The Best PS5 Model for 2023 and Beyond

As a gaming industry analyst who has followed PlayStation closely for over a decade, I generally recommend the standard PS5 disc model as the best choice for most gamers in 2024. With its 4K Blu-Ray drive, you get physical media flexibility that digital-only platforms can‘t match. Used game and disc resale value could save you hundreds of dollars over the 6-7 year planned PS5 lifecycle. However, casual gamers on a budget may still be satisfied with the all-digital experience of the PS5 Digital Edition.

Let‘s do a deep dive on the PS5 iterations available now and what the future may hold.

PS5 Standard vs. Digital: Key Specs and Comparison

On paper, both 2023 PS5 models deliver the same monumental leap over last-gen base PS4s. You‘re getting an eight-core Zen 2 CPU, custom RDNA 2 GPU that can push 4K/120fps visuals, ultra-fast SSD, integrated I/O for lightning quick loading, and advancements like hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

But there are some hardware differences:

Without that disc drive, the Digital Edition shaves off some weight and size. But everything else remains the same top-tier next-gen gaming performance. You just have to download all your games and media digitally.

Average Cost of Ownership

When considering cost, don‘t forget to factor in savings from buying used physical games on standard PS5. Sony first-party titles very rarely get discounted more than 25-30% on PSN sales. But you can regularly find hot new releases like God of War Ragnarok for $20-30 less buying pre-owned discs.

Over years of gaming, those savings substantially reduce the cost gap between models.

PS5 Pro – What Will the Future Hold?

Per Bloomberg, Sony may launch a higher-end PS5 Pro model in late 2023/2024 depending on supply chain conditions. Console hardware refreshes midway through a generation are standard for PlayStation.

Rumored PS5 Pro Specs:

• Higher clocked processors for improved 4K gaming performance
• Support for display resolutions up to 8K
• Ray tracing and graphics enhancements
• Could still lack Dolby Vision HDR unlike Xbox Series X

Backwards compatibility would allow you to play the entire PS5 game library on a PS5 Pro. While not confirmed, a Pro pricing in the $500-600 range at launch seems reasonable.

For die-hard fans wanting to future-proof for the back half of this generation with extra power, the PS5 Pro looks enticing. However, I‘d still expect standard PS5 pricing to come down and supply to keep improving into 2024. So unless you need upgraded display support and performance right away, grabbing the base model might be sufficient for more casual players.

Availability Situation in 2024

While more PlayStation 5 stock is hitting retailers in 2024 than the past two years, buying a PS5 still requires persistence, preparation, and luck compared to easily grabbing a PS4 in 2016.

Here‘s a look at latest PS5 sales and availability stats:

• Over 30 million PS5s sold as of January 2023 per Sony
• Sales still constrained by semiconductor shortages limiting production
• Immediate sell-outs near instantly when inventory drops
• 61% higher resale values for standard editions per StockX data
• Shortages expected to continue through 2023

Follow restock trackers on social media, monitor retailer listings routinely, and checkout fast when inventory hits to secure a PS5. It takes dedication, but landing one at MSRP is doable.

I expect supply to keep climbing back towards normal levels by end of 2023 as Sony ships over 120% more consoles than prior fiscal years. But prices likely won‘t normalize to $499 standard/$399 digital MSRP until 2024. In reality you must still expect market premiums between $550 to $800+ from many retailers.

If buying above MSRP, the standard edition tends to be the better value long-term.

Determining the Right PS5 Edition For Your Needs

With the current state of the PS5 market, making the call between editions depends so much on your budget, gaming habits, and intentions re: physical media.

Digital Edition Makes Sense If You:

• Have reliably high-speed internet without data caps
• Mostly play online multiplayer games
• Want initial upfront cost savings
• Don‘t care about discs for watching movies or Blu-Rays
• Only ever buy games digitally rather than physical copies

Standard Edition is Better If You:

• Have a big PS4 physical game library
• Like buying used game copies to save money
• Enjoy collecting gaming memorabilia
• Want the option of watching or renting Blu-Ray/4K movies
• Have kids who may damage discs requiring replacements

Bottom Line Recommendations

For the flexibility, cost savings, and resale potential down the road, the standard PS5 is the best bet for most gamers. While the PS5 Digital Edition saves that initial $100, you often make that back in savings on used game copies with the disc drive model. Plus with hardware issues or kids in the household, disc damage could happen.

However, committed all-digital users who buy new releases for $59.99+ regularly may still prefer the Digital Edition to pocket that upfront discount.

I suggest considering your gaming habits carefully in regards to discs and digital purchases before deciding. There are great arguments on both sides. Avoid overpaying for hardware bundles or accessories you won‘t use. A PS5 stand or extra controller likely won‘t move the needle much on making this big choice for your next-gen console.

Let me know if this PS5 Buyer‘s Guide helps you decide on picking PS5 standard vs. digital edition in 2024! I‘ll plan to update once PS5 Pro reports from Sony firm up down the road.