Guide Are PS5 Digital Games Cheaper? Facts 2026

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Are you wondering if those digital PS5 games truly lighten your wallet more than their physical counterparts? In 2026, the landscape of gaming purchases has evolved significantly, making this question more relevant than ever. Gamers are constantly seeking the best value, weighing convenience against potential savings. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the economics of PS5 digital titles versus disc versions, exploring factors like PlayStation Store sales, PS Plus Extra and Premium subscriptions, regional pricing variations, and the absence of a resale market for digital content. We'll uncover whether going all-digital actually translates to cheaper gaming in the long run. Discover crucial tips and tricks to maximize your savings, understand market trends, and make informed purchasing decisions for your PS5. Whether you own a Digital Edition console or a standard model, this information will empower you to game smarter and potentially save a considerable amount of money on your next big title or indie gem. Navigate the complex world of PS5 game pricing with confidence and strategic insight, ensuring you get the most entertainment for your budget.

are ps5 digital games cheaper FAQ 2026 - 50+ Most Asked Questions Answered (Tips, Trick, Guide, How to, Bugs, Builds, Endgame)

Welcome, fellow gamers, to the ultimate living FAQ for 2026, meticulously updated to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of PS5 game pricing! This guide is your definitive resource for understanding if going digital genuinely saves you money. We're diving deep into every nook and cranny of the "are PS5 digital games cheaper" debate, providing transparent answers, shrewd tips, and clever tricks. From beginner questions to advanced market insights, consider this your essential toolkit. We've compiled over 50 of the most asked questions, separating myth from reality, ensuring you're armed with the latest patch information to make the smartest purchasing decisions. Get ready to optimize your gaming budget and maximize your play!

Beginner Questions & Core Concepts

What is the primary difference between digital and physical PS5 games?

The primary difference lies in ownership and access. Digital games are downloaded and tied to your account, offering convenience. Physical games come on a disc, allowing for resale and borrowing, but require the disc drive.

Do new PS5 digital games launch at a lower price than physical versions?

Rarely. New PS5 digital titles typically launch at the same full retail price as their physical counterparts. Price drops usually occur later during sales events.

Are there any download limits for digital games I own?

No, once you own a digital game, you can download it as many times as you like onto your PS5 consoles. There are no limits on re-downloading purchased content.

Can I play digital games offline on my PS5?

Yes, after downloading and installing a digital game, you can typically play it offline. However, initial setup and some game features may require an internet connection.

Sales, Discounts & Smart Buying Tactics

How often does the PlayStation Store have major sales events?

The PlayStation Store hosts major sales frequently, typically every few months for seasonal events like Spring, Summer, Black Friday, and Holiday sales, with smaller promotions weekly. Tip: Create a wishlist to get sale notifications!

What types of digital discounts can I expect on the PlayStation Store?

You can expect percentage-based discounts, bundles, "Deal of the Week" promotions, and publisher sales. Discounts can range from 10% to 80% or even more on older titles. Trick: Always check bundle prices; they might be cheaper than buying individual items.

Can I use gift cards to buy cheaper digital PS5 games?

Yes, buying discounted PlayStation Store gift cards from retailers is a smart trick. If you buy a $100 gift card for $85, you effectively get 15% off any digital game or content. Guide: Look for these sales around major shopping holidays.

Are pre-order digital games ever cheaper?

Pre-ordering digital games rarely makes them cheaper in terms of price. However, pre-orders often come with exclusive in-game bonuses or early access periods, which can add value for some players.

Myth vs Reality: Digital games are always cheaper than physical on release day.

Reality: This is a common myth. On release day, digital games almost always match the full retail price of physical discs. The savings come much later during sales.

Subscription Services & Value

Does PS Plus Essential offer cheaper digital games?

PS Plus Essential provides monthly free games (which you keep as long as you're subscribed) and exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store. While not a game library like Extra, the discounts can lead to cheaper purchases.

How many games are available with PS Plus Extra/Premium in 2026?

In 2026, PS Plus Extra and Premium offer hundreds of games, constantly rotating and expanding. The catalog includes a mix of PS5 and PS4 titles, with new additions regularly. Tip: Check the catalog often for new releases.

Is it worth subscribing to PS Plus Extra for game savings?

