Sony hasn’t officially announced the PS6, but rumors about the company’s next-gen console continue surfacing. In a new report from Insider Gaming, the website claims that its sources say the PS6 will have a detachable disc drive at launch.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because Sony released a PS5—the PS5 Slim, to be exact—with a detachable disc drive almost two years ago. As Insider Gaming notes, the detachable disc drive allowed Sony to reduce its production and shipping costs for PS5, and it’s a safe bet the company would want to do the same for the PS6.
If Sony is really going down the PS5 Slim route, then that means the PS6 could come in two flavors: a “digital” console without a disc drive and a “disc” edition bundled with the disc drive. If you opt for a disc-less machine, you can always purchase the detachable disc drive separately.
Insider Gaming also reports that the PS6 will have a “simpler design” than the PS5 to maximize efficiency, shipping space, and weight. The reason for this and the detachable disc drive is to reduce shipping costs during what Insider Gaming’s sources call “uncertain times.” It doesn’t take a big stretch of the imagination to figure out that this refers to the ongoing tariff situation.
This news should alleviate concerns that Sony would completely abandon physical media for its next-generation system. The majority of gamers (myself included) purchase games digitally, but it’s smart to cater to the folks who prefer buying physical games. Granted, discs are effectively authentication keys since you have to install the entire game on your console, but that’s a different conversation entirely. Regardless, it’s good that Sony will reportedly give PS6 owners a choice between physical and digital consoles.
Again, Sony hasn’t announced the PS6, so take this latest rumor with the proverbial grain of salt. Stay tuned for more PS6 rumors and reports as we hear them!
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
