iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes—if your PS5 has a disc drive and the specific game is supported. A used disc is handled like any other compatible physical disc: insert it, let the console install the game and updates, and keep the disc inserted whenever you play. Imported discs can also run, but country or region rules become important when you claim a PS4-to-PS5 digital upgrade or buy downloadable content. A standard PS5 Digital Edition cannot read physical discs at all.
The safest purchase decision comes down to four checks: your PS5 model and disc hardware, the game’s PS5 compatibility listing, the disc and account country or region for any upgrade, and the disc’s physical condition.
Quick answer by situation
| Situation | Will it work? | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Used PS5 disc on a PS5 with a drive | Usually yes, if the title is supported | Game compatibility, disc condition and a working drive |
| Used PS4 disc on a PS5 with a drive | Usually yes for supported PS4 games | Check whether Sony lists the game as playable or “PS4 only” |
| Physical disc on the standard PS5 Digital Edition | No | That console has no disc reader |
| Imported disc for the original physical game | Often, but not universally | Exact title, release region, console drive and disc condition |
| Imported PS4 disc for a digital PS5 upgrade | Only when Sony’s regional requirement is met | The disc’s country or region must match the account country or region for an eligible upgrade |
| PS1, PS2 or PS3 game disc | No | PS5 does not play those legacy formats from disc |
How used PS4 and PS5 discs work
“Used” describes the sales history, not a special disc format. A pre-owned disc has the same compatibility requirements as a new copy. Sony does not identify previous ownership as a reason for a game to fail. If the title is supported and the console can read the disc, the PS5 treats it as a physical game license.
Installation and the disc requirement
Insert the disc with the label facing the correct direction for your console, select the game tile when it appears, and allow the PS5 to copy the game data. The console may also download patches or additional data. Installation does not turn the disc into a permanent digital license. You must keep the disc inserted every time you play; the disc is the console’s proof that you own or possess that physical copy.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What a used disc does not include
A disc normally carries the base game, not every item that a previous owner may have purchased. Downloadable expansions, season passes, virtual currency and other add-ons are tied to an account or a store entitlement. They do not automatically transfer with a used disc. If an online service or activation code was included with a new copy, assume that a code already redeemed by the original owner cannot be reused.
Condition matters more than the word “used”
Scratches, dust, cracks, damaged labels, poor manufacturing or encoding variation can stop a disc from installing or launching. Sony’s troubleshooting guidance lists media condition and read errors among possible causes. There is no official Sony failure-rate percentage for used discs, so a seller’s “used” label cannot tell you the probability of success.
Can an imported disc play on PS5?
Importing is not an automatic yes or no. An imported copy may play the original physical game on a PS5 with a drive, but services around that game can follow different regional rules. Before paying, identify the exact release, not merely the game’s English title.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Original physical gameplay
For a supported PS4 or PS5 title, the console can generally install and launch the imported disc in the same way as a domestic disc. Compatibility remains title-specific, and a disc that is damaged or from an unsupported format will fail regardless of its country of sale.
PS4-to-PS5 digital upgrades
Sony’s upgrade instructions require an eligible PS4 disc to be for the same country or region as your account. An imported disc can therefore be playable as a PS4 game while being ineligible for the digital PS5 upgrade offered through the store. Check your account country or region and the disc’s release region before assuming an upgrade will appear.
Downloadable content and store matching
Store add-ons are also a regional risk. An account may be unable to purchase or use downloadable content made for a different regional release of the disc. The safest approach is to match the disc’s release region, your PlayStation account region and the store where you intend to buy expansions. Sony does not publish a universal promise that every game, add-on and upgrade works across regions.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Are PS5 games region locked?
“Region locked” is too broad to be a reliable buying rule. Sony’s public guidance specifies supported disc formats and gives explicit country or region conditions for certain upgrades, but it does not promise that every imported game, DLC package or service entitlement will work everywhere. Use the more precise wording: physical-disc play is title- and service-dependent.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Three separate questions to ask
- Can the console read the disc? You need an integrated or compatible add-on drive.
- Can the game run on PS5? Sony lists supported PS4 titles and identifies some as “PS4 only.”
- Can your account use the connected services? Upgrades, DLC and store purchases may require a matching country or region.
A disc can pass the first two tests and still fail the third. That is why a seller’s claim that an import is “region free” is not enough evidence for an upgrade or add-on purchase.
