s FAQ excludes Xbox 360 and original Xbox discs from its disc-to-digital licensing flow, so do not expect an older disc to create a digital entitlement automatically.
- Current Xbox games: Xbox Series X disc releases work through its integrated optical drive, subject to each game’s installation and update requirements.
The Xbox model is broader in historical generations on paper, but it is not universal backward compatibility. Microsoft describes thousands of selected Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games, which is substantial coverage while still requiring a title-level check.
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PS5 Pro checklist
- Identify the disc as a PS5 game, PS4 Blu-ray game, UHD Blu-ray movie, Blu-ray movie or DVD.
- If it is a game, search Sony’s current PS5 backward-compatibility information for the exact title. Look for edition, region and known limitations rather than relying on the console generation printed on the case.
- Budget for the PS5 Disc Drive CFI-ZDD1. The base PS5 Pro does not include an optical drive.
- Confirm that the drive is available for your region and that your console and accessory labels match the models sold there.
- Install the drive according to Sony’s hardware instructions before inserting the disc. Keep the packaging and proof of purchase until the drive is recognized and the disc is tested.
Xbox Series X checklist
- Confirm that you are buying the disc model of Xbox Series X, not a digital-only Xbox product.
- Search Microsoft’s backward-compatibility catalog for the exact Xbox One, Xbox 360 or original Xbox game.
- Check whether the listing describes a physical-disc release, a digital entitlement or both. A supported Xbox One disc can still require a download.
- Plan for the disc to remain in the drive whenever you play a disc-based license.
- For a 4K movie, verify that the disc is Ultra HD Blu-ray and that your display chain supports the format you intend to use.
Installation and first-use workflows
PS5 Pro with CFI-ZDD1
- Power the console down fully and disconnect it from power before handling hardware.
- Use Sony’s CFI-ZDD1 installation directions to remove the required console cover, seat the drive and replace the cover. Do not force a panel or connector; a drive that is not fully seated may not be detected.
- Reconnect the console and start it without a disc. Allow any system software or drive-registration prompt to complete.
- Test with a known-good disc. A PS5 game is a useful first test if games are your priority; a commercial UHD Blu-ray tests movie playback.
- After recognition, install the game or open the movie application as prompted. Keep the disc available because physical games generally use it as the ownership check.
The exact on-screen wording can change with firmware. Sony’s launch guidance establishes the supported media, while the current hardware manual is the authority for the physical installation sequence.
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Xbox Series X
- Place the console with adequate ventilation and connect it to the display and network you plan to use.
- Insert a game disc or UHD Blu-ray with the printed side oriented as marked by the console.
- For a supported game, allow the console to install or download the required data and apply updates.
- Leave the disc inserted when launching a disc-based game; the console uses it to verify the license.
- If an older title is rejected, stop troubleshooting the drive and check Microsoft’s compatibility catalog for that exact game.
Common failure points and what they mean
“The PS5 Pro will not read my disc”
- Check that CFI-ZDD1 is physically installed. Without it, no disc can be read.
- Confirm the disc type. The stated support is PS5 games, compatible PS4 Blu-ray games, UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD.
- Inspect the disc for dirt or damage and test another known-good disc.
- Restart the console and check for a system update before assuming the drive is defective.
- If movie discs work but a game does not, investigate title compatibility rather than replacing the drive immediately.
“My Xbox disc starts a download”
That behavior can be normal for a supported Xbox One or backward-compatible title. Microsoft’s system may download the compatible game package while the disc remains the physical license. A download prompt is not, by itself, evidence that the drive failed.
“My Xbox 360 or original Xbox disc does nothing”
Check the exact title in Microsoft’s catalog. The console does not support every game from those generations, and Microsoft’s FAQ says those discs are not supported for its disc-to-digital licensing flow. If the title is absent from the catalog, buying a different console will not necessarily solve the licensing limitation.
“The movie plays on one console but not the other”
First verify the media format and hardware: PS5 Pro needs CFI-ZDD1, while Xbox Series X disc models have the drive built in. Then isolate the display chain, disc condition and software updates. The published console specifications do not establish every regional or audiovisual edge case, so check the disc publisher’s requirements when a particular movie remains incompatible.
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Which console should a physical-media buyer choose?
Choose Xbox Series X when convenience comes first
- You want 4K UHD Blu-ray playback without buying an accessory.
- You prefer a single, ready-to-use disc console for current games and selected older Xbox titles.
- You are comfortable checking Microsoft’s catalog for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games.
- You want the least complicated path from unboxing to inserting a movie or game disc.
Choose PS5 Pro plus CFI-ZDD1 when PS5 Pro is the priority
- You specifically want PS5 Pro hardware and are willing to add the drive separately.
- Your physical collection is mainly PS5 games, compatible PS4 games and UHD Blu-ray movies.
- You accept an installation step and the possibility that the accessory may be out of stock or priced differently by region.
- You value access to Sony’s large PS4 backward-compatible catalog while retaining a physical-media option.
Do not choose on generation counts alone
“Supports thousands of games” is useful context, not a substitute for checking the title you own. Both platforms use compatibility catalogs. A game’s age, disc format, edition and licensing status can matter more than the console’s headline capability. Verify before buying hardware for one specific disc.
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.
Costs, availability and ownership details
The hardware requirement is clear even when a price is not: PS5 Pro owners must purchase the CFI-ZDD1 drive separately, while the Xbox Series X disc model includes its optical drive. The available specifications do not provide a current accessory price, console price, regional stock status or recurring movie-disc costs, so treat retailer listings as time- and region-sensitive rather than permanent figures.
Physical ownership also has two layers. The disc is needed for the console’s license check, but installation data, patches and online services may still be required. For backward-compatible Xbox titles, the disc can trigger a download rather than supplying every byte of the playable package. On PS5 Pro, a compatible PS4 or PS5 disc similarly does not guarantee that the game is fully up to date without network access.
Bottom line for 4K Blu-ray and game compatibility
Xbox Series X is the better straightforward physical-media purchase: its disc model includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, and it supports selected Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games through Microsoft’s catalog. PS5 Pro can match the movie formats and play PS5 and compatible PS4 discs, but only after installing the separately sold CFI-ZDD1 drive. Pick Xbox Series X for an integrated disc experience; pick PS5 Pro with the drive when PS5 Pro itself is the reason you are buying and you have verified the games in your collection.
Quick Recap
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