Sony has taken the wraps off upgraded editions of the PlayStation 5 console, marking a release more than three years after its initial announcement. These updated models adhere to Sony’s typical approach in the PlayStation product lifecycle, with a primary focus on refining design and dimensions.
The latest iterations of the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition have undergone a significant reduction in size. Sony claims that the 2023 models have seen a 30% decrease in volume and are now 18% to 24% lighter compared to their predecessors.
Over the years, there have been several minor adjustments, primarily driven by heat sink size reductions. To help visualize these changes, we’ve prepared a chart illustrating the evolution of the console’s specifications.
Sony has made alterations to the design of the removable panels as well. Instead of the previous two-part system, the new design comprises four parts, with the upper halves featuring a glossy finish, while the lower halves sport a matte texture.
Consistent with the past, Sony will exclusively release the console in white, requiring customers to acquire additional color panels separately. The company has revealed plans to introduce an all-matte Black option, along with the previously announced Deep Earth Collection color variants (Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sterling Silver) in early 2024, priced at $55 each.
One of the panels provides access to the newly introduced Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, a noteworthy feature of the updated consoles. Notably, this drive is now removable on the latest models. Sony has made it possible for users to acquire the drive separately, enabling them to attach it to their Digital Edition console to enable disc functionality or to replace a malfunctioning drive. The Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive will be available as a standalone purchase for $80, but it is exclusively compatible with the new consoles.
In addition to these changes, the new console comes with a redesigned stand. However, it’s essential to note that this stand is specifically designed for supporting the console in a horizontal orientation. If you prefer to position your PS5 vertically, you will need to purchase a separate Vertical Stand accessory, priced at $30. This vertical stand is compatible with all PS5 models, both old and new.
Internally, there’s only one notable change to the console, which is an increase in storage capacity. The PS5 now boasts a generous 1 terabyte of storage space, a significant improvement from the previous model’s 825GB. As far as other internal specifications go, they appear to remain identical based on the information released by Sony thus far.
The pricing is another area of adjustment. The standard model will maintain its $500 price tag, but the Digital Edition will see a $50 increase, now retailing for $450.
These new variants are set to hit the market in November in the US, with a global release in the subsequent months. The existing models will continue to be available for purchase until stocks are exhausted.
