When the PlayStation 4 was released, it took Sony three years to launch a version that had a lower power consumption and a smaller build, which is the PS4 Slim. It's been three years since the PS5 came out, and Microsoft believes that Sony will soon release the PS5 Slim.
Will Sony Launch a PS5 Slim?
Microsoft filed a document as part of the FTC v Microsoft hearing, and part of the file says that PlayStation is expected to release a PlayStation 5 Slim later this year. It also provided an expected price of $399.99 which is similar to the PS5 Digital Edition.
Sony has not released a statement on the matter, so it's all speculation at this point. It does go in line with the console maker's timeline with its previous PlayStation 4 series. Although, there is another rumored release from PlayStation that could indicate that's not the case.
As mentioned in The Verge, Sony is rumored to release a new version of the PS5, but rather than a PS5 Slim, it focuses more on a console that has a detachable disc drive. Granted, Sony might release a standard slimmer version since the disc drive will be separate then.
The two options that consumers have right now are the PS5 Digital Edition and the PS5 with a disc drive. With these choices, the buyer will be stuck with their option unless they buy the other, whereas a detachable disc drive could let them use discs if they decide to later on.
Other than that, Sony also plans to release a handheld console. Microsoft stated that it is a handheld version of the PS5, but that's not really the case. Actually, Sony will release a handheld console that can stream PS5 games from the console through Wi-Fi.
With a Steam Deck, you can play the games you acquired on Steam without opening your PC. If PlayStation releases the rumored handheld console, you'll need to keep the main PS5 console on to keep playing the games.
PS5 with Detachable Disc Drive is More Likely
If players were to choose between a PS5 Slim or a PS5 with a removable disc drive, they would probably choose the latter. As luck has it, there are credible rumors saying that a prototype is already being developed at Sony.
As reported by Game Rant, the console itself will not have any hardware changes, which means that PS5 games will still run the same, only on a different hardware. The tentative release is anticipated to be in September 2023.
When PlayStation does release it, reports say that Sony expects to produce 18.5 million units in the fiscal year of 2023, with 12 million units for the other PS5 versions. At this point, there is still no information as to how much the cost will be.
The detachable disc drive will not work on the PS5 Digital Edition, which means that players will have to buy the new console. It might come with a bundle or customers can choose to buy the main console first and the removable disc drive later.
