Report: Sony’s PlayStation 6 Will Have a Detachable Disc Drive

Sony is reportedly planning to keep its modular design approach for its upcoming PlayStation 6, which will once again have a detachable disc drive. Insider Gaming reported today that consumers will be able to buy the PS6 without a disc drive and purchase it separately if they want to use physical media.

Sony launched its detachable disc drive for the PlayStation 5 when it launched its new “Slim” model back in October 2023. This allowed customers opting for the cheaper PS5 Digital Edition to add a disc drive to the console at a later point. The more powerful PlayStation 5 Pro that launched last year also didn’t come with a disc drive, but it’s compatible with the PS5 Slim disc accessory.

« According to one source, unless things are changed at the last minute, PlayStation is “firm” on the decision because the disc drive for the PlayStation 5 hit all the company’s internal targets. Again, it was reiterated by the source that the decision was made to reduce manufacturing and shipping costs during “uncertain times”, » the report reads.

Sony’s modular PlayStation design is probably better for consumers, and so was the company’s choice to add an internal SSD bay in all PS5 models, which made storage expansion more affordable. However, the company received criticism for pricing the PlayStation 5 Pro at $699 (without a disc drive), and all PS5 consoles have since received a price increase due to Trump’s tariffs. It will be interesting to see if next-gen PlayStation and Xbox consoles will be even more expensive.