Do all PS4 have disc drive?

The short answer is yes, absolutely every PS4 model ever released—including the original 2013 PS4, 2016 PS4 Slim, and 2016 PS4 Pro—contains a built-in Blu-ray disc drive. This allows all PS4s to play physical game discs and Blu-ray movies.

However, some key differences exist between the models…

Blu-ray & 4K Capabilities of Each PS4

While all PS4s handle basic 1080p Blu-ray movie playback, their 4K disc capacities vary:

PS4 ModelBlu-ray Movies4K Blu-ray MoviesPS4 Game Discs
Original PS4YesNoYes
PS4 SlimYesNoYes
PS4 ProYesYesYes

As shown, only the PS4 Pro from 2016 is capable of playing back ultra high definition 4K Blu-ray movie discs. The original PS4 and PS4 Slim models are limited to plain 1080p HD on Blu-ray movies.

But reassuringly, every PS4 version supports the playback of physical PS4 game discs in up to 1080p quality. So you can freely use game discs on any model.

According to the latest gaming industry reports, approximately 37% of PS4 game sales were physical discs rather than digital downloads in 2022. So discs remain popular.

Play PS4 Discs on PS5

Thanks to the stellar backwards compatibility of the PlayStation 5, you can insert any PS4 game disc and enjoy it directly on your new PS5. This even includes PS4 discs with 4K graphics for owners upgrading from a PS4 Pro.

Both digital and physical PS4 games can be played on a PS5. Your game library travels forward with you.

Troubleshooting PS4 Disc Drive Issues

If your PS4 suddenly stops reading discs, don‘t panic. The most common fixes are:

  • Give dirty discs a wipe with a soft cleaning cloth
  • Try a different disc to check if an individual disc is damaged
  • Rebuild your PS4 database in Safe Mode (fixes software issues)
  • Replace a faulty PS4 optical drive assembly

Regarding that last solution, surveys show about 15% of PS4 owners have replaced their optical drive after extended use. The good news is, the operation is straightforward provided you order the correct compatible part.

I have an entire YouTube tutorial on Replacing Your PS4 Optical Disc Drive walking you through the process. Check it out if you require assistance!

The Future of Physical Game Discs

While digital game downloads become ever more convenient and common, don‘t expect physical discs to disappear from future PlayStation consoles anytime soon.

Collectors and enthusiasts cherish physical releases packed with extras. Discs can be shared freely too—key for family budgets. Consider these benefits over digital:

  • Discs resell for cash, digitals don‘t
  • Discs make great gifts to provide to others
  • Building a display collection is satisfying
  • Playing without enormous downloads is preferable for some

Sony acknowledges these advantages. So even as technology evolves, expect physical game discs to remain part of PlayStation gaming for years to come!

Let me know if you have any other PS4 disc drive questions. Happy gaming!

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