Sony’s next-generation console, the PlayStation 6, is reportedly set to feature a detachable disc drive when it arrives. According to a report from Insider Gaming, the company plans to make modular design part of the system from the beginning, offering users the option to choose between digital-only or physical media support without committing to separate console versions.
The PlayStation 5, which launched in 2020, was sold in two distinct editions: one with a built-in Blu-ray drive and one without. In 2023, Sony refreshed the system with a slimmer chassis and introduced a detachable disc drive, which could be bundled with the new PS5 or purchased separately. This update appears to have shaped Sony’s design approach for the upcoming generation.
For the PlayStation 6, Sony is expected to release a single base unit in three possible configurations. Consumers will be able to purchase a digital-only model, a bundle including the detachable drive, or buy the drive later as an accessory. This approach reduces production complexity by focusing on one core console design, while also lowering shipping costs with a smaller and lighter base unit.
The modular disc drive offers flexibility to players as well. Those who purchase games digitally can stick with the standard model, while physical media collectors will retain access to disc-based titles. Serviceability also improves, since a malfunctioning drive can be replaced without the need to send in the entire console.
However, questions remain around implementation. Sony will need to ensure seamless compatibility between the console and the drive, maintain consistent warranty coverage, and manage accessory distribution across regions with different levels of demand for physical media. The company will also need to balance support for markets where disc-based games remain popular with those where digital distribution dominates.
If confirmed, the PlayStation 6 would mark the first time Sony launches a console generation with a detachable drive as part of its design. This would create a more modular platform that adapts to changing gaming habits while continuing to support physical discs for another cycle.