If you play a variety of games and enjoy trying new titles without committing to a full purchase, PS Plus Extra offers significant savings. The vast library can replace many individual game purchases.

Can cloud streaming via PS Plus Premium make games cheaper?

Cloud streaming on PS Plus Premium offers access to games without needing to download them or even own them. While it's a subscription cost, it eliminates individual purchase prices for streamed titles, making access cheaper.

Myth vs Reality

Myth vs Reality: Digital games are immune to regional price variations.

Reality: Digital game prices are heavily influenced by regional pricing. A game can cost more or less depending on the country's PlayStation Store due to local market conditions and currency exchange rates.

Myth vs Reality: Digital games contribute to a smaller carbon footprint.

Reality: While digital games eliminate physical production and shipping, the energy consumption for data centers, downloads, and server maintenance is significant. The environmental impact is complex and not definitively smaller.

Myth vs Reality: Owning a PS5 Digital Edition means I automatically save money on all games.

Reality: Not necessarily. While the console is cheaper upfront, you lose the ability to buy used discs or find physical sales at non-PlayStation Store retailers. Savings depend entirely on your savvy with PlayStation Store deals.

Myth vs Reality: Digital games are forever and will never disappear from my library.

Reality: While highly unlikely for major titles, games can be delisted if licensing expires or a publisher goes out of business. Once downloaded, you typically retain access, but future downloads might be affected. This is rare but possible.

Myth vs Reality: All digital games eventually become free on PS Plus.

Reality: While many popular titles eventually join PS Plus Extra/Premium, it's not guaranteed for every game. Major first-party titles might take a long time, and some never join. It's a selective curated library.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake: Buying digital games at full price without checking for sales.

Fix: Always check the PlayStation Store's "Deals" section and use the wishlist feature. Patience is your greatest asset for saving money on digital titles. Trick: External sites like DekuDeals or PS Deals also track prices.

Mistake: Not considering the total value of PS Plus Extra/Premium.

Fix: Calculate how many games you'd typically buy in a year versus the subscription cost. If you play several games from the catalog, the subscription offers immense value. Guide: Use the trial periods to gauge if it's right for you.

Mistake: Forgetting about the lack of resale value for digital games.

Fix: Factor this into your purchasing decision. If you frequently sell games after completion, the upfront digital savings might be offset by the inability to recoup funds later. This is a critical build choice for your gaming library strategy.

Mistake: Ignoring regional pricing differences or gift card deals.

Fix: Be aware that prices can vary. If legally possible and convenient, consider gift card purchases. Trick: Stay informed about global sales, though cross-region purchases can be complicated. This optimizes your cash flow.

Advanced Strategies & Future Outlook

How do publisher-specific digital events affect pricing strategy?

Publishers often run their own digital sales events, separate from Sony's major sales. These can offer unique bundles or deeper discounts on their entire catalog, providing specific opportunities for savings. Tip: Follow your favorite publishers on social media.

Will blockchain or NFT gaming impact PS5 digital game costs in the future?

While experimental, if blockchain or NFT-based game ownership becomes mainstream (unlikely on PS5 by 2026), it could introduce a secondary market for digital assets, potentially offering resale value. However, current console ecosystems resist this model for control reasons.

How can I track historical digital game prices on PS5?

Websites like PS Deals or DekuDeals provide historical price data for digital games on the PlayStation Store. This allows you to see typical sale prices and judge if a current deal is genuinely good. Guide: Use this data for informed purchasing decisions.

What are the implications of digital-only consoles for consumer choice?

Digital-only consoles like the PS5 Digital Edition limit consumer choice to a single storefront. While convenient, it removes competition from physical retailers and the used market, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing overall. This impacts consumer builds for their library.

How is the rise of F2P (Free-to-Play) games impacting digital game economics?

The proliferation of F2P games (e.g., Fortnite, Apex Legends) means many players spend their gaming budget on in-game cosmetics or battle passes rather than full game purchases. This shifts market focus and can make traditionally priced digital games seem less appealing by comparison.

Still have questions about PS5 digital game pricing? Dive deeper into our guides on "PS5 Game Deals How-To" or "Maximizing PS Plus Value" to further refine your strategy!

