As it did with all previous PlayStation models, Sony has put the PS5 on an intensive weight loss programme just in time for Christmas.
The result — which Sony isn’t giving the traditional ‘slim’ or ‘lite’ moniker — is a console that’s not only 30% smaller by volume, but 24% lighter than the machine that those launch-day early adopter suckers bought.
It maintains the same performance as before, though it comes with a slightly larger SSD (1TB vs 825GB).
It’s also a big step forward for Sony as it’s now modular. While you can buy it with a disc drive, just as you can with the original, the Digital Edition will be upgradeable with an optional optical drive at a later date. (Or more likely the same afternoon, after you find just how much Sony charges for downloadable games.)
“To address the evolving needs of players, our engineering and design teams collaborated on a new form factor that provides greater choice and flexibility,” wrote Sid Shuman, Senior Director at SIE Content Communications in a blog post. “The same technology features that make PS5 the best to play are packed into a smaller form factor, along with an attachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive and a 1TB SSD for more internal storage.”
Frankly, that’s a bit annoying if you bought an original Digital version which doesn’t come with that upgrade path. But hey: that’s the price you pay for being an early adopter.
Speaking of prices, the RRP will remain the same for both models, and Sony says that once stock of the previous version is done, it’ll be discontinued. As well as the US$80 (~NZ$133) Blu Ray drive, you’ll be able to buy a special stand for US$30 (~NZ$50) which will let you play the console vertically without risking a mischief.
It’s coming to the United States in November, with a global rollout coming in the “following months”. We may have a long wait ahead for New Zealand…