Which PS5 models can read discs?
| PS5 hardware | Physical game discs | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 with an integrated disc drive | Yes | Simplest option for used or imported physical games |
| Original PS5 Digital Edition, CFI-1000 group | No | No disc-based games or disc media can be read |
| Compatible newer Digital Edition, CFI-2000 or CFI-7000 models | Yes, after adding the separately sold CFI-ZDD1-series drive | Verify the exact CFI model before buying the accessory |
Do not infer compatibility from appearance alone. Check the model number printed on the console packaging or chassis. The CFI-ZDD1-series drive is not a universal adapter for every Digital Edition; Sony identifies compatible CFI-2000 and CFI-7000 models. If you regularly buy physical games, a PS5 sold with an integrated drive avoids this model-checking step.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Which generations of discs work?
| Disc type | PS5 result | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 game disc | Yes on a PS5 with a drive | Keep the disc inserted to play |
| PS4 game disc | Generally yes on a PS5 with a drive | Check Sony’s compatibility information; some titles are marked “PS4 only” |
| PS3 game disc | No | PS3-format software cannot be played from disc on PS5 |
| PS2 game disc | No | PS2-format software cannot be played from disc on PS5 |
| PS1 game disc | No | PlayStation-format software cannot be played from disc on PS5 |
Backward compatibility is a game-by-game determination for PS4 software. Look up the exact title before buying, especially for older releases, specialist editions and games that depend on discontinued online services.
How to check a used or imported disc before buying
- Identify your hardware. Confirm that your PS5 has an integrated drive, or verify that your CFI-2000 or CFI-7000 Digital Edition supports the CFI-ZDD1-series drive.
- Find the exact game listing. Check Sony’s PS5 backward-compatibility information and note whether the title is playable, requires a PS4 version, or is marked “PS4 only.”
- Record the disc’s release region. Ask the seller for the package’s country, rating label or product code. “Imported” alone does not tell you which regional release it is.
- Compare your account region. For an eligible PS4-to-PS5 digital upgrade, Sony requires the disc country or region to match the account country or region.
- Inspect the media. Ask about deep scratches, cracks, peeling labels and previous read errors. A disc with a damaged label or visible crack is a poor risk even when the title is compatible.
- Clarify what is included. Confirm whether the listing is disc-only and whether any expansion or activation code has already been used.
- Confirm the return policy. A return option is valuable because compatibility and media-read problems may only become apparent during installation.
How to install and play the disc
- Turn on the PS5 and sign in to the account you intend to use.
- Insert the game disc into the drive. The game tile should appear on the home screen.
- Select the tile and wait while the console copies the required data. Keep the console connected to the internet if you want available patches.
- Install updates when prompted. An update can improve compatibility but does not remove the requirement to own and insert the physical disc.
- Start the game after installation. Leave the same disc in the drive whenever you launch or resume play.
- If the disc is an eligible PS4 copy and you want a digital PS5 version, check the upgrade option only after confirming the account and disc regions match.
What to do when a disc will not install or start
The PS5 does not recognize the disc
- Eject the disc and inspect both sides for dust, fingerprints, deep scratches or cracks.
- Clean it gently with a soft, lint-free cloth, wiping from the center toward the edge rather than in a circular motion.
- Restart the console and test another known-good disc. If several discs fail, the drive or console may need service.
- Check that the disc is inserted in the correct orientation for your PS5’s horizontal or vertical position.
The game installs but will not launch
- Confirm that the title is on Sony’s PS5 compatibility list and is not a disc format the PS5 cannot play.
- Install the latest available system and game updates.
- Remove and reinstall the game if the copied data is incomplete or corrupted.
- Test the disc in another compatible console, if available. A failure that follows the disc points toward media damage; a failure limited to one console points toward the drive or system.
The upgrade or DLC option is missing
First check the account country or region against the disc’s release country or region. A playable imported disc can still be ineligible for a digital upgrade. For DLC, use the store associated with the game’s release region; a different-region add-on may not match the installed disc. If the offer is not listed for that edition, do not assume that reinstalling will create an entitlement Sony does not provide.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteUsed disc versus digital purchase
A used disc can reduce the purchase price and can be resold, but it requires a disc-equipped console, physical storage and the disc inserted for every session. A digital purchase avoids media wear and drive requirements, yet it is tied to the purchasing account and store region and cannot be resold as a disc. Imported physical copies add another decision: the original game may work while upgrades or add-ons do not.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
For a buyer focused on second-hand or imported games, the practical choice is a PS5 with an integrated drive or a confirmed compatible newer Digital Edition plus the CFI-ZDD1-series drive. For a buyer who only downloads games, a Digital Edition avoids paying for hardware that will not be used.
Bottom line for buyers
A PS5 with a working disc drive can generally play compatible used PS4 and PS5 discs, including many imported copies. Used status itself is not the blocker. The important exceptions are hardware without a drive, unsupported titles and older PS1, PS2 or PS3 discs. Imported games require extra caution: physical gameplay may work, but Sony’s PS4-to-PS5 upgrade rule requires the disc country or region to match your account, and store add-ons can have their own regional entitlements. Check the model, title, region and disc condition before you buy.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
