The holiday season is here, and PlayStation has unveiled a major discount on one of its most popular consoles, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. The company announced this on Tuesday, with the PS5 Digital Edition priced at $380, down $70 from its usual price of $450. This deal will last until December 24, 2024, giving holiday shoppers a chance to snag one of the latest consoles for under $400.
This offer is ideal for those wanting a more affordable way to experience next-gen gaming. Let’s dive into the details and see how this discount compares to other PlayStation 5 options and what buyers should consider when shopping for a PS5 this holiday season.
What’s Included in the PS5 Digital Edition Deal?
This limited-time discount reduces the cost of the PS5 Digital Edition from $450 to $380. This version of the PlayStation 5 doesn’t include a disc drive, making it a disc-free, digital-only console. If you’ve gone fully digital with your games or prefer downloading games rather than collecting physical copies, this option may be a great choice.
For many gamers, $380 for a next-gen console is a fantastic price, especially since it’s rare to see mainline consoles drop below $400 these days. However, there are some things buyers should keep in mind about this particular edition of the PS5.
What’s Not Included: Vertical Stand and Disc Drive
Though the PS5 Digital Edition offers a lower price point, it does come with some limitations that might influence your decision.
- Vertical Stand Sold Separately: The vertical stand that allows you to set the console upright is not included in the package. If you want this setup option, you’ll need to purchase the stand separately for $30. For some players, this might be a small inconvenience, but it’s worth considering if you want flexibility in setting up your console.
- No Disc Drive: As a digital-only console, the PS5 Digital Edition does not come with a disc drive. This means you’ll be limited to purchasing games digitally and won’t be able to play physical game discs. If you change your mind and decide you’d like the option to use physical games, Sony sells a disc drive separately for $80. Unfortunately, as of now, the disc drive is out of stock on the PlayStation Direct store.
Comparing Prices: PS5 Digital Edition vs. Other PlayStation Models
If you’re considering the PS5 Digital Edition, it’s helpful to compare it with other PS5 models currently available:
- Standard PS5 Slim with Built-In Disc Drive: The PS5 Slim, which includes a built-in disc drive, is priced at $500. The PS5 Slim is a thinner, updated version of the original PS5 model released in 2020, but otherwise, it doesn’t have many changes. For $120 more than the PS5 Digital Edition’s sale price, you’ll get a disc drive and slightly more storage, which may be worthwhile if you plan on using physical game discs.
- PS5 Pro: If you’re interested in the most powerful PlayStation 5 model, the PS5 Pro was launched earlier this month for $700. It’s designed for gamers who want the best graphics and frame rates available on a PlayStation console. However, similar to the other PS5 models, the vertical stand and disc drive are sold separately, which may add to the overall cost.
- Original PS5 Digital Edition Price at Launch: While $380 seems like a good deal, it’s only $20 less than the $400 price tag the PS5 Digital Edition had at its original launch in 2020. However, considering inflation and the rising cost of electronics, this still represents a solid discount on the PS5 in 2024.
Why the PS5 Digital Edition Discount Is a Good Deal
Despite some extra costs for accessories, this holiday discount is significant for a few reasons:
- Affordable Entry into Next-Gen Gaming: The PS5 Digital Edition provides a more budget-friendly entry into the PlayStation 5 ecosystem. Gamers can enjoy the latest games, exclusive titles, and high-quality graphics without the higher price of the PS5 Slim or Pro.
- Good Timing for Holiday Shoppers: With Black Friday around the corner, this price drop allows PlayStation hardware fans to get their shopping done early. After the holiday season, the price will return to $450, so it’s worth acting quickly if you’ve been eyeing a PS5.
- Cost-Effective for Digital-Only Gamers: If you’re already used to purchasing digital games, the PS5 Digital Edition is the ideal choice, as it’s designed for players who don’t require a disc drive. Since all games are downloaded digitally, there’s no need for a disc, making this an easy decision for digital gamers.
Considerations Before Buying the PS5 Digital Edition
While the PS5 Digital Edition’s sale price is attractive, it’s important to weigh a few additional factors:
- Extra Costs for Disc Drive and Stand: As mentioned earlier, both the disc drive ($80) and vertical stand ($30) are sold separately, which can increase the total price if you want these accessories. This is especially important if you may decide to play physical games in the future.
- Storage and Game Collection: Because the PS5 Digital Edition is disc-free, all games must be downloaded onto the console. The more games you download, the more storage space you’ll need. While the PS5 Digital Edition has ample storage for most gamers, frequent players who enjoy large game libraries may eventually need additional storage options.
- No Resale or Lending Options for Games: With a digital-only console, there’s no option to buy, sell, or trade used physical games. For those who are used to collecting, lending, or reselling physical games, the digital-only format may feel limiting.
Is the PS5 Digital Edition Right for You?
The PS5 Digital Edition at $380 is a solid choice for specific types of players:
- Digital-Only Gamers: If you already purchase all your games digitally and don’t rely on physical media, the Digital Edition is perfect for you.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: At $380, this discount makes it one of the more affordable ways to enter the PS5 ecosystem.
- Minimalists: For those who prefer a compact setup without the need for a disc drive, the PS5 Digital Edition has a sleek design that suits a digital-only gaming style.
For other players, the PS5 Slim or even the PS5 Pro may offer more of what they’re looking for, especially if they want access to physical games or need the highest possible performance.
Conclusion: A Great Deal for the Right Buyer
PlayStation’s holiday discount on the PS5 Digital Edition is a compelling offer that makes it easier than ever to own a PS5 this holiday season. While there are some additional costs for accessories like the stand and disc drive, the reduced price of $380 is still a good value for those looking for a digital-only console with access to next-gen features.
This discount provides an excellent opportunity for those who have been waiting to upgrade or join the PlayStation ecosystem. Whether it’s a gift for yourself or someone else, the PS5 Digital Edition offers high-quality gaming, a great library of games, and a budget-friendly price tag for the holiday season. If you’re considering making the purchase, remember that this discount only lasts until December 24, 2024 — after which the price will return to $450.