Ever found yourself staring at the PlayStation Store, wallet in hand, wondering: "Are PS5 digital games actually cheaper than physical discs?" It's a question that's been burning in the minds of gamers since the PS5 first graced our living rooms. The allure of instant downloads and a sleek, disc-drive-free console is strong. But does that digital convenience truly translate into savings? Let's peel back the layers of this mystery, diving into the pricing strategies, sales cycles, and hidden costs that define the 2026 gaming landscape.

Back in the day, physical games often dropped in price faster. You could snag a used copy or trade in old titles for credit. This established a strong secondary market. However, the digital frontier has changed everything for us. Publishers now have direct control over pricing, sales, and distribution. This direct-to-consumer model impacts how and when we see those sweet deals. We need to understand this new economic reality.

The Great Digital Divide: PS5 Game Pricing Unpacked

The PS5 comes in two flavors: the standard model with a disc drive and the sleek Digital Edition. This choice alone sets the stage for your purchasing habits. While the Digital Edition is often cheaper upfront, its true cost is tied to game acquisition. You are locked into the PlayStation Store ecosystem for all your game purchases. This fundamentally alters how you approach value. You might not always find the cheapest options.

Understanding PlayStation Store Sales in 2026

Sony's PlayStation Store is a bustling marketplace, constantly refreshed with new deals and discounts. These sales are undeniably the primary driver for cheaper digital games. We're talking massive seasonal events, flash sales, and publisher-specific promotions. During these periods, digital titles can be significantly cheaper than their physical counterparts, sometimes by a substantial margin. Timing your purchases wisely is key to securing these savings. It really pays to be patient sometimes.

Subscription services, particularly PS Plus Extra and Premium, also play a huge role. These tiers offer extensive game catalogs accessible for a monthly or annual fee. Many new releases, or slightly older blockbuster titles, arrive day-and-date on these services. This can dramatically reduce the need for individual game purchases. Consider the value proposition these subscriptions offer. You are essentially renting a massive library.

The Reality of Physical vs. Digital Economics

While digital sales are frequent, physical games still have some unique advantages. The ability to buy, sell, and trade physical discs creates a dynamic market. Pre-owned game prices can drop steeply shortly after launch. This offers a different avenue for savings that digital consumers simply don't have. Furthermore, disc-based games are sometimes available at big box retailers or online stores with competitive pricing that can undercut the PlayStation Store, even outside of major sales. Always compare prices before committing.

No Resale Value: The Digital Downside

Here's the rub for digital purists: digital games have zero resale value. Once you buy it, it's yours forever, but you can't sell it back or trade it in. For gamers who frequently clear out their backlog to fund new purchases, this is a significant consideration. Physical collectors also enjoy owning a tangible product. They can display their library or lend games to friends, which is a big part of the gaming culture for many.

Tips for Maximizing Your PS5 Game Savings in 2026

Wishlist and Wait: Add desired digital games to your PlayStation Store wishlist. You'll receive notifications when they go on sale. Patience is often rewarded with deep discounts.
Track Prices: Use third-party price tracking websites or browser extensions. These tools compare prices across digital stores and physical retailers. This ensures you always find the absolute best deal.
Leverage PS Plus: Evaluate the PS Plus Extra or Premium tiers. If you play many games from their extensive catalog, the subscription cost easily outweighs individual purchases. It's a great value for exploration.
Gift Cards: Look for discounted PlayStation Store gift cards. Retailers often sell these at a percentage off face value, offering instant savings on any digital purchase. This is a simple trick for immediate savings.
Regional Pricing: Be aware that game prices can vary by region. While not always practical for everyday use, understanding global pricing trends can offer insights into future sales. It's a fascinating aspect of market dynamics.

Ultimately, whether PS5 digital games are cheaper depends heavily on your purchasing habits and patience. The 2026 market offers opportunities for savings on both fronts. By staying informed and strategic, you can certainly enjoy your gaming without breaking the bank. Happy gaming, everyone!

Alright, team, let's dive into this "are PS5 digital games cheaper" conundrum. I get why this confuses so many people – it feels like it should be straightforward, but the gaming economy is a wild beast! You're probably wrestling with the age-old question of disc versus download, and trust me, you're not alone. I've been helping folks navigate these digital waters for years, and while the tech changes, some core principles stay the same. Let's break down some common questions, from the basics to the nitty-gritty, just like we'd dissect a complex AI model architecture. You've got this!

