Katarzyna Petru
According to reports from Insider Gaming, the upcoming PlayStation 6 will not completely abandon physical media. The console is set to feature a removable disc drive, continuing the concept known from the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro.
Another route than Microsoft
While Microsoft has already abandoned drives in the new Xbox Series S and Series X models, Sony is going in the opposite direction. The Japanese company gives players a choice – you can buy a console with a drive, add one later, or even completely forgo physical media.
Reliable Leak
Well-known insider Tom Henderson, who previously accurately revealed the existence of a detachable drive in the PS5, claims that Sony is "determined" to bring this solution to PlayStation 6. This means that the Japanese giant does not plan to transition exclusively to digital distribution, which would indeed be risky – especially since the company is currently dealing with a lawsuit regarding inflated prices in the PlayStation Store.
Rescue for Collectors and Film Buffs
Thanks to the drive, players will still be able to enjoy Blu-ray and UHD Blu-ray discs – at a time when most audio-visual equipment manufacturers are gradually phasing out players. This is important news for film collectors and fans of physical game editions.
However, there is a catch. The current detachable drive with the PS5 requires a constant internet connection to go through the authentication process on Sony's servers. Officially, it's about protecting against piracy, but the question arises – what will happen if the company ever shuts down those servers?
Premiere no earlier than 2027
PlayStation 6 is expected to features a refreshed, sleeker design, with the launch planned for the end of 2027 or the beginning of 2028. It seems that the current generation will be with us for a few more good years.
