Choosing the Right PS5: Which Should I Buy?

If you've ever wondered which PS5 is better—Slim, Slim Digital Edition or Pro—you are not alone. With new PS5 release dates seemingly happening all the time, it can be tough to keep track of the newest PS5. Each PlayStation 5 console model offers unique features, designs and price points, making the choice even more complicated. Luckily, we can guide you through the process so you can find the best PS5 for you.

Whether you're looking for enhanced performance, a more compact design or a fully digital experience, understanding the distinctions between the PS5 Slim, PS5 Slim Digital Edition and PS5 Pro will help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your gaming setup.

PlayStation 5 features superior graphics and improved processing power, which results in a much higher gaming resolution. However, when weighing in the differences between the PS5 Digital Edition vs. disc, having a built-in disc drive can ultimately be the deciding factor for some. Many gamers prefer owning physical PS5 games, which can be fun to collect and display in your living space.

Conversely, many other PS5 enthusiasts already prefer downloading digital games since it is so easy, convenient and helps eliminate clutter. So, the regular PS5 Slim and the PS5 Slim Digital Edition are both slightly more compact than the PS5 Pro, but both the Pro and Slim Digital Edition limits you to only playing digitally downloaded games.

Unlike the differences between a PS4 and a PS5, the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital console is almost exactly the same as the regular PlayStation 5 Slim on the outside. Both consoles are encased in a sleek white and black molded thermoplastic, designed to sit vertically or horizontally to save space and to show off.

And, both the PS5 Slim with a disc drive and the digital PS5 have the same storage capacity, which is 1000GB. However, internal system files take up some space and leave each console with around 850GB, which is adequate space to store a lot of games. So, as far as storage and overall gameplay goes, you really can’t go wrong with either slim version of the PlayStation 5 console. 

We’ve established that the PS5 Slim Digital edition and the standard PS5 Slim are very similar with the exception of the latter having a disc drive for physical games, but what about the PS5 Pro? When it comes to the slim versions of PS5 vs. PS5 Pro, the PlayStation 5 Pro is a little taller, and that isn’t because the new PS5 Pro has a disc drive. The PS5 Pro only plays digital games, similar to the PS5 Slim Digital Edition. However, you can easily attach a PS5 game drive to either console if you still have some physical games you’d like to play.

The PS5 Pro console is a little taller than the PS5 Slim console because it houses more advanced hardware and is designed for higher performance. For example, the PlayStation 5 Pro has twice as much storage capacity with 2000GB, which allows you to store more games, apps and media without worrying about running out of space. This is especially important for modern AAA games, which often require significant storage due to their large file sizes.

In addition to the extra storage, the PS5 Pro features more powerful graphics processing, enabling smoother frame rates and enhanced visual fidelity, especially in 4K gaming. The PS5 Slim consoles, while still offering impressive performances, are more compact and designed for those who prioritize space-saving over the top-tier specs provided by the Pro model.

You can still play your favorite PS4 games on every PlayStation 5 console. Downloadable PS4 games and physical PS4 discs can be played on the PS5 Slim while the PS5 Slim Digital Edition and PS5 Pro can only play previously downloaded PS4 games. This lets you revisit older titles that you once played on your PlayStation 4 with both PS5 consoles.

Various special editions and gaming bundles are also available with the standard PS5 Slim, the Slim Digital Edition and Pro. Typical PS5 gaming bundles usually come with:

• The actual PS5 console
• AC power cord
• One DualSense wireless PS5 controller
• Charging cable for the controller
• HDMI cable to connect to a TV
• Display base

In addition to these basic accessories, PS5 bundled packages can include an extra game and can also feature variations of the usual outer design’s color scheme. Package deals are also available that typically include even more add-ons, like multiple games, an extra PS5 controller or a bonus SSD storage card.

The standard PS5 Slim isn’t better than the digital PS5 Slim and the digital PS5 Slim isn’t better than the standard. Both PS5 Slim consoles are identical as far as internal specs and performance and both are capable of playing the same PS4 and PS5 games. The only difference is that the digital version cannot play physical discs.

The PS5 Pro also cannot play physical games, but it offers improved performance and graphical enhancements compared to the Slim models. This makes it ideal for gamers seeking a more powerful PlayStation 5 console for demanding titles and higher resolutions. So, it’s not a question as to which console is better when comparing PS5 Digital Edition vs. regular or PS5 Slim vs. PS5 Pro. Instead, you should be asking yourself which PS5 console is better for you.