PS5 Pro Packaging Has Interesting Spin on Console’s Lack of a Disc Drive

The PlayStation 5 Pro is almost here, and its box suggests that the console’s notable lack of a disc drive is a selling point. While the original PS5 came in two editions, one with a disc drive and one without, its newest iteration is purely digital. Players have known this since Sony announced the release, but the official packaging of the PlayStation Pro 5 has caught the ire of some gamers by listing its disc-free nature as a feature.

Some have already speculated that the PS5 Pro could mark the end of physical games, as it’s the first flagship console from Sony or Microsoft not to have a disc-supporting version. That speculation sparked a good deal of controversy among fans. Now that the PS5’s official box art is out in the open, its proud proclamation of being disc-less may feel like rubbing salt in the wound.

Related

Win a PlayStation 5 Pro With Game Rant

By participating in Game Rant’s Threads, you can be in the draw to win a PS5 Pro. Here’s everything you need to know

Even though the PS5 Pro won’t be released until November 7, some reviewers and retailers have already gotten their hands on the console. The official PlayStation store listing for the console also reveals its packaging, which features the words “DISC-FREE Console” in the upper-right corner. Considering this appears right next to the logos for its 4K and HDR specs, it seems like Sony is telling buyers that the lack of physical media is actually an advantage. Of course, the text and little disc logo could also be the company trying to maintain transparency with users, but it doesn’t necessarily come across that way.

The Pros and Cons of a Disc-Free PlayStation 5 Pro

While it may anger some players, there are some benefits to removing the disc drive. The PS5 Pro delivers some impressive performance, requiring additional space within the console for next-gen components and heatsinks to keep them cool. It also keeps the form factor slightly slimmer, making it easier to place the way users want to. There’s also noise to consider. Discs are inherently loud, so pushing gamers toward digital options instead can improve the overall experience.

At the same time, going disc-free raises some questions about ownership. As Target and other retailers stop selling physical media, some people worry that they won’t truly own their games, movies, and music anymore. Players can lose access to digital games if there’s an issue with the account they bought or use it with. A physical disc doesn’t grant someone ownership of the IP, but it does grant some security because Sony is unlikely to knock on the door demanding a Blu-ray back for a supposed violation of a user agreement.

PlayStation fans can buy a disc drive to add to their PS5 Pro, but an additional $80 on top of a $700 console may rub some people the wrong way. Still, that hasn’t stopped the PS5 Pro from becoming the bestselling console on Amazon leading up to its release.

PlayStation 5 Pro

Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro is the mid-generation evolution of the PS5, one that comes with an improved GPU and 2TB of storage space. The graphics card is advertised to offer 67% more compute units than the base PS5, along with 28% faster memory. The PS5 Pro also uses AI to offer an enhanced resolution for 4K TV and Advanced Ray Tracing.

The console does not come with a disc drive or a vertical stand, both of which are sold separately.

4K Capability

Yes

What’s Included

DualSense Controller, Power Supply

Brand

Sony

Storage

2TB SSD

CPU

8-core Zen 2

Connectivity

IEEE 802.11be

Audio

Tempest 3D AudioTech (In Supported Games)

RAM

16GB

Expand