Can You Put a Disc Drive on a Digital PS5? The Definitive Answer

The burning question on the minds of gamers considering the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition: Can you later add a disc drive? The short, bittersweet answer is yes, but with a major caveat; only the latest model of the PS5 Digital Edition (model number CFI-2000) launched at the end of 2023, allows you to do so by purchasing the drive separately. You can connect the drive to your Digital PS5 via the port on the back of the console, which is covered by a removable panel. For all earlier Digital PS5 models, however, the answer is a definitive no, it’s fundamentally impossible without significant hacking that voids your warranty and likely renders your console unusable.

Understanding the Hardware Differences

The original PS5 Digital Edition was designed without the internal hardware and software functionality to readily support an external or internal disc drive addition. It lacked not only the physical connector on the older models, but also the necessary firmware to recognize and authenticate a Blu-ray drive. This isn’t just a matter of plugging in a device; it’s about the console’s entire architecture.

The Early Digital PS5 Constraints

The key here is the lack of both the physical connection point and the internal system integration. The older PS5 Digital Editions had their internal architecture carefully optimized for digital-only gaming, making adding a disc drive an intractable problem. You can’t simply add a Blu-ray drive, connect it via USB, and expect it to work. The console’s operating system is designed to function solely with digital game downloads and streaming services. Even if you managed to physically connect a drive, the console would not recognize or utilize it.

A Ray of Hope: The Slim PS5’s Modular Design

This all changed with the revised, “Slim” PS5. The new Digital Edition includes the aforementioned physical port on the back and, crucially, the internal software to recognize and utilize the disc drive. This makes it a far more flexible proposition for those on the fence about physical media. The separately sold Blu-ray disc drive, model number CFI-ZDD1, essentially turns your Slim Digital Edition into a standard PS5.

Addressing the Misconceptions

Many hopeful gamers have searched for aftermarket solutions or DIY projects to add a disc drive to the original PS5 Digital Edition. Unfortunately, these efforts are almost universally doomed to failure. The complexities involved in reverse engineering the console’s hardware and firmware are immense, and any attempt to bypass Sony’s security measures could result in a bricked console. There’s no legitimate and safe method to force a disc drive to function on a PS5 Digital Edition that wasn’t designed to support it.

The Risks of Unofficial Solutions

Any third-party adapter or modification claiming to enable disc playback on the original PS5 Digital Edition should be treated with extreme skepticism. These solutions are often scams or, at best, rely on unstable and unreliable hacks that can permanently damage your console. The potential benefits are far outweighed by the risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it possible to buy a third-party disc drive for the PS5 Digital Edition?

No, and yes. For the original PS5 Digital Edition, there were never any legitimate third-party disc drives capable of functioning on the console. However, the new Slim PS5 Digital Edition can use the official Blu-ray disc drive (model number CFI-ZDD1) sold separately by Sony.

2. Can I transfer my physical PS4 games to my PS5 Digital Edition?

Not directly. The PS5 Digital Edition lacks a disc drive, so you cannot insert and play PS4 game discs. However, you can often download the PS4 version of a game you own physically to your PS5 if the game is available digitally and you are using the same PSN account. You will not be able to utilize the physical disc on the Digital Edition console.

3. Will a USB Blu-ray drive work with the PS5 Digital Edition?

No. The PS5 Digital Edition’s operating system is not designed to recognize or utilize external USB Blu-ray drives for game playback. Connecting a USB drive will not enable you to play games or watch Blu-ray movies. The disc drive must connect to the specific internal port that the original model Digital Edition consoles lack.

4. What are the benefits of the PS5 Digital Edition?

The primary benefits are lower upfront cost (typically) and a streamlined, disc-free gaming experience. The PS5 Digital Edition is a good option for gamers who primarily purchase games digitally through the PlayStation Store and subscribe to services like PlayStation Plus.

5. What are the disadvantages of the PS5 Digital Edition?

The main disadvantage is the inability to play physical game discs. This means you cannot buy used games, borrow games from friends, or take advantage of sales on physical copies. You are also restricted to purchasing games digitally through the PlayStation Store, which may not always offer the best prices.

6. Is the performance of the PS5 Digital Edition different from the standard PS5?

No. Both consoles have the same internal hardware and offer identical performance in terms of processing power, graphics, and loading times. The only difference is the absence of a disc drive in the Digital Edition.

7. Can I upgrade from the PS5 Digital Edition to the standard PS5?

Technically, no. You cannot “upgrade” your Digital Edition. If you want a console with a disc drive and own the earlier model Digital Edition, you would need to purchase a standard PS5 or a Slim PS5. With the new Slim Digital Edition, you can “upgrade” by purchasing the optional disc drive.

8. Does the PS5 Digital Edition support external storage?

Yes. Both the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition support external storage via USB. You can use an external hard drive to store PS4 games and archive PS5 games. However, you cannot play PS5 games directly from external storage. You need to transfer them to the internal SSD to play them.

9. How does the PS5 Digital Edition handle game updates?

Game updates are handled the same way on both consoles. Updates are downloaded and installed automatically when your console is connected to the internet.

10. Will the PS5 Digital Edition be discontinued?

That’s unlikely. Both the standard PS5 and the Digital Edition cater to different segments of the gaming market. Sony is committed to offering both options. The Slim PS5 continues this trend, offering a Digital Edition with optional disc drive.

11. What is the price difference between the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition?

The price difference can vary depending on retailers and promotions. Typically, the PS5 Digital Edition is priced lower than the standard PS5 at launch. This price difference is intended to reflect the absence of the disc drive.

12. Is buying a used PS5 Digital Edition a good idea?

Buying a used PS5 Digital Edition can be a good way to save money, but it’s important to thoroughly inspect the console before purchasing it. Check for any signs of damage, ensure that all the necessary cables and accessories are included, and ask the seller about the console’s history. Also, be aware that you will not be able to play physical games. Consider instead a used standard model PS5 or a new Slim PS5 if physical media is important to you.

The Bottom Line

While adding a disc drive to the original PS5 Digital Edition remains impossible, the introduction of the Slim PS5 Digital Edition offering the optional disc drive changes the equation. Before buying, consider your gaming habits and preferences to determine which model best suits your needs. If you’re committed to digital downloads and streaming, the Digital Edition might be the perfect choice, but if you value the flexibility of physical media, the standard PS5 or Slim PS5 with disc drive might be a better investment.