Some Sony fans have noticed that the PlayStation 5 has an unexplained slot. Online speculation suggests a range of functions, from security to peripheral support, based on the size and position of the slot.
The PlayStation 5 is a hugely anticipated console, with fans poring over all the information Sony has released about it. The Playstation 5 showcase that Sony held on Wednesday, September 16, gave fans all sorts of new PS5 footage and information to investigate. Of course, the console has slots for a power cable, an Ethernet cable, and USB cables. But this doesn't explain the new port, or what it does.
Fans online have guessed at a range of possible functions for the slot. One popular guess is that the slot will enable PlayStation 5 owners to secure their devices with a security lock, tethering the device to a surface to deter theft. Another guess is that the slot supports some kind of PSVR 2 functionality, which would align with statements made by Sony about supporting VR in the new console generation. It could also simply be a diagnostics port, used by Sony for work covered by the manufacturer warranty.
Speculation about the port comes as Sony has kept player expectations in check. For instance, Sony has revealed that the PS5 is only backward-compatible with the PS4, not the previous PlayStation generations. This has also extended beyond the console itself to keep expectations in check regarding PlayStation 5 launch titles.
As an example, Sony has confirmed the price of some new-generation games to be 70 USD, 10 dollars more than the standard price in previous generations. The company has also confirmed that some of the PS5's launch titles, like Spider Man: Miles Morales, will also be available on the PS4.
Some fans may be frustrated about the lack of clarification regarding the port. Sony irritated a lot of fans with the way that it handled PS5 pre-orders, leaving millions of fans to discover that the console had already sold out prior to even being aware that pre-orders had gone live. Even if the port only serves a mundane function like a security lock, it would be helpful for players to know what it does. That way, they could plan accordingly and make sure the space in which they install the console can accommodate for whatever functionality the port brings.
Still, for some, it is exciting to think that Sony has not revealed everything about the console, as this leaves room for potential surprises. Sony may be saving an announcement for closer to the console's launch, or it may not deem the port important enough to talk about. One thing is for certain: When the console finally launches in mid-November, fans will finally figure out what the port does.
Source: Playstationing.com, via N4G