Digital Edition Consoles: Pros, Cons, and Tradeoffs

What is a digital edition console?

A digital edition console is a version of a home console that does not include a disc drive. Instead of inserting a game disc, you buy and download games from the console's online store. The console itself looks and works like the standard model, but the slot for discs is absent.

On the PlayStation side, the PS5 Digital Edition is a version of the PlayStation 5 without a disc drive. On the Xbox side, the Xbox Series X comes in an all-digital version called the 1TB All-Digital Robot White, and the Xbox Series S is designed as a digital-only console. Nintendo's Switch 2 does not have a disc drive either; it uses game cards, but you can also download games digitally. The Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC, is also digital-only, with no disc drive.

The key difference is how you get games. With a disc edition, you can buy a physical disc at a store or online and insert it. With a digital edition, you purchase a download from the console's store, and the game installs to the internal storage.

• No disc drive means no physical discs to buy, store, or swap.
• Games are downloaded over the internet and stored on the console's internal storage.
• Digital editions often have a lower price than the disc version of the same console, but this varies by model and bundle.

Pros of going digital

The biggest advantage is convenience. You never have to leave the house or wait for a disc to arrive. You can buy a game from the console's store and start downloading it immediately, even if you are away from the console, using a companion app or website.

Digital editions also save physical space. You do not need shelves or cases for discs, and you do not have to worry about losing or scratching a disc. If you move or travel, your library is tied to your account, not to a physical object.

Another benefit is that digital games are often available for pre-load, meaning you can download a game before its release date and play it as soon as it launches. This is a feature of the console's store, not the hardware, but it is a common reason people choose digital.

Finally, digital editions are often cheaper than their disc counterparts. For example, the Xbox Series X All-Digital Robot White is a version of the Series X without a disc drive, and it is positioned as a more affordable option. The Xbox Series S is marketed as 'the best value in gaming,' according to the Xbox site.

Cons and tradeoffs

The main tradeoff is that you need a reliable internet connection to download games. If your connection is slow or has data caps, downloading large games can be a problem. You also need enough storage space on the console, because games are installed to the internal SSD.

Digital editions do not support physical discs, so you cannot buy used games at a discount or lend a disc to a friend. You also cannot resell a digital game, since it is tied to your account. If you already own a collection of discs, a digital edition would not let you play them.

Another consideration is that digital games are tied to your account. If you switch to a different console brand or lose access to your account, you may lose access to your library. This is a general point about digital ownership, not specific to any one console.

Finally, digital editions may have less storage than disc versions, depending on the model. For example, the Xbox Series X comes in 1TB and 2TB versions, with the 1TB All-Digital being one option. The PS5 Digital Edition has the same storage as the standard PS5, but you should check the listing for the exact capacity.

Download requirements and storage

When you buy a digital game, you download it to the console's internal storage. The amount of space a game takes varies, but it is not stated on the console maker's pages. As a general rule, larger games can take up tens of gigabytes, so a console with more storage gives you more room for downloads.

The PS5 has an ultra-high speed SSD, according to the PlayStation site, which helps with fast loading. The Xbox Series X uses the Xbox Velocity Architecture, which also speeds up load times. Both are internal storage, and you can expand it with additional storage cards or external drives, but the details depend on the console model.

For digital editions, storage is especially important because you cannot rely on discs to free up space. If you download many games, you may need to delete and re-download them later, which requires an internet connection. The Xbox Series X comes in 1TB and 2TB versions, and the PS5 Digital Edition has a standard storage size, but you should read the listing for the exact number.

If you are choosing between a digital edition and a disc edition, consider how many games you plan to have installed at once. A digital edition with 1TB of storage is a common starting point, but if you want more room, look for a 2TB model.

Who should choose a digital edition?

A digital edition is a good fit if you mostly buy games online, prefer not to handle discs, or want a simpler setup with fewer cables and accessories. It is also a good choice for a second console in another room, since you can download your games to both consoles using the same account, but this depends on the console's account policies.

If you are buying for a child or a shared household, a digital edition can prevent lost or scratched discs, but you should also consider parental controls. The ESRB provides ratings and parental control tools, and you can read more on their site. Digital stores also allow you to set spending limits, which can be helpful.

On the other hand, if you already own a collection of discs, or if you like buying used games at a lower price, a disc edition may be better. The same applies if you have a slow internet connection or limited data, since downloading games could be impractical.

The Xbox Series S is a digital-only console that is marketed as 'the best value in gaming,' according to the Xbox site. It is a good example of a digital edition that is designed for budget-conscious buyers. The PS5 Digital Edition is another option, and you can compare it with the standard PS5 in the best gaming consoles guide.

What to check in a listing

When you look at a digital edition listing, check the title for words like 'digital edition' or 'all-digital.' This tells you there is no disc drive. Also check the storage size, which is often stated in the title, such as '1TB' or '2TB.'

Read the bullet list to confirm what is included in the box. Some digital editions come with a controller, while others may be console-only. The Xbox Series X All-Digital Robot White includes a controller, but you should verify this in the listing.

If the listing does not mention a disc drive, it is likely a digital edition, but you can also look for the model name. For example, the PS5 Digital Edition is a distinct model from the standard PS5. The Xbox Series S is always digital, while the Xbox Series X has both disc and all-digital versions.

Finally, consider the bundle. Some digital editions come with a game download or a subscription, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 bundles that include a game and a membership. These bundles can add value, but you should read the box contents to see what is included. For more on bundles, see the best console bundles guide.

Digital vs. disc edition comparison

The table below summarizes the key differences between digital and disc editions. This is based on the stated details from the console makers' pages.

Remember that the choice depends on your habits. If you buy most games online and want a simple setup, a digital edition is a strong option. If you prefer physical media or have an existing disc collection, a disc edition may be more practical.

The future of digital gaming

The industry is moving toward digital distribution. The PlayStation site states that from January 2028, newly released games on PlayStation will be available for purchase in digital format only, though discs for games released before that date can still be played. This is a significant shift, and it suggests that digital editions will become more common.

For now, both digital and disc editions are available, and the choice is yours. If you are buying a console for the long term, a digital edition may be a safer bet, but you should also consider your internet connection and storage needs.

The Xbox Series X and PS5 both offer digital and disc versions, so you can choose based on your preferences. The Nintendo Switch 2 is digital-only in the sense that it uses game cards, not discs, but you can also download games. The Steam Deck is also digital-only.

As more games become digital, the advantages of a disc drive may diminish, but for now, it is a personal choice. Read the listing carefully to understand what you are getting, and use the buying guides to compare models. For a broader look at options, see the best digital edition consoles guide and the best budget consoles guide.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can I play disc games on a digital edition console?

No. A digital edition console has no disc drive, so you cannot insert or play physical discs. You can only play games that you download from the console's online store.

Do digital edition consoles require an internet connection?

Yes, you need an internet connection to download games. Once a game is downloaded, you can often play it offline, but the initial download requires a connection.

Is a digital edition cheaper than a disc edition?

Digital editions are often priced lower than disc versions of the same console, but this is not always the case. Check the listing for the price, and compare models in the buying guides.

Can I expand storage on a digital edition console?

Yes, most consoles allow you to expand storage with additional drives or memory cards, but the method varies by console. Check the maker's pages or the listing for details.

What happens to my digital games if I switch consoles?

Digital games are tied to your account, so you can usually re-download them on a new console of the same brand, but this depends on the console's policies. Read the maker's support pages for specifics.

Are there any advantages to a disc edition?

Disc editions let you buy used games, lend discs to friends, and resell them. They also do not require a download for the initial install, which can be helpful with slow internet.