Beginner / Core Concepts

1. Q: Is the PS5 Digital Edition console cheaper than the standard PS5 console with a disc drive?

A: Yes, absolutely! The PS5 Digital Edition is typically sold at a lower upfront price than the standard PS5 with a disc drive. That's actually its main selling point for many folks. Think of it like this: manufacturing a disc drive adds to the hardware cost, so removing it allows Sony to offer a console at a more budget-friendly entry point. However, that initial saving does come with a trade-off. You're then exclusively reliant on the PlayStation Store for all your games, which means you won't be able to buy used physical copies or borrow discs from friends. It’s a classic decision point: save now on hardware or potentially save later on games with more purchasing flexibility. You're making a strategic choice right from the start! Keep that in mind as we go.

2. Q: Do digital PS5 games always cost less than physical disc versions?

A: Short answer: no, not always. This one used to trip me up too, and it's a common misconception. At launch, new digital games usually match the full retail price of their physical counterparts. Where digital games do shine for savings is during those massive PlayStation Store sales – we're talking Black Friday, holiday sales, mid-year events, and publisher promotions. During these periods, you can often snag digital titles at deep discounts that physical copies might not hit immediately, if at all. The key here is patience and strategic timing; you often need to wait for a sale. Conversely, physical games can sometimes be found cheaper at retailers like Amazon or Best Buy, especially after a few months, or through the used game market. So, it's a dance between patience, sales cycles, and where you're looking. You'll master this price tracking in no time!

3. Q: Can I sell or trade digital PS5 games like physical ones?

A: Unfortunately, no, you can't sell or trade digital PS5 games. This is a fundamental difference and a big consideration for many gamers. Once you purchase a digital game from the PlayStation Store, it's permanently tied to your account. Think of it as a license to play, not ownership of a physical good you can transfer. This contrasts sharply with physical discs, which have a tangible secondary market where you can trade them in for store credit or sell them privately. For some players, the potential to recoup some of their investment by selling completed games is a huge factor. For digital-only players, you simply won't have that option. It's a trade-off for the convenience of not managing discs. You're weighing convenience against potential financial recoupment. Knowing this upfront helps immensely with your purchasing strategy!

4. Q: What are the main benefits of buying PS5 digital games?

A: The main benefits are all about convenience and accessibility, my friend! First off, instant gratification: you can buy and download a game right from your couch, no need to visit a store or wait for shipping. Secondly, no disc clutter: your game library is all neatly stored digitally, meaning no stacks of cases taking up space. Thirdly, portability: your entire digital library is accessible on any PS5 you log into, which is super handy if you have multiple consoles or visit friends frequently. Finally, digital sales can often be incredibly aggressive, offering prices that physical retailers might not match. It truly streamlines the gaming experience, letting you jump right into the action. It's about reducing friction between you and your next adventure. You'll definitely appreciate the seamless experience once you get used to it!

Intermediate / Practical & Production

5. Q: How do PlayStation Plus subscriptions impact the cost of digital PS5 games?

A: Ah, PS Plus – this is where things get really interesting for digital game costs! PS Plus subscriptions, especially the Extra and Premium tiers, can dramatically reduce your need to buy individual digital games. Think of these tiers as Netflix for games, offering a huge library you can access as long as your subscription is active. Many current-gen PS5 titles, and a vast array of PS4 gems, are included. In 2026, we're seeing more day-and-date launches into these services for certain titles, meaning you can play new games without buying them outright. While the subscription itself has a cost, the value you get from the included games often far exceeds what you'd pay buying them individually. It's a strategic shift from ownership to access. For a serious gamer, it's almost a must-have for exploring new titles without commitment. You're effectively diversifying your gaming portfolio with a single investment!

6. Q: Are digital game prices affected by regional pricing differences on the PlayStation Store?

A: Absolutely, regional pricing is a huge factor, and it's something many players overlook! Game prices on the PlayStation Store are set independently for different regions (e.g., US, EU, Japan, Australia). This means a game that costs $60 USD might be equivalent to 60 EUR in Europe, which, due to exchange rates, is often a higher price. Even within continents, economic factors and local market conditions influence pricing. Sometimes, you'll see a fantastic sale in one region that isn't mirrored in another. This also extends to the base price of games. Some countries, unfortunately, end up paying significantly more for the same digital title due to these regional adjustments and currency conversions. It's a complex global economic model at play. Always keep an eye on currency fluctuations if you're thinking globally. You're effectively dealing with multiple micro-economies!

