Last year, it was reported that Sony is preparing a "slimmed version" of the PlayStation 5, which may go into production in the second quarter of 2023 and go on sale in the third quarter. Internally codenamed "D chassis", this version brings a new mold design that will be greatly reduced in size and lighter, run cooler, and feature a detachable Blu-ray optical drive, using the USB-C port on the back of the console, and not "ruining the aesthetics of the machine".
According to Segment Next, Sony filed for a new patent, which documents show is a removable optical drive, most likely part of the new PlayStation 5 console. Although Sony does not mention the content of the game console in the description of the patent document, based on past information and patent content, it can be speculated that this is an integral part of the modular design of the game console, and the shape also fits the design of the PlayStation 5 appearance.
At present, Sony offers a PlayStation 5 with a split-optical drive version and a digital version, which may be unified into a new version in the future. Allegedly, the modular design of Blu-ray drives may be included in some bundles, but will also be sold separately, so players can decide if they need to make Blu-ray drives part of the console. The new version has the potential to become thinner and lighter, while simplifying the process and making the PlayStation 5 easier to manufacture.
In addition, Sony's custom SoC is likely to be manufactured using TSMC's (TSMC) 6nm process for the new PlayStation 5. Since the N6 process will increase the transistor density by 18% compared to the N7 process, and the same design rules, design infrastructure, SPICE simulation program and IP can be used, it can effectively reduce production and development costs and increase efficiency with minimal cost. It is rumored that the new PlayStation 5 will launch around September 2023, and the original PlayStation 5 optical drive version and PlayStation 5 digital version will be discontinued by the end of 2023.