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[kyliethicc]

Sony to Launch New PlayStation 5 With a Detachable Disc Drive, Sources Suggest - Insider Gaming

The new PlayStation 5 will have a new detaching dics drive that can be bought separately from the console, sources suggest.

insider-gaming.com

The PlayStation 5 is set to get a unique overhaul in the middle of FY 2023, with the new console launching around September 2023, say sources.

Sources familiar with Sony’s plans have shared details under the condition of anonymity outlining the next iteration of the PlayStation 5. It’s been suggested that this new console will completely replace the A, B, and C chassis that have been in production since the console’s launch.

The console, currently named the D chassis PlayStation 5, will have almost identical hardware to the existing consoles already on the market.

The most surprising new feature of the new this new PS5 though, is that the console will have a detachable disk drive. The detachable disc drive will be connected to the PlayStation 5 using an extra USB-C port on the back of the console.

It’s understood that this new PlayStation 5 console will be sold on its own, or, in a bundle with the detachable disc drive. It’s also understood that the disc drives can also be purchased separately, so, if it gets busted, there’s no need to buy an entirely new console.

Sources have implied that although the new detachable disc drive is portable, it will not ruin the aesthetics of the console and will attach to it without looking external, presumably meaning the new PlayStation 5 will look similar to the existing model.

However, the new detachable disc drive could entail that the new iteration of the PlayStation 5 will be slimmer and lighter, which is something Sony has been trying to implement effectively with its latest PS5 models.

It’s understood that Sony is anticipating producing 18.5 million units of the PlayStation 5 console in FY 2023 and only 12 million units of the A-C chassis consoles as they begin to be phased out.

Sounds like the PS5 slim will launch Sept 2023 (same perf specs) as a digital console with an optional disc drive accessory that attaches via an extra USB-C port. Apparently the drive will still physically attach to the console instead of just being a traditional external drive.

He edited the article to correct a mistake. Says launch is planned for September 2023, not 2024. Make sense as PS4 slim launched September 2016. So Sony is following the same timeline for PS5 as they did for PS4.

This is the idea Henderson reports.

1 PS5 model. Optional disc drive that attaches and uses USB-C for data.

 

[DeepEnigma]

If true, they are streamlining uniformity to have 1 build going forward.

Wonder if it will be much smaller due to this? Would make sense for that external option as well.

 

[Warnen]

don't be ugly this time

 

[Interfectum]

What they don't say is that same disc drive can connect to the PS Vita 2 to play your PS4 discs in docked mode.

 

[kyliethicc]

If true, they are streamlining uniformity to have 1 build going forward.

Wonder if it will be much smaller due to this? Would make sense for that external option as well.

Yeah seems they’ll have the PS5 slim (digital) and then offer a SKU with the disc drive accessory included. This is them longterm preparing for the PS6 which will work in a similar way, I think. Bet that PS6 games are sold digital only and the disc drive accessory will only be for PS4/5 back compat for disc owners.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Yeah seems they’ll have the PS5 slim (digital) and then offer a SKU with the disc drive accessory included. This is them longterm preparing for the PS6 which will work in a similar way, I think. Bet that PS6 games are sold digital only and the disc drive accessory will only be for PS4/5 back compat for disc owners.

I don't think this is a reality, even for the next gen. Reason being, retailers won't carry your paper thin hardware margin, if they don't have a way to profit, which is the software on the shelves.

Only way this works, is if console makers are willing to cut out the retail supply chains full stop and have enough distribution infrastructure to handle sales directly for the entire world... they don't.

 

[cormack12]

Wonder if the drive will be backwards compatible with the digital edition?

 

[Putonahappyface]

PS5 Pro?

 

[kyliethicc]

I don't think this is a reality, even for the next gen. Reason being, retailers won't carry your paper thin hardware margin, if they don't have a way to profit, which is the software on the shelves.

Only way this works, is if console makers are willing to cut out the retail supply chains full stop and have enough distribution infrastructure to handle sales directly for the entire world... they don't.

Idk, Sony has their direct store setup now for a reason. But yeah they may still offer some PS6 games on disc as limited editions, printed in smaller quantities.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Idk, Sony has their direct store setup now for a reason. But yeah they may still offer some PS6 games on disc as limited editions, printed in smaller quantities.

They do, but that direct store and distribution would be ill-prepared as the sole place for a worldwide launch, etc.. You are talking about replacing all the top retailers and distribution channels with ... "just you." I just don't see that as a reality unless there is excruciatingly major contraction due to spiraling global inflation.

And by that time, video games will be the least of our worries.

 

[chromhound]

 

[lovetalkgames]

Friendly reminder that PlayStation consoles are worth buying after the initial redesign.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Best slim (aesthetics) ever made.

 

[thicc_girls_are_teh_best]

Wonder if I should post up my speculations from like a year ago ...

