Sony Announces Smaller PS5 With an Attachable Disc Drive Coming in November

Sony unveiled today a redesigned version of its PlayStation 5 console that’s 30% smaller and up to 24% lighter compared to the current model. The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition is also sticking around, but this time, consumers will be able to purchase an attachable disc drive for $79.99 to make the console look and work like the regular model.

“The new PS5 has been reduced in volume by more than 30%, and weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous models. There are four separate cover panels, with the top portion in a glossy look, while the bottom remains in matte,” explained Sid Shuman, Senior Director, SIE Content Communications.

The design of this new PS5 console had actually leaked a couple of weeks ago. Under the hood, however, the specs remain the same, though Sony did mention a “1TB hard drive.” Current PS5 models offer just 825GB of usable storage, but it’s not clear yet if the new models will offer a bit more storage.

This redesigned PS5 console and its Digital Edition variant will first launch in the US in November, and a global rollout will follow in the coming months. If the new console will also include a horizontal stand in the box, Sony is also launching a new vertical stand that will be compatible with all PS5 models. Here are the pricing details

• PlayStation 5: $499.99/€549.99/£479.99
• PlayStation 5 Digital Edition: $449.99/€449.99/£389.99
• Attachable Disc Drive: $79.99/€119.99/£99.99
• Vertical stand: $29.99/€29.99/£24.99

“Once inventory of the current PS5 model has sold out, the new PS5 will become the only model available,” Shuman said today. Overall, the new detachable disc drive for the PS5 Digital Edition should make this model more attractive and easier to sell. While a leaked internal presentation from Microsoft revealed an upcoming Xbox Series X refresh with no disc drive, Sony is making it clear that it’s not giving up on physical games yet.