7. Q: Does the PS5 Digital Edition have any unique software or features that make games cheaper?

A: No, the PS5 Digital Edition doesn't have any unique software or features that inherently make its games cheaper than those on the standard console. Both versions run the exact same PlayStation 5 operating system and play the same digital games. The only hardware difference is the lack of a disc drive. The "cheaper" aspect for Digital Edition owners comes purely from the absence of the physical disc market. You're reliant on PlayStation Store sales, which are universally available to both console types. The Digital Edition simply forces you into a digital-only purchasing habit. This means you miss out on potential physical game deals from other retailers or the used market. It's an important distinction: the console itself doesn't offer game-saving tech, it just dictates your purchasing avenues. Don't confuse the hardware cost with game savings directly. You're managing your supply chain effectively!

8. Q: How often does the PlayStation Store have sales on digital PS5 games?

A: The PlayStation Store is a pretty busy place when it comes to sales, my friend! You'll find sales happening almost constantly, though the scale and quality of those sales vary. We're talking major seasonal events like Spring Sale, Summer Sale, Black Friday, Holiday Sale, and January Sale, which offer the deepest and broadest discounts. In between these big ones, Sony frequently runs smaller publisher sales, genre sales, or "Deal of the Week" promotions. You can usually expect a new batch of discounts to drop every week or two. In 2026, the cadence is well-established, making it a reliable source for deals. The trick is to wishlist the games you want and wait for them to hit your desired price point. Patience is a virtue in the digital deal hunt! You're optimizing for maximum value over time.

9. Q: Is it generally cheaper to buy a game on sale digitally or buy a physical used copy?

A: This is where it gets really nuanced and requires a bit of detective work! It really depends on the specific game, its age, and the current sales. Sometimes, a deep digital discount during a major PlayStation Store sale will beat even a used physical copy, especially for newer titles that haven't dropped much on the pre-owned market. Other times, an older, popular physical game can be found for a steal at a used game store or online marketplace, significantly undercutting even a digital sale price. The used physical market also allows for trade-ins, further reducing your net cost. The 2026 reality is that you must compare. Check the PlayStation Store, check major retailers, and check popular used game sites before making your decision. There's no single universal winner here. You're performing real-time arbitrage!

10. Q: Do digital deluxe editions or bundles offer better value compared to standard digital games?

A: Often, yes, digital deluxe editions or bundles can offer better value, but it's not a universal rule – you have to crunch the numbers! These bundles typically include the base game plus season passes, cosmetic packs, or other DLC. When bought separately, these add-ons can be quite expensive. A deluxe edition on sale might offer the entire package at a price close to the base game alone, making it a fantastic deal if you were planning to buy the DLC anyway. However, if you only care about the base game and have no interest in the extras, then the standard edition remains the better value. Always calculate the cost of the included components if purchased individually versus the bundle price. In 2026, publishers are getting savvier with these bundles, so scrutinize what's included. You're evaluating a complex feature set against its aggregate cost!

Advanced / Research & Frontier 2026

11. Q: How do digital storefront policies, like refunds or account transfers, affect the perceived value of digital games?

A: This is a great advanced question that really touches on the underlying economics of digital ownership! PlayStation's refund policy, while improved, is still more restrictive than returning a physical disc. Generally, you have a limited window and must not have downloaded or streamed the game. This lack of flexibility can reduce the perceived value if you buy a game you don't enjoy, as you're stuck with it. The inability to transfer games between accounts also means your digital library is tied to you exclusively, unlike physical games you can lend. In 2026, while blockchain-based digital ownership models are being explored in some fringe gaming spaces, they haven't made it to mainstream console platforms. This means Sony's centralized control over your digital library remains a significant factor in its long-term value proposition and flexibility. You're dealing with digital rights management limitations. Think of it like a proprietary data format versus an open standard.

