Sony has confirmed the launch of a more compact edition of the PlayStation 5, following prior leaks. Scheduled for release in November, this smaller variant will retain the specifications of the existing PS5 consoles available in stores. On October 10, Sony discreetly unveiled images and details of two new, trimmer PS5 models that are set to supersede the present versions of the highly sought-after gaming console. It should be noted that the new consoles will go be available in four countries initially, and India isn't one of them.
In the United States, Sony has disclosed that the reduced-size PS5 will be priced at either $500, inclusive of an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive, or $450 for the digital-only version without a disc drive. This represents a price increase compared to the ongoing digital-only PS5, currently priced at $399.
According to a blog post by Sony, the new PS5 has undergone a "volume reduction of more than 30 per cent" and a reduction in weight. Notably, this iteration incorporates four distinct removable cover panels, with glossy finish top panels and matte finish bottom panels, akin to the existing PS5 design.
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Speculation emerged last year suggesting that Sony intended to introduce a new PS5 version accommodating a disc drive, a detail supported by leaked information and images of a smaller PS5 that surfaced in August. These speculations and leaked visuals have proven accurate, as Sony officially confirmed that buyers of the sleeker PS5 digital edition will have the option to subsequently add a Blu-ray disc drive. This additional accessory will be available for $80 in the US, making this choice more costly compared to purchasing a new PS5 already equipped with a disc drive.
Internally, the slim PS5 will be furnished with 1TB of storage, an increase from the 800 GB offered in the previous models. This seems to be the primary internal alteration in this revised model, dispelling any expectations of a PS4 Pro-like enhancement for this slimmer PS5 variant.
As outlined in the blog post, Sony has stated that this redesigned PS5 will become the exclusive model available "once inventory of the current PS5 model has sold out."
The slated launch for this compact PS5 is set for November, with pricing detailed as follows in various regions:
- United States: PS5 with disc drive - $499.99 | PS5 digital only - $449.99
- Europe: PS5 with disc drive - €599.99 | PS5 digital only - €449.99
- United Kingdom: PS5 with disc drive - £479.99 | PS5 digital only - £389.99
- Japan: PS5 with disc drive - 66,980 JPY (includes tax) | PS5 digital only - 59,980 JPY (includes tax)