PS5 slim announced with add-on Blu-ray drive and price increase

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced that it will be redesigning the PlayStation 5 with a slimmer, lighter console in November. In addition to a slimmer form factor, SIE also revealed the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive add-on for the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition — the console without a built-in Blu-ray drive.

Sony’s new slimmed-down PS5 model has been “reduced in volume by more than 30%, and weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous models,” according to the company. Sony’s PS5, which is notoriously tall, has been reduced in height by about 33 millimeters (1.25 inch) and width by approximately 44 millimeters (1.73 inch). Weight-wise, the standard PS5 has lost 1.3kg (3 pounds) of its original weight.

There’s no change in price for the standard PlayStation 5 model. The new PS5 model will be available for $499.99 next month. The PS5 Digital Edition will see a significant price hike as part of this refresh. At launch, the PS5 disc-less edition will be priced at $449.99. The original PS5 Digital Edition was launched in 2020 at $399.

Here’s how pricing breaks down in the U.S., Europe, U.K., and Japan:

U.S.

• PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – $499.99
• PS5 Digital Edition – $449.99

Europe

• PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – €549.99
• PS5 Digital Edition – €449.99

U.K.

• PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – £479.99
• PS5 Digital Edition – £389.99

Japan

• PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 66,980 yen (includes tax)
• PS5 Digital Edition – 59,980 yen (includes tax)

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

PlayStation fans who opt for the PS5 Digital Edition can purchase the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive separately for $79.99 (or €119.99/£99.99/11,980 yen). Sony confirmed that this add-on is compatible only with the PS5 Digital Edition.

The new PS5 models will be available in November in the U.S. at “select” retailers and through Sony’s PlayStation Direct website. Sony has announced that the global release will take place in a few months.

Developing…