Digital games have been a major feature since the days of the Xbox Live Marketplace, the Nintendo Wii Shop and the PlayStation Store for PlayStation 3 (PS3), and have been experimented with in various forms since the 1980s. Back in the 2000s, full-length games were still on discs, while downloaded games were smaller: retro classics, quirky indie titles and pick-up-and-play minigames. Now, the copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 you can download from the Microsoft or PlayStation Store is exactly the same as the one you get on the disc. It may even be better: improved with the latest patches and bug fixes, or bundled with DLC and seamless access to online play.

But what's right for you: digital or disc?

Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and which is best really comes down to how you use your console. Whether a disc drive or Digital Edition console is right for you depends on how much space you have, the price you're willing to pay, what you want to do with the console, and the level of convenience you desire.

Design

Disc drives take up space. The PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X both use the Blu-Ray disc format, so each console contains a Blu-Ray drive that reads the discs and extracts the game data. The added technology impacts each console differently:

Images courtesy of Sony. Images courtesy of Microsoft.

Price

Generally, Digital Edition consoles are less expensive than those with disc drives. While this means it can cost less to buy and set up a new console, it may also limit your access to potential savings on games. On a Digital Edition console, you only have access to one store where you can buy games and other software: the Microsoft Store for the Xbox Series X, and the PlayStation Store for the PS5. Although both stores have regular sales, disc copies of games are available from a wider number of retailers, giving you more access to potential discounts and sales.

Similarly, digital copies of games cannot be shared with or sold to other users. Physical game discs, however, can be bought and sold on the second-hand market, providing even more potential savings.

Image courtesy of Sony.

As mentioned above, the PS5 Digital Edition is compatible with a plug-in disc drive, allowing you to play physical copies of games on your console. For users looking to spread out the cost of the console, or those who decide to upgrade later, this is a great option. The Xbox Series X, in contrast, doesn’t have a comparable plug-in: if you buy the Digital Edition, you won’t be able to play discs on it in any circumstances.

Backwards compatibility

Upgrading from an older console to a newer one used to mean leaving old games behind. Today, with more games crossing over between generations, consoles are built with this in mind. With backwards compatibility, you can place some discs from older generation consoles into newer ones and load games. Of course, this requires physical copies of games to put into the console. 

Digital games may also carry over with backwards compatibility—provided certain conditions are met. If you're upgrading to a newer generation of console, digital games linked to your online gaming account (such as Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, or Nintendo Account) may remain accessible. However, compatibility is not guaranteed across all titles. The digital game must also be supported on the newer generation console for it to function correctly. Always check for backwards compatibility and account linking options before making the upgrade to ensure access to your existing digital library. 

General tips for all consoles

• Stay logged in to the same account when you switch consoles
• Use the console’s game library to check if past purchases are available to download
• Search for the game on the console’s store—if you already own it and it’s compatible, the download option should appear
• Check forums, support pages, or contact customer support if you’re unsure

Backwards compatibility features on the PS5 Slim and Xbox Series X consoles

Gamers who want to delve into classic titles but have a Digital Edition console or don’t own the game disc are not entirely out of luck. You can buy and install a selection of classic games from each console’s store, or get free access to them with a PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription. However, the choice of games depends entirely on what is available in the online store. If a classic game is sold digitally, it may only be available in a remastered version. 

How to check backwards compatibility through your online account

To check the backwards compatibility of a digital console in relation to your online gaming account, follow these steps depending on the console manufacturer (Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo):

Xbox (Microsoft)

1. Check Game Compatibility

• Go to Microsoft’s official Backward Compatibility page: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backward-compatibility
• Use the search bar or browse the full list to see if your game is supported on newer Xbox consoles 

2. Verify Your Account Library

• Sign in at https://account.microsoft.com or on your Xbox console
• Navigate to My Games & Apps > Full Library > All Owned Games
• Digital purchases tied to your Xbox account will appear here, and if a game is compatible, it will be downloadable

3. Use Smart Delivery (if available)

• Xbox uses Smart Delivery for newer titles, which automatically installs the best version of the game for your console
• If a game supports Smart Delivery, it typically works seamlessly across generations

PlayStation (Sony)

1. Check Game Compatibility

• Visit Sony’s backwards compatibility information page for PS5: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/games/ps5-backward-compatibility-games/
• Most PlayStation 4 (PS4) games are compatible with the PS5 console, but there are a few exceptions listed

2. Access Your Digital Library

• Sign in to your PlayStation account on the console or via the PlayStation Store
• Go to Game Library > Purchased
• Compatible games can be downloaded and played on the PS5 console if they appear here

3. PS Plus Cloud Saves & Upgrades

• If you have PlayStation Plus, cloud saves will carry over
• Some PS4 games offer free upgrades to PS5 versions—look for that option in the Store

Sideways compatibility

Because the disc editions of the Xbox Series X and PS5 use the Blu-Ray format, they can also be used to play Blu-Rays and DVDs. This makes them a great option for users who want to use the console as a hub for all of their entertainment. It even helps to save space: why have a game console and a DVD player when you can have one device that does both?

