September 11, 2025, 6:33 am | Read time: 3 minutes
There are still a few years until the PlayStation 6 is unveiled. However, behind the scenes, a key design decision seems to have already been made. The console is expected to launch with a detachable drive. What does this mean for gamers and the console market?
Detachable Drive to Become Standard with the PS6
In 2020, the PlayStation 5 was released in two separate versions, one with a disc drive and a Digital Edition without. It wasn’t until the mid-generation update at the end of 2023—the PS5 Slim—that Sony adopted a modular concept. Since then, customers can choose the console with or without a drive, which can be purchased, attached, detached, or replaced if defective at any time.
According to insider information from “Insider Gaming,” Sony plans to continue this modular principle with the PlayStation 6. The goal is to reduce production and shipping costs. Several people familiar with the plans, who wish to remain anonymous, have confirmed to “Insider Gaming” that the drive will remain a part of the PlayStation 6.
PlayStation 6 Could Be Released on Time
PS5 Slim — Features, Advantages and Disadvantages, Rating
Three Variants Planned – Digital, with Drive, or Upgrade
As with the PS5 Slim, customers can also decide when purchasing the PlayStation 6 whether they want the Digital Edition or the bundle with a disc drive. They can buy the drive separately later and upgrade the console with it.
This offers several advantages for Sony. The modular principle not only reduces manufacturing costs but also saves space and weight during shipping. According to “Insider Gaming,” this allows Sony to operate more efficiently in uncertain times—likely referring to trade conflicts and tariffs.
Accordingly, Sony is also expected to design the exterior of the PlayStation 6 more efficiently. Instead of the curved lines that make the PS5 so distinctive, the manufacturer might return to a simpler and more compact design that is easier to produce and more space-efficient to ship.
For players who continue to rely on discs, the decision in favor of the modular drive is good news. The physical gaming world will remain intact in the upcoming generation—at least with PlayStation.
New PS5 Version with Less Storage Expected in September
In parallel with the PS6 development, Sony continues to work on the “optimization” of the PS5. A new revision of the Slim is expected to be released this month, featuring an 825-GB SSD instead of the previous 1 TB. This is another sign that Sony is currently prioritizing even the smallest savings. Further weight reduction of the hardware is also considered likely.