Sony has announced new versions of the PlayStation 5 in time for the 2023 Holiday season after months of rumors. The new PS5s will launch in November and will be 30% smaller and either 18% or 24% lighter compared to the previous models, which is still less significant than Sony's previous mid-generation console releases. However, despite the smaller form factor and the promises of a larger 1TB SSD storage space over the original model's 825GB, the new versions of the console do come with their downsides.

The new PS5s will have four separate cover panels instead of the two larger ones on current models, with a glossy top portion, while the bottom remains matte. Much like the current PS5 consoles on the market, there will be both a digital-only and a disc drive model for the new iterations. Unlike the previous version, however, there will also be the option to purchase a separate $79.99 Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive, which can be attached to the PS5 digital edition by removing one of the bottom panels.

Related: New PS5 Slim Officially Revealed (But Is It Worth It?)

The New PS5s Could Work Out To Be More Expensive

As confirmed in the official PlayStation website, the new disc-drive PS5 will cost $499.99. The digital-only version is $449.99 with the additional $79.99 disc drive expansion, making it $20 more expensive than the version with one built in already, which seems like an unnecessary additional cost. These prices match the going rate for the standard PS5s since their price increased since launch, but with increased storage space, that would normally make the console more expensive. However, if players want to store them vertically, they could work out more expensive than its predecessor.

A horizontal stand will be included with the new PS5 model, but a new vertical stand — which will also be compatible with both the original and new PS5 models — will be sold separately at $29.99. This separate vertical stand would mean an additional cost compared to the multipurpose stand that comes included with the current PS5 models, which can be used to display the console both vertically and horizontally.

Existing Console Covers Won't Fit The New PS5 Design

As the size and design of the new PS5s are changing, existing console covers won't fit, which makes the choice of releasing so many variations a bizarre decision. Sony announced a new range of colored covers will be available starting in early 2024 for the new designs, with prices starting at $54.99. These include many of the colors already on the market, such as an all-matte Black colorway and the Deep Earth Collection colors in Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sterling Silver. Unfortunately, this means that those who already purchased plates for the prior consoles will have to purchase them again if they choose to upgrade.

It also seems odd that Sony recently made a huge point of making a Marvel's Spider-Man 2 design for the standard PS5 models, with plates sold separately. These were extremely popular and sold out quickly at the pre-order stage. However, it would have made sense to have announced a version to go alongside the newer, smaller design, especially with the new consoles launching so soon to Marvel's Spider-Man 2's release date.

It's worth noting that the old PS5 model will be phased out after its remaining inventory has been sold, which will be a shame for those who have already invested in the previous iteration of the console, as Sony will most likely stop manufacturing future special edition plates for them. Although buying a new model will come down to personal preference, it seems like new buyers who purchase a disc version of the PlayStation 5 and can store it horizontally would benefit most from a smaller console with more storage and a cheaper disc drive option. However, for pre-existing owners looking to upgrade, there isn't much more value to be gained.

Source: PlayStation