While you lose this functionality on a Digital Edition console, you can still access streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify, YouTube and more by downloading their apps from the console's store. This means that you will still be able to access music, films, shows and other content if you have a subscription for the relevant service.

Hardware and storage

When deciding between digital and disc-based games, storage—both physical and digital—plays a significant role. But, because the hardware and storage don't differ, no matter which version of the console you get, you will receive the same stunning experience. Whether you value less clutter in your home or more online storage space, there's an option for you. 

If you're looking to save physical space at home, digital games are the better option. They eliminate the need for shelves full of game boxes and discs, making your setup more minimalist and clutter-free. However, if you enjoy showing off your game collection, then a console that requires discs will be the option for you, as you can display the game boxes on shelves around your home.

Curiously enough, there’s very little difference between the storage taken up by a digital copy of a game and one installed from a disc. It's the same game and the same data—the only difference is how it reads that data. While most disc games still require some installation, updates and online features, much of the game data reads directly from the disc during play. Digital games come bundled with all the patches and error fixes, which maintain and improve gameplay after the title has been released. These fixes are still available on disc games, so whatever method you choose to store your games, you won't be missing out. 

The same goes for the storage options included in the two consoles—whatever you choose, you won't be sacrificing anything. Consoles offer a range of features and storage options, from the standard size to expandable availability. With this information, you can choose a console that suits your needs. 

Each console offers:

• At least 1TB of storage: more space than most high-end smartphones and computers, a terabyte is one thousand gigabytes. A very big game, such as Red Dead Redemption 2, can take up more than 100GB—and that’s without DLC and online modes. You should be able to save a few big games to the PS5 or Xbox Series X, as well as many more small ones. The Galaxy Black Xbox Series X doubles this to 2TB, meaning there's even more room for downloads and games installed from discs.
• Expandable storage: if 1TB is not enough, you can increase the available storage space of both consoles with external storage devices: up to 8TB on USB drives for the PS5, and up to 4TB using an Expansion Card for the Xbox Series X.
• 16GB memory: if storage is the part of the console that contains the data, then the memory is the part that makes it work. The more memory a console has, the faster it loads and saves data, resulting in less lag (delays or glitches) and a smoother experience. 16GB is more than enough to get your games up and running quickly.
• 4K visuals: with a compatible Ultra High Definition (HD) display, your console can produce images nearly 4,000 pixels wide—that means more details, 4 times that of Full HD.
• High Dynamic Range (HDR): see more colours with HDR on a compatible display. Your brights will be brighter, your darks deeper, and your range of colour wider.
• Dolby Atmos: vivid visuals need incredible sound for a great experience. Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that makes everything—music, sound effects, dialogue, background noises—more immersive.
• Ray Tracing: take realism to the next dimension with true-to-life shadows, lighting and reflection.

Please note: sound and visual enhancements are only available for compatible games. Refer to your game's case or the description on its store page for more information.

Convenience

It’s not just the loading time of games that is sped up—there’s no need to browse store shelves or wait for deliveries to start playing your favourite titles. Pre-ordered titles download the second they are released, letting you play new games as they launch. Some titles can be pre-downloaded before the launch day, so you don't have to wait at all on the day they are released to start playing. If you like to dedicate a few weeks to a game and then move on to the next challenge, you can subscribe to PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass and access an ever-changing list of new releases and all-time greats.

Final thoughts 

Digital Edition consoles offer unbeatable convenience. You can buy, download, and play without leaving your home—or even getting off the sofa. There’s no need to switch discs, and your entire game library lives in one place, ready to go. On top of that, many games can be preloaded before launch so they’re ready the moment they’re released.

However, digital games rely heavily on your internet connection. Slow or unreliable Wi-Fi can affect downloads, updates, and cloud saves. Once your storage drive is full, you'll need to uninstall games to make room. Most importantly, you don’t actually own a digital game—you’re buying a license, and if it’s ever removed from the platform, you could lose access.

Consoles with disc drives, on the other hand, require a physical copy of disc games that you can keep, trade in, or sell. You’re more likely to find collector’s editions or used copies at a lower price, and you don’t need to rely on the online store’s availability to install or replay the base game. It’s essential to note that everything you can do on a Digital Edition console can also be done on a disc console. That includes downloading digital games and DLC, accessing streaming services, and playing online. 

The trade-off is that disc games still require installation and updates, which means you’ll still need internet access. You also have to store the discs somewhere and swap them out every time you want to play. If the disc is lost or damaged, you won’t be able to play—even if it’s installed on your console.

The fact that you can buy a PS5 disc drive separately could indicate where gaming will go in the future: instead of Digital Edition and disc-based consoles being sold alongside each other, there could come a time where the base console is all digital, and the disc drive is a premium accessory: just like cameras, VR headsets and specialised controllers. Although digital gaming has created a new and more convenient way to play, there is still nostalgia and appreciation for disc-based consoles.