Sony reportedly developing new PS5 that could replace current Standard and Digital editions

Sony is reportedly developing a new PS5 model with a detachable disk drive that could reduce manufacturing costs while also opening up the option for users to upgrade down the line.

The PlayStation 5, or PS5, is Sony's flagship ninth-generation gaming console. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the console has become a popular choice for both casual and serious gamers. Currently, it is available in two distinct editions - Standard, which supports both physical and digital media; and Digital, which comes without a disk drive and is limited to downloadable digital media only.

According to a recent report by Insider Gaming, Sony is developing a new PlayStation 5 model that will feature a detachable disk drive, omitting the key difference between the current digital and physical editions.

---

PS5 reportedly getting 'slim' by detaching disk drive, due out next year

As per the report, the PS5 is set to get a major overhaul soon, with the new model set for a September 2023 release. While internal hardware and associated performance are expected to remain the same, the redesigned chassis will sport a detachable external disk drive connected via USB-C.

The report further adds that instead of the current Digital Edition and Standard Edition, the new PlayStation 5 will be sold either on its own or bundled with a detachable disk drive. Detaching the disk drive is expected to make the PS5 lighter and slimmer than its current iterations.

Having a single model will also, in theory, reduce the cost of manufacturing and allow players to upgrade their digital consoles to support physical media at any point. Furthermore, they will also be able to easily replace the plug and play disk drive in case of any issues.

While the PlayStation 5 has been receiving new hardware revisions, such as the 1100 and 1200 models, the changes have mostly had to do with the radiator and fan, providing marginally more efficient and cooler performance. However, the reported massive redesign, including detaching the disk drive, sounds more akin to a mid-generation refresh.

Ever since the PS One, Sony has been releasing mid-generation refreshes of PlayStation consoles, often dubbed 'slim', that provide the same performance but in a smaller and lighter size. The reported redesign could very well be the 'PS5 Slim'.

While the PS2 Slim was released four years later, both the PS3 Slim and PS4 Slim were released around three years after the original console's launch. Considering the PS5 is heading towards its third anniversary in 2023, the reported redesign seems quite fitting and in line with Sony's previous PlayStation iterations.

It should be noted that the redesign hasn't officially been confirmed by Sony, and as such, it should be treated as a rumor and taken with a grain of salt.