A rumor suggests that Sony plans on launching a slim version of the PS5 console next year. The PlayStation 5 came out in November 2020, but Sony has been unable to meet the demand for the system. This has resulted in a situation where some users are buying a PS5 from a scalper at more than its MRP.However, it looks like supply has improved drastically in recent weeks as fans are finally spotting PS5 consoles at various Walmart stores. This is true for both the standard edition as well as a special bundle that comes with a copy of Horizon Forbidden West. The PS5 is almost two years old at this point, and even though supply appears to be slowly improving, many aspiring customers have yet to get their hands on the system. Now, a new rumor indicates that Sony will release a slimmer version of the PS5 in 2023.This information comes from The Leak and was later reported by Insider Gaming. According to the report, Sony will release a smaller PS5 console in Q3 2023, although it may not be referred to as a PS5 Slim. In addition to being smaller, The Leak claims that this new version will be lighter and cooler than the original PS5 design. Finally, the source also mentions that Sony is working on a solution to remove the requirement of the PS5 stand when the system is placed horizontally. While every rumor should be taken with a grain of salt, such console revisions are standard practice in the gaming industry.
Insider Gaming previously leaked that Sony is working on a revised PS5 console that comes with a detachable disc drive. The same report shares that this new system may replace the existing PS5 models entirely. Assuming this turns out to be true, it looks like all customers will get a digital-only PS5 with the option to purchase a disc drive if they want. It’ll also be interesting to see how Sony prices this PS5 hardware revision.
Similar console revisions are usually accompanied by a price drop, and this gives Sony a chance to reduce the asking cost of the system. Sony recently increased the PS5’s price in various regions including Europe, the UK, Japan, and more, citing high global inflation rates and adverse currency trends as the reasons for the hike. Although, Sony recently stated that the price increase has not impacted PS5 demand as it continues to monitor market trends.
Source: The Leak (via Insider Gaming)