Rumours have been circulating about Sony’s potential development of a revised version of the PlayStation 5, often dubbed the PS5 Slim, which could feature a removable disc drive. Recent leaks now present images and a video showcasing a purportedly slimmer and slightly shorter PS5 model, potentially housing a detachable disc drive.
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Initially, an image of the rumoured PS5 Slim emerged on a Chinese forum, followed by a leaked video that provides a more comprehensive view of the alleged device. Shared by Better Way Electronics, an Australian specialist in PlayStation repair, the video highlights the plastic casing of a potential upcoming PS5 iteration. Notable features include a distinctive bulge to accommodate the disc drive, a curved midsection with smaller ventilation openings, paired slits on each side of the casing, and a dual USB-C port arrangement on the front. This deviates from the current PS5 models that possess a single USB-C and USB-A port configuration.
CFI-2016 PS5 Case pic.twitter.com/udFyQbVpz8
— BwE (@BwE_Dev) August 11, 2023
Insider Gaming had previously reported that Sony was gearing up to introduce a PS5 variant with a detachable disc drive in September 2023. The prevailing speculation suggests that this next PS5 version might be offered either on its own sans the disc drive or in a bundle, potentially positioning the slimmer model as the default PS5 option, with the option to attach a disc drive at a later time. Presently, consumers can opt for either the $399 PS5 Digital Edition or the $499 PS5 with an integrated disc drive.
Interestingly, Microsoft appears to anticipate the launch of a PS5 Slim model later this year. References to these rumours were included in documents filed during the FTC v. Microsoft proceedings last month. According to Microsoft’s documentation, they expect the PS5 Slim to be priced at $399.99, mirroring the cost of the PS5 Digital Edition.
Sony recently initiated its first wave of PS5 sales across the UK, Germany, India, and various parts of Europe. These price drop promotions coincided with Sony’s announcement of selling 40 million PS5 units since the console’s launch the previous month.
If the initial speculations hold true, the unveiling of the genuine PS5 Slim may be just weeks away. Confirmation is eagerly awaited to validate the authenticity of these leaked images and videos.
