After almost two years marked by supply problems, stock shortages and irregularities, PS5 is now available as normal in stores. It is the best time to give over to PS4 and opt for the next generation console.
The truth is that, since the end of February, PS5 It can be seen on the shelves. In addition, now it is more common to see the basic models of the console, without games or added extras, far from the extra price we were used to.
In case you still don’t know, there are two models of PlayStation 5. On the one hand there is the model with disc player, which allows us to play games and movies on disc, in blu-ray format. Your recommended retail price is 549,99 euros (in its simple package).
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On the other hand, there is the option of PS5 Digital. It is a version that does not have a disc drive, is cheaper and does not have the option of playing games/movies on disc. It costs 100 euros less: 449,99 euros.
It is rumored that Sony is working on a third model, which could replace the current two at the end of this year 2023. This modular PS5 will only have one change: the drive will be removable.
Which PS5 model should I buy? Which is better? PS5 with reader or PS5 Digital? We analyze its features, advantages, drawbacks and other details, now that the Sony console is now available in practically all stores, focusing on these points:
Differences between PS5 with disc reader and digital
PlayStation 5 is the new console from Sony, Available on the market from November 2020. Given the rise of the digital format (and following the path of Microsoft), Sony decided to launch an exclusively digital model for its brand new PS5, in addition to the traditional model with a reader.
To begin with, the big difference between the two is the price. PS5 with a reader went on sale for 499 euros, while the digital model was 100 euros cheaper (399 euros starting).
This price difference remains today, although Sony has applied a slight price increase for the two PS5 models. Is it worth saving these 100 euros? Well, it depends on your preferences, and where you come from.
Actually there are no more differences between the two models. On an aesthetic level, PS5 Digital does not have the reader (the only thing visible is the slot), but it is just as powerful as its physical counterpart.
Both PS5 models feature the same storage capacity (825GB SSD), the same control, identical connections and traced specifications. The reader is the only differential factor that justifies the 100 euros that separate both models.
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The standard model of PS5 has a 4K Blu-Ray playerwhich allows you to play physical PS5/PS4 video games, as well as DVD, Blu-Ray and Ultra HD Blu-Ray movies.
On the other hand, the digital model of PS5 only allows you to play content in this type of format, and there is no way to transfer the physical games we have to this console model. Take this into account when deciding, for example, if you have a generous collection of PS4 games on disc that you can use on the new console if it has a reader.
Price and where to buy a PS5
Currently it is easy to buy a PS5 in Spain, whether we opt for a traditional purchase or if we prefer to make it online. exist simple bundles (only include the console, DualSense controller and cables), and also bundles with games and accessories.
PS5 with a disc reader costs 549 euros in its simplest edition. You won’t get a second controller, game or accessory, as this standard bundle only contains the console and controller.
Here we share a few links where buy this model of PS5:
As for PS5 Digital, it is a considerably cheaper model (100 euros below), which also has its own simple bundles and with games and/or accessories.
We share a few links to buy PS5 Digital:
Technical characteristics
On a technical level, PS5 and PS5 Digital are two practically identical consoles. The only existing difference is the presence of the 4K Blu-Ray disc reader in the standard model. One of its great advantages is that it is very easy to access it, to remove a stuck disk.
Therefore, when choosing one of the two, the technical specifications are not a determining aspect, far from it. We will analyze it in the next section of the report.
PS5 Specifications
Disc reader: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Storage: 825GB SSD. HDMI Output: Upscaling to [email protected] with HDMI 2.1. Ports: 1x USB-C / 3x USB 3.1 / 1x Ethernet. CPU: AMD Ryzen Zen 2, 8 cores, 3.5 GHz. GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2 @ 2.23 GHz, 10.3 TFlops. Memory: GDDR6 16GB.
PS5 Digital Specifications
Disc player: does not have. Storage: 825GB SSD. HDMI Output: Upscaling to [email protected] with HDMI 2.1. Ports: 1x USB-C / 3x USB 3.1 / 1x Ethernet CPU: AMD Ryzen Zen 2, 8 cores, 3.5 GHz. GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2 @ 2.23 GHz, 10.3 TFlops. Memory: GDDR6 16GB.
Games
The most important aspect that can tip the balance. To have a reader or not, that is the question. The digital format may be booming, but the physical format continues to have a lot of pull for different reasons.
For example, we must not forget that many physical games can be found at a lower price, and much sooner, than in digital format (despite the fact that the recommended retail price is the same). You can also take advantage of offers or even second hand, to buy or sell.
You will only be able to run physical games on a PS5 with a reader, so keep that in mind. This also includes the vast majority of the PS4 catalogsince the Sony console is backwards compatible.
This is also interesting to analyze. If you had a PS4 and have a considerable collection of titles, don’t hesitate for a second: PS5 with reader is the best choice.
Remember that many PS4 games have a free upgrade to PS5, but only if you already have them. Be sure to check if you have them physically or digitally, to decide accordingly.
The same goes for moviegoers, as PS5 with a reader is the only model that allows you to play DVD, Blu-Ray or Blu-Ray 4K discs. If you have shelves full of movies in physical format (or you plan to collect), you should get a PS5 with a reader.
Instead, perhaps you have space problems at home or prefer to have your games in digital format. You may also be Regular to streaming platformssuch as Netflix, Amazon Prime or Disney Plus (which you can also use on the PS5 with reader).
In that case, PS5 Digital is a great option that will cover all your needs. In addition, it is cheaper than the model with a reader, and has the same technical features.
The final decision
Once we get to this point, surely the decision is made. To date there are two models of PlayStation 5, practically identical but with a big difference.
It all depends on the type of player you are. Obviously PS5 Digital is cheaper than the model with a readerbut in the long run you may spend more money betting exclusively on the digital format.
The 4K Blu-Ray drive is more decisive than it may seem. It not only allows you to play physical PS5 games or PS4 titles you have on disc, but also tons of movies and content in optical format.
In case you did not have a PS4, the option of a Digital PS5 may be more viable. You can take advantage of PS Store offers and PS Plus servicesbut not the promotions offered by stores such as GAME, Mediamarkt, Carrefour or Amazon in physical games.
Which PS5 model is better? On paper, none, because it depends on a big factor and they are the same in everything else. In general, yes sales of the PS5 model with a reader are higher.
From Hobby Consoles we recommend you opt for PS5 with readera model that offers more alternatives (you can buy physically and also digitally), whose price difference (100 euros) is acceptable, although it also depends on the money that each one wants or can invest.
Is PS5 Digital a bad option? not much less. It will save you headaches in terms of space, although it provides a limitation that not all players accept.
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In the main stores in Spain you can find both models of PS5, both in its simple bundles and in other packages. It depends on whether you want to get an additional game, second controller or accessory, or go for a more ”standard” start.
Is a PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro possible? Maybe, but it sure won’t happen this year. Sony will wait until 2024 to apply any change to its launch policy, especially due to the harsh crisis that is gradually subsiding.
That ps5 model do you have at home? In case you don’t have the Sony console, are you interested in buying one? Remember that titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 or Final Fantasy XVI arrive in the coming months.
