While the PlayStation 5 is still going strong, rumours for its successor have begun to surface. According to a new report, Sony plans to adopt a detachable disc drive strategy for the PS6 from its initial launch.
The report from Insider Gaming suggests that the base model of the PS6 will be a digital-only console, with a separate, optional disc drive available for purchase as an add-on accessory. This is similar to the strategy Sony introduced midway through the PS5's lifecycle with the Slim model. Still, it would be the first time the company has offered this choice from the start of a new console generation.
According to the report, the move is driven by the success of the PS5's optional drive and the desire to offer a lower entry price for the next-generation machine. By selling a digital-only base unit, Sony can reduce the initial “sticker shock” for consumers during a period of economic uncertainty, while still providing players who prefer physical media a clear upgrade path.
This news will be a huge relief for fans of physical media and game preservation, as it indicates Sony is not yet ready to go all-digital with its next console. However, the luxury of a disc drive is no longer the standard, so those who rely on discs will also need to keep the extra cost in mind when pricing up their next console upgrade.
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KitGuru says: We are still likely a couple of years away from an official PS6 announcement, and this should be treated as an early rumour. However, the strategy makes some sense, offering consumer choice while managing launch costs.