Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →No. A PS5 disc game requires its disc in the console whenever you play, even after installation. To play without inserting that disc, you need a separate digital license for the game; owning the physical copy does not automatically include one.
Why the disc has to stay in your PS5
Installing a disc game copies game data to the console, but it does not replace the disc as the authorization to play. Sony’s disc-game instructions say to keep the game disc inserted each time you play.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Ghost of Yōtei PS5 | $53.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
NBA 2K26 - PlayStation 5 | $15.79 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
EA SPORTS College Football 27 - Standard Edition PS5 |Disc I VideoGame | $42.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER TACTICAL ED – PS5 | $37.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2 – PS5 Standard Edition | $44.75 | Buy on Amazon |
There is no console setting or installation step that converts the physical license into a disc-free one. Removing the disc means the game will not launch as a disc-licensed game.
Ways to play without using that physical disc
Buy or use a digital version
A digital copy is the straightforward disc-free option: you need a digital license for the game, for example by buying its PlayStation Store version if it is available. Sony distinguishes downloaded digital games from games played from discs in its digital game support guidance. A physical purchase does not automatically entitle you to download or play the digital edition.
#1 Best Overall
- Stunning graphics and gameplay, explore the wild and striking lands around Mount Yotei on foot or horseback. Travel picturesque parts of northern Japan through grasslands, snowy ridges, fields of wildflowers, and more.
- Discover renegade combat, engage in lawless katana combat and battles with adversaires. Train with various sensei as you find and learn to use each new weapon.
- An unconventional story and journey, take in the cultural beauty of Japan, bathe in an onsen, visit shrines to pray, try Sumi-e painting, and so much more.
- Choose your weapon, battle Atsu's opponents as you see fit, with levelled-up dual katanas, odachi, kusarigama and other new weapons.
Check whether the PS4 disc has a PS5 upgrade
Some eligible PS4 games offer a digital PS5 upgrade. Availability, price, and conditions depend on the game. The upgrade does not make the PS4 disc optional: Sony says the original disc must be inserted every time you play the upgraded digital PS5 version. See Sony’s PS4-to-PS5 upgrade instructions for the process and title-specific conditions.
What a detachable PS5 disc drive does—and does not do
Sony’s detachable drive lets compatible disc-free PS5 models use physical discs. It is an option if your console lacks a drive and you want to play physical games, but it does not remove the requirement to keep the game disc inserted during play.
Rank #2
- POWERED BY ProPLAY: Dominate every possession with immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into realistic gameplay. Feel more connected to every dribble and crossover with revamped size-ups and experience fast-paced, dynamic movement with all-new ProPLAY features.
- SQUAD UP IN THE CITY: Build a transcendent MyPLAYER and climb the competitive ranks to reach the pinnacle of NBA stardom in an all-new MyCAREER journey. Team up with friends in a stunning, streamlined City, earn recognition and increase your REP, and battle rival squads for Park supremacy.
- UNITE STARS IN MyTEAM: Collect and compete with past and present legends of the game in MyTEAM. Assemble a star-studded roster, put your dream team to the test in new single-player and multiplayer modes, and acquire new cards to make your MyTEAM fantasy a reality.
- YOUR TEAM, YOUR STORY: Lead an NBA franchise as a General Manager in MyNBA. Choose from all 30 teams, experience 30 unique MyGM storylines with real-world inspiration, and chase the ultimate goal: to win a championship. Influence the future of the sport and leave an indelible mark on the league.
The drive is compatible with PS5 consoles in the CFI-2000 and CFI-7000 model groups, according to Sony’s setup guide. Sony requires an internet connection to pair the drive with the console during setup. Check your console’s model number and Sony’s current compatibility details before buying. Sony’s Disc Drive product page describes supported console types and disc playback, including supported PS4 titles on Blu-ray Disc.
Choose the option that matches your goal
| Option | What you need | Must the game disc stay inserted? |
|---|---|---|
| Keep playing the physical copy | A PS5 with a compatible disc drive and the game disc | Yes |
| Play a digital copy | A digital license and a digital version available for your account | No |
| Use an eligible PS4-to-PS5 upgrade | An eligible PS4 game and its disc; upgrade conditions and price vary by title | Yes, the PS4 disc remains required |
| Add Sony’s detachable drive | A compatible CFI-2000/7000 console; an internet connection for pairing during setup | Yes, when playing a disc-licensed game |
Common questions, answered
Can I remove the disc after the game finishes installing?
No. Installation does not change how the physical copy is licensed. The disc is still required every time you play.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 (disc) includes the full EA SPORTS College Football 27 game.
- DYNASTY BLUEPRINT – Control your program’s future with recruiting, NIL, staff, facilities, and Athletic Director Expectations..
- ROAD TO GLORY – Build your player, explore new positions, earn NIL deals, chase the Heisman, and raise your Legacy Score.
- MASCOT MASHUP – Play as your favorite mascot, collect 120+ icons, and compete in wild 11-on-11 matchups full of school spirit.
Can I convert my PS5 disc game to digital?
Not through installation or a console setting. You need a separate digital license, unless the specific game offers a PS4-to-PS5 upgrade; that upgrade still requires the PS4 disc during play.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, return for an exciting new adventure in the critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise. Swing, jump, and utilize the new Web Wings to travel across Marvel’s New York, quickly switching between Peter Parker and Miles Morales to experience different stories and epic new powers, as the iconic villain Venom threatens to destroy their lives, their city, and the ones they love.
- An evolution of the Spider-Man story: The incredible power of the symbiote forces Peter and Miles to face the ultimate test of strength, both inside and outside the mask, as they balance their lives, friendships, and their duty to protect those in need.
- Experience two playable Spider-Men: Quickly swap between both Spider-Men as you explore an expanded Marvel’s New York. Experience Peter’s new symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric venom powers, and discover upgradeable, high-tech equipment that enhances the combat experience for extensive gameplay depth and variety.
- Battle iconic Marvel Super Villains: Fight against a variety of new and iconic villains, including an original take on the monstrous Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and many more!
Rank #4
- The story, characters, voice acting, gameplay, and music that made the original a sensation return, remade for modern consoles
- This evolutionary leap breathes new life into every cutscene, and rebuilds every corner of the world
- Incredible new graphics bring the wild growth of the jungles, forests, and swamps to life in exquisite detail
- Characters are rendered in fine detail so that facial wrinkles, pores, & separate eye & iris movements are visible, allowing for rich animations
- Any injuries to his actual body will leave their mark permanently, telling a story of each player's unique journey
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.
