Mind-Blowing PS5 'Slim' Revealed in Exclusive Video Leak!

Highlights

A slim variant of the PlayStation 5, rumored for a while now, has been leaked twice, this time appearing in a video.

The slim PS5's leaked chassis indicates the presence of a detachable optical drive, which could facilitate repairs and enhance manufacturing efficiency. Although the disc reader may not be removable by the users themselves, the leaks imply that a forthcoming PS5 revision is highly probable and in line with earlier indications of a more compact variant scheduled for launch in 2023.

The PlayStation 5 slim variant, which was previously rumored and only seen in a low-resolution image, has now leaked for the second time in a span of 24 hours, this time in video format. The rumors surrounding another revision of the PS5 have been circulating in the industry for some time now. The extent of these rumors is such that even Microsoft appears to be convinced that the PS5 Slim will be released soon. In fact, Microsoft's lawyers mentioned it during the company's recent legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission.

A video showcasing a hands-on view of a chassis believed to belong to a slimmer version of the PlayStation 5 was shared online on August 11 by Twitter user BwE_Dev. While the case does not appear visibly slimmer, it does seem shorter than the regular $499 console that includes a Blu-ray drive. The noticeable difference between the two is the leaked chassis featuring a detachable optical drive, indicated by a noticeable gap about one-third of the way down from the top of the console. This revised version is reportedly identified as model number CFI-2016. Comparatively, the current PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition consoles are labeled CFI-1202A and CFI-1202B, respectively.

Noted industry insider Tom Henderson confirms that this smaller variant of Sony's system is indeed real. However, it is not expected to complicate the existing PS5 lineup or have any direct impact on consumers. Instead, the CFI-2016 is meant to streamline Sony's manufacturing process by allowing them to use a single production line for both models and simply assemble the more expensive one with an optical drive. Having one modular system instead of two distinct ones could potentially help the Japanese company reduce production costs.

Having a detachable Blu-ray drive could potentially reduce repair costs, as faulty disc readers would be easier to replace. However, it is unlikely that the upcoming PS5 revision will have a user-detachable drive unless the user is skilled with a screwdriver. The possibility of the disc reader being a modular block that can be easily inserted into the new PS5 is slim. While this design would allow Sony to sell the drive separately for users to upgrade the Digital Edition of the console, it would result in slower read speeds compared to the current PS5 model, which uses a data ribbon cable to connect the motherboard to the Blu-ray drive.

Nevertheless, these leaked details strongly suggest the arrival of a new PS5 revision in the near future. This aligns with previous reports indicating the launch of a more compact PS5 model in 2023.

Source: Insider Gaming