No. A PS5 disc game requires its game disc to remain inserted while you play, even after the game has been installed. Installation copies game data to the console; it does not replace the disc’s role in authorizing play. To play without that disc, you need a separate digital license for the game.
Why the disc must stay in the PS5
Sony’s disc-game instructions say to leave the game disc inserted each time you play. The console installs data from the disc, but the physical copy remains necessary for play authorization. Removing it means you cannot launch that disc-licensed game.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Ghost of Yōtei PS5 | $53.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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NBA 2K26 - PlayStation 5 | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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EA SPORTS College Football 27 - Standard Edition PS5 |Disc I VideoGame | $49.94 | 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 |
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Ways to play without using that physical disc
Buy or use a digital version
A digital copy is the direct disc-free option. You need a digital license for the game, typically through a PlayStation Store purchase or an existing digital entitlement; owning the physical disc does not automatically grant a digital copy. The game must also be available digitally for your account and region. Sony explains the distinction between downloaded games and disc play in its PlayStation Store support information.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Check whether the PS4 game has a PS5 upgrade
Some eligible PS4 disc games offer a digital PS5 upgrade. Eligibility, price, and other conditions depend on the title. Crucially, Sony says the original PS4 disc must still be inserted whenever you play the upgraded digital PS5 game, so an upgrade does not let you put the disc away. See Sony’s PS4 game upgrade instructions for the process and conditions.
#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.
Which option fits your situation?
| Option | What you need | Must the game disc stay inserted? |
|---|---|---|
| Play your physical copy | A PS5 model with a compatible disc drive and the game disc | Yes, throughout play. Sony’s disc-game instructions specify this. |
| Play a digital copy | A digital license for the game and digital availability | No physical game disc is needed. Sony’s support information distinguishes downloaded games from disc play. |
| Use an eligible PS4-to-PS5 upgrade | An eligible title and its upgrade conditions | Yes, the original PS4 disc is still required. See Sony’s upgrade guidance. |
| Add Sony’s detachable Disc Drive | A compatible PS5 Digital Edition or PS5 Pro model, plus the drive | Yes, when playing a disc game. The drive enables disc use; it does not replace the disc license. |
Does a detachable PS5 Disc Drive solve the problem?
No. Sony’s detachable drive is for supported PS5 Digital Edition and PS5 Pro consoles that do not have a built-in drive. It lets those consoles read supported game and movie discs, but the game disc must still be inserted during play. Check Sony’s Disc Drive setup and compatibility guide and Disc Drive product page before buying.
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
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.
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.
Check compatibility and setup first
- Sony identifies the CFI-2000 and CFI-7000 model groups as compatible in its setup guide. Check the model number on your console and confirm compatibility before purchase.
- An internet connection is required to pair the detachable drive with the console during setup.
- The drive provides disc-reading hardware; it does not convert a physical game into a digital license or change the disc requirement.
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.
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