Sony is working on a new PS5, and everything revolves around a redesign of the idea that, although it might not convince you too much, it makes a lot more sense than it seems. The news comes via an article by Tom Henderson published on InsiderGamingwhere it ensures that the manufacturer will launch the new model in September 2023.
A PS5 with a USB reader
The published information speaks of a new console that would introduce a quite peculiar complement, since we would be talking about a external Blu-ray drive which will allow using discs for those who change their minds and want to move from digital to physical over time. This is something that is not possible to do today, since, although two versions of PS5 are offered (with disc and without disc), those who opted for the digital version will have to settle for life with their choice, as there is no way to connect any compatible drive.
In any case, the most important thing is that this new console would continue to carry the same hardware that we find today in stores, so we will hardly see a smaller console or too different from the digital PS5 that we know today, and much less that it is more powerful than the current ones.
Are we going to be able to use that reader on the PS5 Digital?
One question that many users will be asking themselves is whether that external unit that Sony is going to launch together with the console can be used in the current digital PS5. Today we are not very clear what Sony’s position will be in this regard, but it does not seem that this will happen. The new console will include an additional USB-C port on its back, and it will be in charge of feeding and transferring data between the reader and the console, and although the front port of the digital PS5 could be perfectly fine for it, something tells us that it is going to be limited to the new model.
Does it make sense to release such a console now?
The move of launching a console with an optional reader is quite interesting, as it will allow gamers to change their minds over time and even replace one of the most vulnerable pieces of hardware with total ease and avoid expensive PS5 repair services. From this point of view it sounds good, however, we could also understand that the play of launching a version with a disc and another without it has not finished curdling correctly.
To all this, we must add the increase in the price of the consoles due to inflation and the shortage of components, something that could be mitigated with this new model. Technically you wouldn’t be doing without the disc drive forever, so you’ll always have the opportunity to upgrade your hardware and still be happy.
Is the best option?
A USB-C Blu-ray drive shouldn’t be too bulky, but considering the current size of the console, adding one more component to your setup isn’t going to be pretty. If we take into account that the console has a replaceable case system that has caught on very well with the public (especially to clean your PS5 comfortably), we would not like to see a hole under that case in which to house the drive.
Thus, those who dare to use the reader can always have it hidden and not feel like they have one more brick on their table next to the television. We’ll see if Sony surprises us with any of this, but for now we will have to wait until September 2023, the date on which the new console will supposedly see the light.
