Can you use physical discs on PS5?

PlayStation 4 discs
PlayStation 4 discs (Image credit: Samuel Tolbert/Android Central)

Best answer: Yes, physical discs are still supported on the standard edition PS5, which includes a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player.

PS5 Can I use physical discs?

Yes. Mark Cerny, lead architect of the PS5, previously confirmed that the PS5 has an Ultra HD Blu-ray player, which will allow the console to play games from physical discs as well as digital media. Cerny also confirmed that PS5 games are going to ship on 100GB Blu-ray discs. It's important to note that there are two PS5 models and unlike the regular edition, the PS5 Digital Edition does not include a disc drive.

Using larger discs help prevent games from needing to ship on two discs, which is what started happening on PS4 with games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Last of Us Part II. Because games will be installing on an SSD, you should also see faster load times, though the exact boost of how much quicker games load will vary depending on the game and how it was designed.

PS5 What about my PS4 discs?

Your PS4 discs will also play on the PS5, as the console is being designed as backward compatible with the PS4. If you have a collection of physical PlayStation 4 games, you'll be able to use them on the PlayStation 5 as well. PS4 games will also be able to take advantage of the speed boost provided by being installed on an SSD, though they will usually not take advantage of it as well as a PS5 game.

PS5 Can I watch my physical movies or shows?

Naturally, this kind of improved optical drive means the PS5 will also be able to play 4K Blu-ray movies. You should also be able to watch regular Blu-Ray discs or DVDs that you've collected.

The PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition are currently available worldwide, though both consoles are extremely difficult to find in stock right now.

Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert is a freelance writer covering gaming news, previews, reviews, interviews and different aspects of the gaming industry, specifically focusing on PlayStation on Android Central. You can find him on Twitter @SamuelTolbert