Sony announces a new $500 PS5 model with a detachable disc drive, 1TB of internal storage, and a slightly slimmer and shorter design, shipping in November
Sony officially announced a new PS5 model with a detachable disc drive and 1TB of internal storage.
The VergeTom Warren
Context & Ripple Effects
PS5 launched with separate disc and Digital Edition configurations; this revision turns that earlier two-SKU split between physical and digital media into a more modular hardware design while also raising base storage.
Buyers of the $500 model get 1TB of storage and retain access to disc-based games, while the detachable drive makes physical-media capability separable from the core console.
Sony can offer a slimmer PS5 configuration without maintaining the original fixed-drive design as the sole disc-capable option.
Second-order effects
Retailers and distributors may need to manage console and disc-drive inventory as separate items, while consumers face a clearer trade-off between a lower-entry digital setup and physical-media access.
The modular drive preserves a route for used games and Blu-ray playback even as Sony can steer more buyers toward a digital-first base configuration.
Third-order effects
If Sony extends detachable components across its console line, hardware differentiation could move from permanently distinct models toward configurable accessories and post-purchase upgrades.
The design illustrates a gradual transition in which physical media remains supported but becomes an optional layer around a digital-centered console ecosystem; the pace depends on Sony’s future pricing and software distribution choices.
The trend: Console makers are refining mature hardware through smaller chassis, more storage, and modular options that make digital-first ownership easier without immediately abandoning physical media.
I didn't think they could make the PS5 look more like a Linksys router, but hell they pulled it off!
@playstation
@playstation on x
✨ Introducing a new look for PlayStation 5 ✨ Smaller design with a full-power PS5 experience. Full details on model options at PS Blog: https://blog.playstation.com/ ... [image]
@enterzalman
Zalman on x
Let's see... - Digital Edition price increase - Kickstand required for horizontal mode - Vertical Stand required for vertical mode (Sold Separately) What else did I miss
@dustincanfly
Dustin Furman on x
Vertical stand not included and a $50 price increase on the digital version. One last round of Jim-flation. [image]
@zhugeex
Daniel Ahmad on x
What's interesting, is that unlike with Xbox where the all digital Series S is >50% of sell through, the PS5 digital version accounts for <20% of sell through. Although in both cases adoption rates were partially driven by production choices and constraints. The new digital versi…
@kevinkenson
Kevin Kenson on x
Huh, so turns out that was the design lol. I'm glad the optional disc drive actually attaches and is a part of the system rather than some read plugged in via usb. Still weirded out by no USB-A on the front though, so many third party accessories use that connection type still.
@genepark
Gene Park on x
the $50 hike for the digital edition seems like sonys way of increasing the console price without having to announce a price increase like they did in markets outside the US looks nice to me tho i wanna see a size comparison
@gameonysus
@gameonysus on x
I imagine this means they will phase out the faceplates for the “old” PS5 model too. Since this one is made of 4 separate panels. Time to get whatever faceplates I want now before they go away. [image]
@obsoletesony
Obsolete Sony on x
Sony's consoles usually release Slim versions about 2 to 3 years after the original. The PS3 launched in Nov 2006, its Slim in Sep 2009, and the PS4 in Nov 2013, with the Slim arriving in Sep 2016, approx 2 yrs and 9-10 months later. The PS5 followed the pattern, taking 3 years.
@mrwhosetheboss
Arun Maini on x
Sony just announced the PS5 Slim! There are two versions: - PS5 with disc drive ($499.99) - PS5 Digital Edition ($449.99) They're: - 30% smaller - 18% lighter (24% for the digital edition) - Have 1TB storage (vs 825GB in the original) - Have 2 USB-C ports - Optional... [image]
@sirlarr
Lawrence Sonntag on x
Starting to believe that Sony intentionally makes the disc version uglier to drive more people towards digital (where they make all their money).
@bobwulff
@bobwulff on x
wtf is this little kickstand thing lol [image]
@snazzylabs
@snazzylabs on x
how did they manage to make it even uglier [image]
@tomwarren
Tom Warren on x
Sony's new PS5 horizontal stand is... interesting https://www.theverge.com/... [image]
@stevemoser
Steve Moser on x
Looks like the leaks were right on the new PS5 slim model. I like that you can upgrade to the disc drive after the initial purchase. Odd choice to go with a glossy top and matte bottom though. “Why did the new PS5 go on a diet? It wanted to shed some ‘byte’ before the holiday... …
r/4kbluray
r on reddit
New PS5 model with attachable/detachable UHD Blu-ray Disc Drive.
r/gadgets
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New look for PS5 console this holiday season
r/gamingnews
r on reddit
New look for PS5 console this holiday season
r/gaming
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Sony's new PS5 with a removable disc drive launches in November