PS5 Revision to Feature a Detachable Optical Drive to Create Just One Variant?

While the gaming industry is undoubtedly making a pretty solid transition to what will undoubtedly eventually be a fully digital environment, it’s hard to deny that in direct comparison, the disk version of the PS5 console has proven to be a significantly more popular choice. – While PS5 disc systems are still pretty hard to come by, the digital version does seem to be more readily available with retailers.

There are, of course, a lot of advantages to owning the disk version of the system, but the key trade-off for digital users is a comparatively lower price point for the console itself. – Following a report via TechPowerUp, however, sources are claiming that Sony is set to release a pretty interesting new peripheral for the PS5 in 2024. Namely, an external/detachable optical drive might be on the way!

PS5 Revision to Remove The Problem of Variants?

It is, of course, entirely logical that the PS5 will see a mid-life revision, and, in this regard, 2024 does seem like a fairly logical date for this to happen. We should note though that, in this specific regard, we’re not talking about some kind of ‘Pro’ variant. The revision in question here would be primarily to create an updated more cost-effective design.

So, what would this entail? Well, if the source is accurate, then Sony might be considering dropping the disk-based PS5 system entirely. No, they’re not technically going to be going fully digital, but what they’re going to do instead is release the optical drive as a separate peripheral which can be directly attached to the newly revised design.

Now, while this might sound a bit mad, in many regards, it makes a hell of a lot of sense. – Primarily, it would allow Sony to completely streamline PS5 production. Put simply, they wouldn’t have to manufacture two variants anymore. Those who want access to disc-based content can simply pay the extra and get the optical drive attachment. More so, those who may not necessarily want it at the time of initial purchase will always have the option to do so later down the road.

With this in mind though, it also opens the door to Sony also creating a separate optical drive variant for those who currently own existing digital systems. No, it’ll likely not look anywhere near as pretty as the revised design which will have something of a ‘slot’ ready for it, but it’ll still allow consumers who could only get (or afford at the time) the current digital version to get access to disc-based content!

Overall, while I wouldn’t have come up with this idea, it genuinely sounds like a good one to me for a mid-life PS5 revision.

What do you think though? – Let us know in the comments!