PS5 update quietly copies Xbox Series X's best feature

A recent PlayStation 5 update quietly copies one of the Xbox Series X’s best features.

Earlier this month, a major PS5 update finally added Discord integration. In the age of cross-play, Discord has been a long-requested feature by those that play on PlayStation 5, so that they can connect with ease to those on PC, Xbox and Nintendo.

What’s more, the update also increased the console’s VRR capability for compatible TVs to 1440p resolution. Another improvement was also made to the DualSense controller now able to update wirelessly without the USB-C cable.

However, one particular feature that has slipped under the radar is considered to be one of the best features of the Xbox Series X. As reported by Comicbook.com (via Wario64), PS5 players can now play a digital game if the disc version is already installed on the console.

apparently in the new PS5 firmware update, if you have a game installed via disc and you decide to get the digital version (or on PS+), you can use that same disc installation to play the digital copy without inserting the disc

— Wario64 (@Wario64) March 8, 2023

Previously on PS5 as well as PS4, let’s say you bought a physical copy of a game. You would of course have to download the install on the console to play the game. At a late date, you decide to buy the digital version as it’s on sale.

You then go to play your new digital purchase, but the game won’t boot up. Annoying, we know. This means that you’d have to delete the disc install and then re-install the digital version. Which can be a pan in the backside if you have a poor internet connection.

Now, thanks to the recent PS5 update, that’s no longer necessary. If you already have the disc installed on the hard drive, if you later purchase the digital version it will boot up all the same. Furthermore, a PS Plus version of a game will also boot up from a disc install.

This is a feature that has been available on Xbox for a while now, especially during the ‘Smart Delivery’ era on the Xbox Series X|S. Sure, this minor improvement isn't a deal breaker, but at least it’s one less minor inconvenience to annoy us.