Sony has announced and revealed the long-rumoured new PS5 model. Launching in November 2023 in the United States with other countries to follow, this updated SKU has a smaller form factor and, as expected, a disc drive which can be bought and attached separately.
The new PS5 has been reduced in volume by over 30 per cent (so it is sort of a "Slim" model) and, as rumoured, its side panels have been separated into four, with the top two in a glossy finish and the bottom two in the regular matte. You will be able to buy the new PS5 model with or without the disc drive already attached, and will be able to buy the disc drive separately and attach it at your convenience.
It also comes with a slight increase in storage capacity, with a 1TB SSD built-in.
The pricing of the Blu-ray model is largely identical to the previous version, but the Digital Edition has received a price increase in the United States:
PS5 with Blu-ray Disc Drive: $499.99 / £479.99
PS5 Digital Edition: $449.99 / £389.99
The disc drive on its own will retail for $79.99 / £99.99.
Sony says the new PS5 will arrive at retail in November in North America, including participating retailers and its own PlayStation Direct online store. It also confirms that this new model will replace the original; once inventory of the launch models is depleted, this will be the only PS5 model on the market.
Interestingly, Sony says a horizontal stand for the PS5 comes included in the box, but goes on to say a vertical stand "compatible with all PS5 models" will be sold separately, for $29.99 / £24.99. So, out of the box, you will only be able to display the new PS5 horizontally.