Jordan ClarkeGame consoles4 products
Go for the PS5 Slim with a disc drive if you want to trade games or collect physical media. If you are exclusively tied to the PlayStation Store, the Digital Edition saves you some coin, provided you have the internet bandwidth to handle those massive downloads.
Physical game collectors
Standard console buyers
Legacy digital library owners
Space-conscious gamers
| Feature | PS5 Slim 1TB Disc | PS5 Slim Disc | PS5 Digital Original | PS5 Digital Slim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | €649.99 | €639.99 | €547.99 | €599.99 |
| Disc SupportHaving a drive lets you actually own your games rather than just renting them from Sony. | Yes (winner) | Yes | No | No |
| Internal StorageThe 1TB models provide much-needed breathing room for modern, bloated game installs. | 1TB (winner) | 1TB | 825GB | 825GB |
| Form FactorThe Slim models are objectively easier to shove into a crowded media cabinet. | Slim (winner) | Slim | Original | Slim |
Physical game collectors
This is the current gold standard for Sony consoles. It includes the disc drive and a decent 1TB SSD.
Standard console buyers
A rock-solid choice if you just want to play games without overthinking the specs. It performs exactly as advertised.
Legacy digital library owners
The first-generation digital model is bulkier than the newer units. Only consider it if you find a major discount.
Space-conscious gamers
If your internet connection is fast and your shelf space is limited, this digital-only machine is a tidy solution.
We are looking at a battle between the original launch models and the newer, slightly less gargantuan Slim versions. The specs sheet suggests the newer 1TB units are the way to go, and frankly, I agree. Trying to juggle game installs on the older 825GB drives is a chore that nobody needs in their life.
When it comes to the disc drive, think about whether you actually value the ability to sell or trade your games. Sony’s digital storefront is convenient, but you are at the mercy of their sales cycle. Owning a disc gives you the freedom to hunt for deals in the wild, which saves you money in the long run.
The most annoying thing about these consoles? The system storage is a lie. You might see 1TB or 825GB on the box, but once the OS takes its cut, you are left with significantly less. If you pick a digital model, you are essentially committing to a life of constant file management.
Also, watch out for the build quality. The newer Slim models have a slightly different finish that is basically a magnet for every spec of dust in your apartment. Keep a microfiber cloth handy, or just embrace the fuzzy aesthetic.
If you want the most headache-free experience, grab the PS5 Slim 1TB with the disc drive. You get the extra storage and the versatility to use physical discs when a game goes on sale at a local retailer.
Only look at the Digital models if you absolutely never touch physical media and you find them at a massive price drop. Otherwise, the convenience of the disc drive is worth the extra premium for most sane people.
Prices on amazon.de as of October 22, 2026. Prices may change.
Disclosure: We share affiliate links and can earn some money when you click on any of those.