Oliver Haslam on October 10, 2023, 5:40 pm

Sony PS5 Slim Announced, Features Removable Blu-ray Drive

After months of rumors the PS5 slim is official, although that isn’t what Sony is calling it. The console comes as a full replacement for the original model and will offer a removable Blu-ray drive for people who might want to add one at a later date.

Sony says that the new console will launch in November and that once older models are sold out, this will be the only option available. It’ll sell for $499.99 if you want the disk drive but a $449.99 option will be available for those who don’t.

Internally, the console will be the same as the one that it replaces so don’t expect improved performance or graphics. You’ll still get 1TB of storage as well, so there’s that. But it’ll be smaller and thinner with the volume falling by around 30%.

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. If you purchase the PS5 Digital Edition, you can add the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive for PS5 later

Those adding a drive or removing it will need to install a different cover panel to facilitate it, which does make for a little more messing around. But it also means that the drive will appear factory-fitted when added, unlike the other option — having a USB-C cable snaking around your gaming rig.

Anyone who wants to add a drive to their PS5 Digital Edition at a later date will be able to once they hand over another $79.99. But you’ll need the new Digital Edition — this drive won’t work with the old one.