PS5 Digital Edition update: Surprise Sony price news from pre-order customers

Sony has given PS5 fans two different choices when it comes to which next-gen console to try and buy.

And try is a good word to use right now, as many PlayStation customers are still struggling to grab a console before launch.

The PS5 pre-order process hasn’t been smooth sailing for fans, who have complained about not being able to purchase a console in time for the November release date.

And new information being shared this week suggests that the differing price between the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition isn’t proving quite as tempting as first thought.

Market research company VGM has revealed a new study that suggests gamers in the United States still prefer disc-based consoles.

According to the information supplied, those gamers who have managed to pre-order a PlayStation 5 console, only 28% per cent went for the Digital Edition.

What makes this more surprising is that the PS5 Digital Edition costs less and fits in with the PlayStation Store.

But from what has come from this most recent study is that the majority of gamers are ready to waiver the reduced price to get what they want.

For those who need a refresher, starting on November 12, PS5 will be available in seven key markets: the U.S., Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. The global rollout will continue on November 19 with launches throughout the rest of the world, including Europe, Middle East, South America, Asia and South Africa.

The PS5 Digital Edition will be available for a recommended retail price (RRP) of $399.99 USD/$499 CAD/¥39,980/€399.99/£359.99 (MSRP).

Meanwhile, the PS5 with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive will be available for an RRP of $499.99 USD/$629 CAD/¥49,980/€499.99/£449.99 (MSRP).

That’s quite a saving margin but it appears that disc gaming is still the dominant choice in the United States.

Shared via GamesIndustry, the VGM study reports: “The study was conducted from September 23 to 25, 2020, using a sample of 511 US-based respondents, representative of the US general gaming population.

“Among them, 15% said they managed to successfully pre-order a next generation console.

“Within this group, 72% went for the disc edition of the PS5, 30% went for the Xbox Series X, 10% for the PS5 digital edition and 8% for the Xbox Series S.”

While fans might continue to struggle to get a console before launch, there’s a good chance that a second wave shortly after is being planned.

As a reminder, the PS4 sold around 18 million units within its first year on sale, and around 7 million units by the end of the fiscal year.

With this in mind, there should be plenty of next-gen PlayStation consoles to go around.

The two different PS5 models use the same processor with integrated CPU and GPU, including 4K graphics and ray-tracing support.

They also share the same high-speed SSD with integrated I/O, 3D audio and DualSense Wireless Controller compatibility.