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

When you dock the disk drive to the console it’s gonna look like 2 giant vaginas scissoring each other.

 

[Putonahappyface]

Yeah seems they’ll have the PS5 slim (digital) and then offer a SKU with the disc drive accessory included. This is them longterm preparing for the PS6 which will work in a similar way, I think. Bet that PS6 games are sold digital only and the disc drive accessory will only be for PS4/5 back compat for disc owners.

I hope you're wrong, because If this ever comes to fruition I'm officially done with playstation and possibly gaming.

 

[Coloress_Kafka]

Can’t wait that long, but a detachable drive sounds great. The current disc PS5 looks like hot trash while the digital one is the sexy reincarnation of the original Xbox 360.

 

[Lucifers Beard]

The optimist in me wants to think this is excellent for customer choice. The other side of me thinks that this is just testing for future hardware ie PS6. Release a digital only console for £500 and then have a disc drive for another £150 or whatever it costs.

Hopefully it’s just the former.

 

[Punished Miku]

It sounds bad, but I guess if it attaches and looks normal it doesn't really matter that much.

 

[kyliethicc]

Wonder if the drive will be backwards compatible with the digital edition?

Sounds like it will use a new USB port this new model will have, so idk. Yeah the PS5 DE now has a USB-C port but who knows. I assume Sony will block it working with existing PS5 DEs. If this new PS5 slim model can use the disc drive despite being digital, they will probably be raising the price up from $400 to like $450. Then I’d guess $50 for the disc drive, or $500 for the bundle.

When you dock the disk drive to the console it’s gonna look like 2 giant vaginas scissoring each other.

 

[Thirty7ven]

Makes sense, PS5 was designed to be without a disc drive but they had to tack it on for those afraid of going all digital.

 

[adamsapple]

detachable ?


uh .. just keep the two SKUs ...

 

[Banjo64]

Yeah this is priming the market for digital only PS6.

 

[lovetalkgames]

Makes sense, PS5 was designed to be without a disc drive but they had to tack it on for those afraid of going all digital.

Responsible consumers embrace physical ownership for as long as they can.

 

[Banjo64]

I hope you're wrong, because If this ever comes to fruition I'm officially done with playstation and possibly gaming.

The whole market will be there soon, May as well get a Nintendo until they go all digital too.

 

[mortal]

Every form of media is moving forward in prioritizing digital. I guess this rumored redesign will be reflective of that trend.

 

[Dr. Wilkinson]

"And Nintendo is working on making a library of GameCube games playable for their new Switch console!"

"And Pokemon Sun/Moon is getting an HD Switch version to launch holiday 2017 alongside the new Mario that is also planned for 2017!"

"And Nintendo is actively courting developers and asking them to make their Switch games 4K ready (2021)!"

So many times we here internal chatter so far out from when things are actually planned or set in stone, and clearly a lot of times things just don't happen for one reason or another.

A smaller, cheaper-to-manufacture PS5 Slim without a disc drive (maybe a detachable one) 4 years into the lifecycle of the hardware is a lot more realistic than relaunching a PS5 the same size as they are now, but with a detachable drive? That seems off. And that far into the future, why wouldn't they also boost the size of the SSD? People were complaining it was under 1TB even before the console launched.

 

[SenjutsuSage]

Detachable you say.

Smart if true.

 

[DeepEnigma]

The whole market will be there soon, May as well get a Nintendo until they go all digital too.

Nintendo is literally first of the big 3 at ushering in full priced games that are streamed from a cloud.

 

[splattered]

I like the sound of this but that's a long ways off.

 

[thicc_girls_are_teh_best]

Yeah seems they’ll have the PS5 slim (digital) and then offer a SKU with the disc drive accessory included. This is them longterm preparing for the PS6 which will work in a similar way, I think. Bet that PS6 games are sold digital only and the disc drive accessory will only be for PS4/5 back compat for disc owners.

Nah. I still say that while disc will be optional, they may go for cheap microSD-based storage as physical media for PS6 (and maybe Microsoft similarly with their 10th-gen system). A 64 GB or 128 GB microSD even at 50 - 60 MB/s would be more than good enough, if it's interfacing with the decompression I/C and handled by the systems' internal FMC.

There just isn't much room for Blu-Ray disc media speeds to grow in the next 5-8 years and it can't benefit from decompression IC due to the nature of it as a medium. But flash NAND will continue to get gradually cheaper over the years and for "slow" NAND in this type of hypothetical microSD (compared to what top-end NVMe m.2 SSDs will have in 5 or so years) should be insanely cheap especially at bulk, costing not much more than a Blu-Ray does today.

