PS5 with removable optical drive could launch in 2023

Sony is apparently working on a new version for the PS5. According to Insider-Gaming's Tom Henderson, Sony is working on a PS5 with a removable optical drive, expected to launch in September 2023. Microsoft had previously released an HD-DVD drive for the Xbox 360, but it didn't let you play games and didn't really last long after Blu-ray came out. It looks like Sony will improve the concept with its removable disk drive. Henderson shared more details about the unannounced console in his report.

Sony to Launch New PlayStation 5 With a Detachable Disc Drive, Sources Suggest

Henderson claims that the new PS5 models have been in production since the PS5 launched in November 2020. The design of the new model is expected to be nearly identical to the current model, but may be "lighter and thinner". The optical drive is said to be connected using the USB-C port on the back of the PS5. The console can be sold separately or bundled with a removable optical drive, with the option to purchase the optical drive separately. However, the report did not share any details on pricing or show any images of the new model. Henderson also said that Sony plans to produce 18.5 million new PS5s in fiscal 2023, as well as 12 million existing models, which are being phased out. Henderson claims that the new PS5 models have been in production since the PS5 launched in November 2020. The design of the new model is expected to be nearly identical to the current model, but may be "lighter and thinner". The optical drive is said to be connected using the USB-C port on the back of the PS5. The console can be sold separately or bundled with a removable optical drive, with the option to purchase the optical drive separately. However, the report did not share any details on pricing or show any images of the new model. Henderson also said that Sony plans to produce 18.5 million new PS5s in fiscal 2023, as well as 12 million existing models, which are being phased out.

If this report is true, the new PS5 model will bring the biggest hardware change of the console generation. Sony regularly updates the PS5 hardware to make it lighter and more efficient, but a rumored update will let you add an extra component. It's unclear how this change will affect the price of the PS5. Since the PS5 also has limited stock in India, it remains to be seen whether it will launch in the country on the same day as the global launch.