Sony’s PlayStation 5 (PS5) was released more than two years ago, but due to scalpers and chip shortages, the gaming console has still been a tough sell to this day, despite its popularity among gamers. Despite this, we may have a hint of what Sony’s next lineup will be in the form of a PS5 Pro, as Hideaki Nishino, the Vice-President Senior of Sony has hinted at the possibility of a PS5 Pro in the future.
A recent interview between Nishino and Famitsu magazine revealed that the PS5 is expected to sell 37 million units by the end of 2022. He was not able to give more details about the company’s upcoming plans, but he hoped we were all looking forward to next year with excitement.
Various sources are circulating about the PS5 Pro. Rumors have it that there is a brand-new removable disc driver model that is in development, and some developers have already received it. This was first reported in September 2022 by known insider Tom Henderson. The disc driver for the alleged PS5 variant could then be released as a separate accessory. This could allow Sony to sell the alleged PS5 variant at the same price as the digital version. In addition, this concept makes the console thinner. Smaller, more efficient versions of existing CPUs could reduce power consumption. Additionally, the tweaked chassis should be able to stand vertically without the use of a stand.
A second leak in November also indicated that the “PS5 Slim” release date would be in the third quarter of 2023. In terms of what name this supposedly upgraded PS5 will have, it is currently unclear whether it will be called PS5 ‘Slim’ or PS5 ‘Pro’ (or something else entirely). The point is that it appears as if both of these pieces of information converge on the same conclusion.
You could purchase a PS5 with a Blu-ray drive for $550 or a digital-only console for $440. Inflation and exchange rates were blamed for Sony’s subsequent price increases to $475 and $585. Since the cost of living crisis shows no signs of subsiding anytime soon, it is difficult to estimate the price of any Slim and Pro variants. The Pro could cost $550 to $600, making it a serious investment. It should be a bit better for the PS5 Slim, however.
As mentioned earlier, the PS5 Slim may also be a possibility since the PS4 Slim already exists. There would have been more sense in using a removable disc driver with this model. However, everything is just speculation at the moment, so take it with a grain of salt for now. I would like to know your opinion on this as well. Which one would you prefer, and why?