This PS5 Slim revision's feature with the detachable disc drive slot might be a stepping stone towards phasing out disc except for physical BC in which case it can be optional. But they would still want a default physical media option for PS6, that's where cheap, small microSD-style cards can come in. Basically what Nintendo's been doing with Switch games, but much better implementation (robust decompression IC to interface with).

 

[kyliethicc]

I like the sound of this but that's a long ways off.

He updated the article. 2024 was a mistake.

Planned launch is September 2023, which makes more sense as that matches when PS4 slim launched (Sept 2016.)

 

[DeepEnigma]

Nah. I still say that while disc will be optional, they may go for cheap microSD-based storage as physical media for PS6 (and maybe Microsoft similarly with their 10th-gen system). A 64 GB or 128 GB microSD even at 50 - 60 MB/s would be more than good enough, if it's interfacing with the decompression I/C and handled by the systems' internal FMC.

There just isn't much room for Blu-Ray disc media speeds to grow in the next 5-8 years and it can't benefit from decompression IC due to the nature of it as a medium. But flash NAND will continue to get gradually cheaper over the years and for "slow" NAND in this type of hypothetical microSD (compared to what top-end NVMe m.2 SSDs will have in 5 or so years) should be insanely cheap especially at bulk, costing not much more than a Blu-Ray does today.

This PS5 Slim revision's feature with the detachable disc drive slot might be a stepping stone towards phasing out disc except for physical BC in which case it can be optional. But they would still want a default physical media option for PS6, that's where cheap, small microSD-style cards can come in. Basically what Nintendo's been doing with Switch games, but much better implementation (robust decompression IC to interface with).

The discs play nothing off of them for the games. They only serve as a vehicle for installing the media, and a disc check for physical games. Speeds/decompression are irrelevant with them.

 

[Banjo64]

Best slim (aesthetics) ever made.

It’s nice.

Here’s my top 3 redesigns (not including Switch OLED)

 

[mortal]

Yeah this is priming the market for digital only PS6.

It's too early to say for sure, but I can see the standard PS6 SKUs launching with a disc drive as an attachment, rather than providing no option at all.
The amounts of physical to digital software sales will determine Sony's, as well as the other two's, commitment to a primarily digital future.

 

[DeepEnigma]

It’s nice.

Here’s my top 3 redesigns (not including Switch OLED)

I actually preferred the PS3SS. Only because that thing is so tiny and super silent.

And yes, that DS redesign was when I jumped in. It was nice.

 

[Tiago Rodrigues]

Good choice. That way they will streamline production, the PS5 will officially be 400€/$ overall and if you want a disc drive, you can optionally buy one. I'm sure bundles will happen as well.

Honestly the best option for Sony right now.

 

[Banjo64]

Nintendo is literally first of the big 3 at ushering in full priced games that are streamed from a cloud.

Only for games that they can’t natively run, better to have the option than not at all IMO.

 

[kyliethicc]

Nah. I still say that while disc will be optional, they may go for cheap microSD-based storage as physical media for PS6 (and maybe Microsoft similarly with their 10th-gen system). A 64 GB or 128 GB microSD even at 50 - 60 MB/s would be more than good enough, if it's interfacing with the decompression I/C and handled by the systems' internal FMC.

There just isn't much room for Blu-Ray disc media speeds to grow in the next 5-8 years and it can't benefit from decompression IC due to the nature of it as a medium. But flash NAND will continue to get gradually cheaper over the years and for "slow" NAND in this type of hypothetical microSD (compared to what top-end NVMe m.2 SSDs will have in 5 or so years) should be insanely cheap especially at bulk, costing not much more than a Blu-Ray does today.

This PS5 Slim revision's feature with the detachable disc drive slot might be a stepping stone towards phasing out disc except for physical BC in which case it can be optional. But they would still want a default physical media option for PS6, that's where cheap, small microSD-style cards can come in. Basically what Nintendo's been doing with Switch games, but much better implementation (robust decompression IC to interface with).

PlayStation is never using anything besides Blu-rays for physical. Sony owns Blu-ray.

Good choice. That way they will streamline production, the PS5 will officially be 400€/$ overall and if you want a disc drive, you can optionally buy one. I'm sure bundles will happen as well.

Honestly the best option for Sony right now.

Expect a price hike now that they can’t force digital buyers to buy digital games.

Probably like $450 with a $50-100 disc drive optional.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Only for games that they can’t natively run, better to have the option than not at all IMO.

Nah. Make more powerful hardware.

 

[Lognor]

If true, they are streamlining uniformity to have 1 build going forward.

Wonder if it will be much smaller due to this? Would make sense for that external option as well.

I'm surprised they didn't do this to begin with. That would have made manufacturing the two consoles much easier. But if they streamline they can pivot much easier to make the disc less version or disc version. Right now we see very few disc less versions being made, probably because Sony couldn't easily change between the two consoles. This is good.

