On Tuesday, Sony unveiled updated editions of its digital and disc-reading PlayStation 5. Both are more compact, and the disc-reading model now has a removable disc drive, which lets customers optimize the amount of space in their gaming settings even if they don’t only utilize physical media. It is anticipated that the updated units will be available in November.
Both PS5 updates are at least 30% more compact than its predecessors, per Sony’s blog post. In addition, they weigh 18% and 24% less. The PS5 has always had two huge external panels, but the new models divided them into four panels, keeping the matte lower panels and giving the top panels a dazzling new finish. This fits the detachable ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive of the disc-reading version, which attaches to the lower-right corner of the PS5’s body.
However, here’s the thing: theoretically, both of the new PS5s are disc-compatible. While a disc drive is included with the more costly ($499) model, buyers of the less expensive ($449) digital edition can always buy the drive separately for $79 at any time. If you think you’ll eventually want to use physical media, it’s wiser to acquire the disc version from a budgetary standpoint; if you choose the digital edition and buy the disc drive later, you’ll wind up spending roughly $30 more. However, the $50 price rise for the new digital edition might be justified for individuals who are on the verge of switching to digital media exclusively in the future and want to add a disc drive later on. (Until supplies last, gamers who detest the idea of gathering tangible media can still purchase the bulkier $399 digital edition.)
The concave chassis of the console is stabilized by a small horizontal stand that comes with both of the reduced-size PS5s. Sony is releasing a new $29 vertical stand with a plastic base and chrome ring to keep the PS5 upright for those who would like keep it that way.
Sony has previously updated the PS5 before. In 2020, the tech company based in Japan released a version of the console that had an 11.6-ounce weight reduction due to a substantially smaller heatsink, less than a year after the original model. A further version including an even smaller heatsink and an extra heat pipe was presented by Sony a year later. The sole distinguishing feature between the three models—which begin with a 10, 11, or 12—is that they are all visually identical. However, speculation of a detachable disc drive started to surface just a few weeks after the PS5’s third update, and now, more than a year later, here we are.
November will see the release of the new disc and digital PS5s on the PlayStation website and at a few chosen stores; a larger roll-out is planned for later. Sony will then start to phase out the older PS5 models; once those heavier variants are sold out, they won’t be available any more.