Sony is preparing to carry one of the PlayStation 5’s most notable design changes into the next generation. According to multiple sources, the PlayStation 6 will launch with a detachable disc drive, giving players the same flexibility that arrived mid-cycle with the PS5.
Just like the current console, the PS6 will be available in two main forms:
- A digital-only version for those who prefer downloads.
- A bundle with the detachable disc drive, making it a more traditional console.
Players who start with the digital edition will also be able to add the disc drive later, making upgrades simple.
Why Sony Is Sticking With It
Insiders say the PS5’s disc drive strategy was a success, meeting all of Sony’s internal goals. The move helps the company cut manufacturing and shipping costs, especially valuable during times of fluctuating tariffs and trade pressures.
The next-gen console’s design is also expected to be more streamlined than the PS5, with a focus on efficiency, weight reduction, and shipping space savings. This approach lines up with Sony’s broader cost-saving efforts, including ongoing PS5 revisions that trim weight and components wherever possible.
Disc Games Aren’t Going Anywhere
For players worried about the future of physical media, this is good news: discs aren’t disappearing just yet. By keeping the detachable drive in the mix, Sony ensures it can support both digital-first gamers and collectors who prefer physical editions.
In the short term, Sony is still revising its current-gen lineup, with a new PS5 “slim” model reportedly coming soon. This version is said to feature an 825GB SSD instead of the 1TB standard, along with further reductions in size and weight.
But the big takeaway is clear: with the PlayStation 6, Sony is doubling down on flexibility, giving players the choice to go fully digital, stay physical, or switch between the two.