 

[thicc_girls_are_teh_best]

The discs play nothing off of them for the games. They only serve as a vehicle for installing the media, and a disc check for physical games. Speeds/decompression are irrelevant with them.

No it's still relevant, as decompression would allow for much faster install times. We're talking about a peak of 50 MB/s off Blu-Ray, maybe, to peaks of upwards 200 MB/s or even more.

A lot of factors would influence this of course, but it's still a net benefit. A microSD slot would also be a lot cheaper to manufacturer with systems than a disc drive, even a detachable disc drive, and allow for a smaller form factor meaning more systems can be put in pallets, you get more out of your volume when it comes to shipping costs. It would also help in reducing the weigh of the system by at least a few grams, again also great when it comes to saving on shipping costs per unit.

PlayStation is never using anything besides Blu-rays for physical. Sony owns Blu-ray.


Expect a price hike now that they can’t force digital buyers to buy digital games.

Probably like $450 with a $50-100 disc drive optional.

IIRC Sony are just one of the companies that own the format. I get what you mean; they don't have to a license for the format or drives in their systems, but even having said that...

They owned Betamax and miniDiscs at one point, too. Still do, actually, but they eventually moved on from those formats because the advantages didn't outweigh the disadvantages. I think we're approaching a point where even a top-end Blu Ray disc & drive won't have any combined economic advantages over a low-end microSD and microSD card reader, let alone any performance advantages when it comes to data throughput.

Sony switching to a different physical media format for PS6, like microSD (or something based on such), would be mainly for improving overall system QOL features. Gives a big boost to one of the lower-end parts of the memory pipeline. Enables faster transfer of data from physical media to storage, that benefits getting data from storage to RAM as well (and from RAM to processor caches). The costs associated should come down to a level where it doesn't cost any much more for a cheap 64/96/128 GB 50 MB/s or so microSD-style card than what a fast UHD Blu-Ray costs today.

Then there are costs saved by not needing to put a UHD Blu-Ray drive in each system, manufacturing-wise.

 

[DeepEnigma]

I'm surprised they didn't do this to begin with. That would have made manufacturing the two consoles much easier. But if they streamline they can pivot much easier to make the disc less version or disc version. Right now we see very few disc less versions being made, probably because Sony couldn't easily change between the two consoles. This is good.

Agreed. And I think that is why Thirty7ven has a point as well. The PS5 was clearly designed aesthetics wise, to be digital first and foremost, and the disc was added onto that foundation. It is still too soon for a 100% digital only home based console.

 

[RoadHazard]

That's not a bad idea. Lets Sony produce just one model, and also lets people upgrade to a disc drive later on instead of having to make that choice right away and be locked into it.

 

[.Pennywise]

Sounds like a PC.

 

[Trazyn the Infinite]

Reasons why there won’t be an all digital console any time soon:

• Most of the world’s internet infrastructure is shit. There are still large areas within the US alone (the current home of PlayStation) that routinely have internet going down.
• Many places across the globe have hard data caps. As games increase in size year after year, people won’t be able to download the games they purchase. Leading to less and less games being purchased. Why buy something when you can’t even access it?
• Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft are all dependent on Retailers stocking their products. They need physical goods to stock. They aren’t going to only stock empty boxes with codes.
• Many still prefer physical. The ability to lend, trade, sell, loan - the creation of more and more “Limited Run” physical companies, with increasing amounts of physical stock as demand continues to rise, shows that there is a tremendous amount of capital being left on the table if the companies move away from physical altogether. Companies want money, they aren’t going to purposefully gimp themselves.
  

I get that there are a lot of morons who think “digital is the future” - but they also tend to be massive console warriors so they have brains the size of pea pods. We should all laugh at them for their idiocy.

 

[kyliethicc]

Agreed. And I think that is why Thirty7ven has a point as well. The PS5 was clearly designed aesthetics wise, to be digital first and foremost, and the disc was added onto that foundation. It is still too soon for a 100% digital only home based console.

That's not a bad idea. Lets Sony produce just one model, and also lets people upgrade to a disc drive later on instead of having to make that choice right away and be locked into it.

An added perk of this design too is that you can replace your disc drive easily if it breaks.

Everyone can buy the same console and disc people can buy their drive too if they want.

 

[TGO]

Add-on....?

 

[Fafalada]

Given how they handled SSD - I am hopeful this is less 'detachable drive' and more a compatible with 'USB-C external BD drives'. I mean the console already reads external BD drives - it just doesn't authenticate licensed content from them.

They'd still have the opportunity to sell PS branded SKU for purists of course, but let the market sort out real disc users from men otherwise.

 

[Banjo64]

He updated the article. 2024 was a mistake.

Planned launch is September 2023, which makes more sense as that matches when PS4 slim launched (Sept 2016.)

Fuck I hope it’s next year. I love new hardware and redesigns are usually sexy.