Sony has released a new firmware update for the PS5, and while the headline features include Discord integration and other improvements, one more minor change has gone under the radar. The change relates to how installed games are handled, making digital and physical games more unified.
The new update allows users to play the downloaded version of a game by inserting the disc version without having to install it. If another user on your PS5 has purchased a digital game, you can play it on your profile by inserting the disc version of the same game without any further installation.
On the other hand, if you have already installed a game on your PS5 using a disc, you can now play the downloaded version of the same game without needing to insert the disc into your console. This also applies to games obtained through PS Plus subscriptions.
This small change makes things more convenient for gamers. For example, it allows players to play their disc games without using the discs themselves. Furthermore, players can sell physical copies of games without losing access. While there may be added costs associated with this added convenience in some cases, it can render physical collections obsolete for many gamers, given the vast array of games available on PS Plus Extra.
In summary, the PS5 firmware update may not have received much attention for its small change, but it has undoubtedly made life easier for gamers who own a mix of physical and digital games. It is just another example of how console manufacturers continue improving their products to provide better user experiences.