Physical vs Digital PlayStation games — which do you prefer?

The debate of which is better when it comes to physical vs digital PlayStation media has been going on for years at this point. Yet, it is always fascinating to see the difference in opinions people have between the two.

Regardless of how you feel when it comes to owning PlayStation media physically or digitally, someone will always have a differing opinion from yours, with an argument that backs up their points for preferring one over the other. So, we here at TrueTrophies have decided to take a look at both the pros and cons of physical vs digital media to help you decide once and for all where you land on the subject. We also want to hear everyone's thoughts and feelings, so make sure you vote in the poll!

Owning PlayStation games physically or digitally has always been an interesting debate

How do you prefer owning your PS5 games?

We were inspired to make this poll thanks to a post over on Reddit that ignited this debate once more. Let's start this deep dive by taking a look at the benefits of owning physical forms of PlayStation media, such as PS5, PS4, PS3 games, and so on. The first and most notable thing is the ability to sell any unwanted games. Be that because you have beaten the game to completion and have no more use for it, or maybe you simply did not enjoy the game and want to be rid of it. Selling the game early enough into its life cycle might mean you get a majority of the money back, something you are unable to do when you purchase digital media.

'Sharing is caring' is what a lot of folks like to think, but say goodbye to being able to borrow your mate's games if they decide to go digital only. How many times in your life have you lent or borrowed games from friends and family? How many games would you have passed up on if it wasn't for someone lending you their copy? It will be a lot harder to convince friends to purchase a game digitally that they aren't fully sold on, whereas you can show them how awesome it is if you lend them your physical copy.

Is digital more efficient?

Another huge benefit to physical is that once you own the game, you own it. While other games are being removed from the PSN store and whatnot, no one can come and take away your physical copy of a game. Look at recent dramas involving PlayStation users losing some TV, film purchases. Or the whole fiasco where Sony tried to shut the PS Vita and PS3 PSN Stores. Thankfully, Sony backtracked on the closure and has since kept the PS Vita and PS3 stores open — but for how long?

Recently The Matrix Awakens was delisted just like PT, and though it's just a tech demo, it is a real shame for anyone who may have missed downloading this game. Now, the only way they can play this is if they purchase a second-hand console that has the game installed. It's a good example of what an all-digital future could look like, with games coming and going so fast and people missing their opportunity to own said game.

Is physical media the only way for PS5?

A pro for physical ownership that may seem quite silly which is the simple fact of — well —owning them physically. You can see your collection grow bigger and bigger, filling you with pride as you finish up each and every game on your shelves. You can easily keep track of what games you have at your disposal and see what they look like thanks to the blurb and imagery on the back of the case. Something you can't do as easily when scrolling through the media library of your console.

Another huge win for physical media is the ability to buy games second-hand, which can mean big savings on games that will remain at full price on the PSN store. The Elder Scrolls Online is a good example, as currently, it sits on the PSN store for £14.99/$19.99, but you can find preowned copies online for as cheap as £3/$4, which is quite a nice little saving.

What side of the debate are you on?

But enough about physical media — let's look at the benefits of digital media. The first and most obvious pro is the simplicity of being able to make purchases digitally. There is no hassle or waiting around for a physical copy to be posted through your door. You don't need to leave the comfort of your own home to go explore the isles of your local game shop. You can just turn your PS5 on and start exploring the PSN store. When a new game releases you can get access to it right away, starting the download early and playing well before physically buyers have even received their copy.

Then you've got to think about the space you will be saving, especially if you are someone who hates clutter. There are no plastic cases laying about the place, no game discs in the wrong boxes, you have all your games stored nice and tidy in your console. Which also gives you quick and easy access, you don't even have to think about swapping discs ever again.

And, of course, one big benefit: Sales. While we may have discussed the benefits of buying second-hand, you can't deny that the PSN store always seems to have some sort of discount going on. You can snap up seem real bargains too, with games having up to 90% off at times. It is just the luck of the draw if the games on sale are anything you would fancy playing or purchasing.

The PSN Store always seems to have a sale on!

Following on from purchasing second-hand, you also have to take into account games that end up being incredibly rare or released in limited quantities. Just look at the likes of Persona 3 Fes or the physical versions of Firewatch and Oxenfree. All of these games cost an arm and a leg to purchase physically, but not on the PSN Store. You can buy them for a fraction of the price that it would cost you to own them in the physical format.

Something else to think about is that you don't have to worry about your digital media getting damaged. Physical media can get banged up for whatever reason, be it via bad care or just an unfortunate accident, but digital media can't be scratched or damaged beyond repair. Broken physical media is seen more through second-hand purchases, where items are sold by people who don't understand how to take care of their belongings.

So those are the pros and cons of both physical and digital media. Did we miss anything glaringly obvious on either side of the coin? Please let us know in the comments below! Make sure you also let us know what your thoughts and feelings are on physical vs digital? Do you even care? Don't forget to vote in the poll, we want to see everyone's opinions!

Do you prefer Physical or Digital media?

Physical
Digital
Don't care either way

We've had 168 responses.

Written by Sean Lawson

Sean is a Staff Writer with a focus on the geekiest Sony news. He writes stories about unobtainable PlayStation trophies, the best PS Plus games, as well as RPGs and Fighting games. He is also excited for Tekken 8, Dragon Age Dreadwolf, Baldur's Gate 3, and Dragon's Dogma 2 to launch on PS5. Sean’s favourite games include Mass Effect, Tomb Raider, Tekken, and Persona.