12. Q: What role will cloud gaming services play in the "cheaper digital games" debate by 2026?

A: Cloud gaming services are absolutely a game-changer in this debate, and their influence is only growing stronger by 2026! Services like PlayStation Plus Premium, which includes cloud streaming for a portion of its library, offer access to games without needing to download them or even own the console locally. This fundamentally shifts the cost model from buying games to subscribing for access. While a direct purchase isn't cheaper, the overall cost of entry to a vast game library becomes significantly lower. You're effectively renting computing power and a game license simultaneously. The ongoing improvements in streaming technology, coupled with wider broadband availability, make this a highly compelling alternative for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize access over ownership. We're seeing a clear trend towards subscription-based consumption. You're observing a paradigm shift in content delivery, similar to how we moved from buying software to SaaS models.

13. Q: Are there any tax implications or digital service fees that make digital games more expensive in certain regions?

A: Oh, absolutely, this is a crucial point that often gets overlooked in simple price comparisons! Digital games are subject to local sales taxes or VAT (Value Added Tax) in many regions, just like physical goods. However, the application and rates can vary wildly. Sometimes, digital storefronts calculate these taxes differently than a local retailer might. Furthermore, some regions or payment methods might incur small processing fees or international transaction fees if you're trying to purchase from a different regional store, which can add up. In 2026, as digital economies mature, governments are more consistently applying these taxes to digital goods, removing some of the early "tax-free" advantages. It's vital to check the final price at checkout, as the listed price before tax can be misleading. You're navigating complex international fiscal policies. This is where the legal and economic layers meet the tech!

14. Q: How do data caps or internet speed affect the true cost and perceived value of digital-only gaming?

A: This is a really insightful question, and it highlights a hidden "cost" for many digital-only gamers! High-speed, unlimited internet access is often taken for granted, but for those with data caps or slow connections, digital-only gaming can incur significant indirect costs. Modern PS5 games are massive, often exceeding 100GB. Repeatedly downloading these, especially with patches and updates, can quickly consume data allowances, leading to overage charges or throttled speeds. Slow internet also means lengthy download times, impacting the instant gratification aspect and creating a frustrating user experience. In 2026, while fiber optics are more widespread, many still rely on older infrastructure or mobile hotspots. So, if your internet isn't top-tier, the convenience and accessibility benefits of digital gaming are diminished, and the "true cost" increases. It's an often-unspoken barrier. You're evaluating the total cost of ownership, including dependencies. Think of it as infrastructure latency affecting your model's performance!

15. Q: What's the projected trend for digital game pricing vs. physical in the next 2-3 years (beyond 2026)?

A: Looking forward a few years beyond 2026, the trend strongly favors digital dominance, and we'll likely see digital games offering more frequent and perhaps deeper discounts, on average, than physical. Physical media will likely become more niche, possibly even collector-focused, with fewer print runs and less aggressive pricing at standard retail. The overheads for physical distribution are simply higher. We can expect even more games, especially from smaller studios or new IPs, to launch directly into subscription services. However, the resale value aspect of physical games will remain a unique differentiator for that segment. The market will likely bifurcate further: hyper-convenient digital access via sales and subscriptions, and a premium/collectible physical market. The power is shifting increasingly to the digital storefronts. So, for sheer cost-effectiveness, digital will likely pull further ahead through consistent sales. You're predicting market dynamics based on current trends and operational efficiencies. It's like forecasting the next big framework adoption!

Quick 2026 Human-Friendly Cheat-Sheet for This Topic

Digital doesn't always mean cheaper, but sales are your best friend!
Patience is key; wishlist games and wait for PlayStation Store discounts.
PS Plus Extra/Premium offers huge value if you play a lot of different games.
Remember, no resale value for digital games – they're yours forever, no trade-ins!
Always compare prices: digital storefront, Amazon, local retailers, and used game markets.
Be aware of your internet plan; huge game downloads can eat data or take ages.

PS5 digital games often see deep discounts during major PlayStation Store sales, especially around holidays. Subscription services like PS Plus Extra offer a vast library, potentially reducing individual game purchases. Physical games retain some resale value, a clear advantage digital titles lack. The PS5 Digital Edition console itself is typically less expensive upfront. Regional pricing and currency fluctuations significantly impact digital game costs globally. Digital convenience means no disc swapping or storage clutter. Exclusive digital bundles can offer unique value. Always compare prices across platforms before buying.