- Kyle Chua
Sony's New PS5 Design Features Reduced Volume, Detachable Disc Drive
Updated: Dec 18, 2023
Sony's long-rumoured new PS5 design is here.
The electronics giant on Tuesday, 10 October shared a first look at the two new models, both of which feature almost the same internal hardware and capabilities as the original but come in a smaller form factor.
One model once again ships with a disc drive, while the other is digital-only. The difference here is that the disc drive can now be detached and replaced with a side panel to eliminate the bulge on the side of the console. The digital-only model can also be attached with a disc drive when Sony starts selling it as a standalone add-on at a later date.
Meanwhile, when it comes to the design, the biggest change compared to the original is perhaps the slimmer and more lightweight frame. Sony says it has managed to reduce the PS5's volume by more than 30% and its weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous.
The new models additionally feature two slits on each side that separate the cover panels. There are four separate cover panels in total, with the top portion featuring a glossy finish, while the bottom portions remains matte.
Elsewhere, the new PS5 models now feature dual USB-C ports at the front instead of the single USB-C and USB-A ports on the existing models. They also ship with 1TB of solid state drive (SSD) storage out of the box compared to the existing that shipped with an unconventional 825GB.
"To address the evolving needs of players, our engineering and design teams collaborated on a new form factor that provides greater choice and flexibility," wrote Sid Shuman, Senior Director at Sony Interactive Entertainment Content Communications in a blog post.
Sony says the new models go on sale sometime in November in the U.S. ahead of the busy Holiday shopping season. They'll then roll out globally in the following months and eventually replace the original PS5 models as the only model available once the current inventory has sold out.
The PS5 with the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive is priced at US$499.99, while the Digital Edition is priced at US$449.99. The standalone disc drive, meanwhile, is priced at US$79.99. There's also a new vertical stand that supports all PS5 models, which is priced at US$29.99.
Sony adds that it's also rolling out PS5 cover panels for the new models starting in early 2024, including an all-matte Black colourway and the Deep Earth Collection colours in Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue and Sterling Silver. Prices for these cover panels start at US$54.99.
Sony has shared a first look at the two new PS5 models, both of which feature almost the same internal hardware and capabilities as the original but come in a smaller form factor.
The electronics giant says it has managed to reduce the PS5's volume by more than 30% and its weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous.
The new model also features a detachable disc drive, which can eliminate the side bulge on the console.
The PS5 with the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive is priced at US$499.99, while the Digital Edition is priced at US$449.99.