PlayStation 5: Sony Quietly Releases New Model

Adrian Mühlroth

October 2, 2026, 12:01 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

Sony has quietly released a new version of the PlayStation 5. The new model is designated EDM-051 and features improvements in the cooling system and repairability. Sony did not communicate these changes anywhere–even the included manual does not mention them.

New Cooling System Like the Pro Model

Sony has fundamentally redesigned the cooling system, as console technicians discovered when opening a PlayStation 5 Wolverine Limited Edition. Liquid metal is used for heat dissipation between the chip and the heatsink. Older PS5 models had issues because the liquid metal could shift and cause short circuits on the motherboard. The new protective cover keeps the material closer to the processor and exposes less area directly to the liquid metal.

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The design is inspired by the PS5 Pro. It narrows the area directly covered by liquid metal to improve control over the conductive material. In earlier versions of the PlayStation 5, it is safer to position the console horizontally. The liquid metal can leak due to heavy use when positioned vertically and damage the mainboard.

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Battery Can Now Be Easily Replaced

The most significant change concerns the CR2032 battery. It powers the console’s internal clock and is used for license management. In older PS5 models, replacing it was complicated and required access to the motherboard.

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The new revision adopts the solution from the PS5 Pro: The battery is now housed in an accessible compartment and can be changed without tools. This change significantly eases future maintenance and was a known issue in previous PlayStation generations like the PS3 and PS4.

Additional Changes

In addition to the battery and cooling, Sony has also simplified the motherboard layout and optimized the HDMI retimer. These changes aim for lower production costs and higher reliability. For buyers, this means the new version should last longer and be easier to maintain.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.