Summary
ThePlayStation 5 Prois almost here, and its box suggests that the console’s notable lack of a disc drive is a selling point. While the original PS5 came in two editions, one with a disc drive and one without, its newest iteration is purely digital. Players have known this since Sony announced the release, but the official packaging of thePlayStation Pro 5has caught the ire of some gamers by listing its disc-free nature as a feature.
Some have already speculated that thePS5 Pro could mark the end of physical games, as it’s the first flagship console from Sony or Microsoft not to have a disc-supporting version. That speculation sparked a good deal of controversy among fans. Now that the PS5’s official box art is out in the open, its proud proclamation of being disc-less may feel like rubbing salt in the wound.
Even though thePS5 Pro won’t be released until November 7, some reviewers and retailers have already gotten their hands on the console. Theofficial PlayStation store listing for the consolealso reveals its packaging, which features the words “DISC-FREE Console” in the upper-right corner. Considering this appears right next to the logos for its 4K and HDR specs, it seems like Sony is telling buyers that the lack of physical media is actually an advantage. Of course, the text and little disc logo could also be the company trying to maintain transparency with users, but it doesn’t necessarily come across that way.
The Pros and Cons of a Disc-Free PlayStation 5 Pro
While it may anger some players, there are some benefits to removing the disc drive. ThePS5 Pro delivers some impressive performance, requiring additional space within the console for next-gen components and heatsinks to keep them cool. It also keeps the form factor slightly slimmer, making it easier to place the way users want to. There’s also noise to consider. Discs are inherently loud, so pushing gamers toward digital options instead can improve the overall experience.
At the same time, going disc-free raises some questions about ownership. AsTarget and other retailers stop selling physical media, some people worry that they won’t truly own their games, movies, and music anymore. Players can lose access to digital games if there’s an issue with the account they bought or use it with. A physical disc doesn’t grant someone ownership of the IP, but it does grant some security because Sony is unlikely to knock on the door demanding a Blu-ray back for a supposed violation of a user agreement.
PlayStation fans can buy a disc drive to add to their PS5 Pro, but an additional $80 on top of a $700 console may rub some people the wrong way. Still, that hasn’t stopped thePS5 Pro from becoming the bestselling consoleon Amazon leading up to its release.
PlayStation 5 Pro
Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro is the mid-generation evolution of the PS5, one that comes with an improved GPU and 2TB of storage space. The graphics card is advertised to offer 67% more compute units than the base PS5, along with 28% faster memory. The PS5 Pro also uses AI to offer an enhanced resolution for 4K TV and Advanced Ray Tracing.The console does not come with a disc drive or a vertical stand, both of which are sold separately.
