Can the PS5 Play Audio CDs?

The PlayStation 5 boasts a myriad of features aimed at enhancing the gaming experience and making you lose your mind while playing Call of Dity. However, when it comes to playing audio CDs, the PS5 stands in contrast to its predecessors and many other modern gaming consoles, including the Xbox Series X.

The PlayStation 5 does not support audio CD playback. This decision marks a significant shift from earlier console generations, which often included support for various physical media formats, including CDs.

The omission of audio CD support in the PS5 could be attributed to the changing landscape of how consumers access and consume music. With the rise of digital streaming services and downloadable content, the necessity for physical media support in gaming consoles has decreased a little over the years. Fans now have instant access to vast libraries of music online, rendering the physical CD less relevant for many. The Spotify app on PlayStation is pretty popular for a good reason.

Sony has instead focused on enhancing the PS5’s capabilities in other areas, such as supporting ultra-high-speed SSDs for faster game loading, advanced 3D audio for an immersive sound experience, and support for 4K (and even 8K) resolutions for gaming and streaming content. For gamers seeking to play music through their PS5, the console offers support for streaming services and digital downloads, providing a modern solution to music playback.

However, don’t forget that the PS5 does still offer support for using a USB drive to play FLAC, MP3, and AAC files. Just plug it into your PS5’s front USB port and then select Music.

Check out the video tutorial below.

While some enthusiasts may lament the absence of audio CD support in the PS5, it reflects a broader trend towards digital and streaming media. Luckily, we still have four prior generations of PlayStation to listen to our Crazytown albums on.

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