New PS5 Model With Detachable Disc Drive Could Be in the Works — When Will It Be Out?

The PlayStation 5 may be getting a detachable disc drive in the future.

Industry insider Tom Henderson recently revealed that the rumored PS5 model that comes with a detachable disc drive is already in the works, which seemingly confirms the rumors running around about it in September 2022, per The Verge.

The PlayStation 5 is one of if not the most sought-after video game consoles of its generation, with Sony confirming the console's shortage on Jan. 5, per Polygon.

PlayStation 5 With Detachable Disc Drive Details

Henderson mentioned in his report for Insider Gaming that his sources revealed that Sony would probably release the PS5 model with a detachable disc drive sometime in the middle of FY 2023, specifically around Sept. 2023.

Additionally, this new PS5 model will completely replace the A, B, and C chassis that have been in production since the PS5's launch. For those unaware, these chassis denote changes in the video game console's hardware, with altered heatsinks, fans, and even a new motherboard.

Henderson's sources also mentioned that this new model, whose chassis Sony classified as the D chassis, will have almost the same hardware as the existing ones already for sale on the market.

Meanwhile, the detachable disc drive is said to be portable enough for customer convenience and would be connected to the back of the console with a new USB-C port. Despite being detachable, the disc drive won't ruin the aesthetics of the host console and will attach to it without looking external.

Henderson believes the new PS5 will look similar to the existing standard PS5 once the detachable disc drive is connected. However, this could also mean that the new PS5 model would be slimmer and lighter, two characteristics Sony has been trying to add to its existing PS5 models.

Unfortunately, the detachable disc drive won't be back backward compatible, meaning that PS5 digital edition owners can't connect it to their console. Thankfully, Henderson's sources said that a major software update could make the two devices compatible with each other.

Henderson said that Sony is expecting it will produce 18.5 million units of this new PS5 model for release in FY 2023 and only 12 million units of the already available PS5 models as it begins to phase all three out.

Unfortunately, neither Henderson nor his sources reveal an estimated price for the new PS5 model and its detachable disc drive.

As of press time, the new model's prototype is in the hands of Sony's developers and has been for some months. It won't be given to game developers since there are no major changes in hardware for them to consider, per Gamerant.

Should You Get The New Model Over the Old Ones?

With the upcoming PS5 model providing no new hardware for people wanting to get their hands on one, it's safe to say that only those who want to buy a slimmer and lighter can benefit from buying it.

Additionally, those who wish to see what the detachable disc drive would look like when attached to the back of the new PS5 model could also gain something from the new model. Nevertheless, if you're looking to own a PS5 soon, don't hesitate to buy one regardless of the model. However, you may want to check the chassis of the PS5 you're about to get, as Gamertechie advised.