Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro, despite its $700 price and lack of a disc drive, has not seen a negative impact on sales according to Sony President Hiroki Totoki. The console targets hardcore gamers, and while it hasn't sold out, scalpers have struggled to resell it at a profit. However, the optional disc drive for the PS5 Pro has been in high demand, with retailers selling out and scalpers capitalizing on the shortage. Sony's future plans may include a PS5 Pro with a disc drive, as they prepare for the PlayStation 6.
Scalpers are struggling to profit from the PS5 Pro due to its widespread availability, with many reselling the console at or below retail price on platforms like eBay UK and Japan's Mercari. While the console itself is readily available, the external disc drive is in short supply and being scalped at higher prices. Despite some sellers attempting to profit, many are breaking even or incurring losses due to platform fees and shipping costs.
Teardowns of the unofficially named "Slim" version of the PlayStation 5 reveal that while it is smaller and lighter, it doesn't offer significant improvements in efficiency compared to previous slim models. The new console features a detachable disc drive, allowing for potential repairability, but it requires online pairing with Sony's servers. The design changes include a different finish, repositioned ports, and clear plastic feet. The internal components, including the chip, heat management, and power supply, remain largely the same as the original PS5.
A recent teardown of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) by YouTuber Dave Lee reveals the clever engineering behind its detachable disc drive. The drive is held in place by three standard crosshead screws, which can be easily removed to reveal a port framed within an oblong hexagon where the drive's connector settles. The PS5's design is praised for its sleek modularity and tasteful aesthetics. The console appears larger than the Xbox Series X and feels significantly lighter.
The first teardown videos of the new PS5 slim model have been posted online, revealing that the slim machine is "not that much smaller" than the original. The disc drive is surprisingly easy to remove without tools, while the SSD bay still requires a screwdriver. The new horizontal stand, consisting of two plastic clips, has received heavy criticism. The recommended retail prices for the new PS5 models have been announced, with a $50 increase for the Digital Edition in the US. The setup process of the new console confirms that a one-off internet connection is required to pair the detachable disk drive, likely as a security measure.
Images of the setup process for the new PlayStation 5 console suggest that a one-time internet connection will be required to pair its detachable disc drive, likely as a security measure. This requirement could potentially impact game preservation in the future if the servers needed for verification are no longer operational. It remains unclear if the disc drives can be changed once paired or if the process needs to be repeated after a factory reset. The new PS5 model will launch on November 10 and will come with 1TB storage for both editions.
The new slim version of the PlayStation 5 requires an internet connection to pair the detachable disc drive with the console upon setup, even if the drive comes pre-attached. Sony's concern may be users buying aftermarket disc drives or modifying the device with other modules. This hardware DRM could pose a problem in the future when Sony eventually abandons the PS5 servers, as users will have no way to activate their disc drive to play older games. Sony has a history of being protective of its hardware, and all major console makers have excluded themselves from upcoming right-to-repair legislation in California.
The new PS5's detachable disc drive reportedly requires an internet connection for setup, according to images of an upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III PS5 bundle. This is likely due to a required handshake between the optical drive and the console's motherboard for authentication and unique pairing. While an internet connection won't be needed after the initial setup, concerns have been raised about the future shutdown of the server responsible for disc drive verification. Sony has not yet clarified any internet requirements associated with the removable disc drive. The redesigned PS5 console will be available in November, with the Disc model priced at $499.99 and the Digital console at $449.99.
The upcoming optional disc drive for the PlayStation 5 will require an internet connection to pair it to a console for the first time, likely as a security measure. However, this has raised concerns about preservation, as the servers needed for verification may eventually become unavailable. Sony may release an update to remove the requirement in the future, but it is expected to be many years later. The pairing method is used to prevent piracy and unauthorized repairs. The new PS5 model will launch in November and will come with 1TB storage. The PS5 Digital Edition will allow users to add a disc drive later, which will be sold separately.
Sony has announced a slimmer redesign of the PlayStation 5, with both the disc drive and digital models being updated. The new models will allow users to purchase a disc drive separately, enabling them to upgrade a digital model to a disc-compatible version. The slim PS5 with a disc drive will cost $499.99, while the digital edition will retail at $449.99. The console will include a new horizontal stand, and a vertical stand will be available for purchase. The new models will be available in November and will eventually replace the current PS5 model.
