Rumor: PS6 Could Feature a Detachable Disc Drive at Launch Sony’s next-gen console may continue its modular design with optional physical media support

Sony's next-generation console, the PlayStation 6, could launch with a detachable disc drive, continuing the modular product philosophy first introduced with the PS5. This means players may have the flexibility to choose between a fully digital experience or add a physical media option later.

🛠️ Modular Design: A Sony Tradition

The PS5 Digital Edition, released in November 2020, marked Sony’s first fully digital console. Over the next few years, the company continued this trajectory:

PS5 Pro (mid-gen refresh): Adopted a modular design, allowing users to install a disc drive separately.
PS5 Slim (2023): Also featured a detachable disc drive for mid-tier hardware.

According to an industry insider, the PS6 will likely expand on this modular concept. Both digital and standard editions are expected at launch, with the digital variant compatible with an optional standalone disc drive. This ensures even budget-conscious players aren’t restricted to digital-only gaming.

🔄 Backwards Compatibility & Future Outlook

The detachable disc design may not be permanent. Analysts predict that the PlayStation 7 could launch without a disc drive at all. Sony’s approach will likely hinge on user adoption rates of physical media as the gaming industry shifts toward fully digital distribution.

📦 Rumored PS6 Lineup

While official details are scarce, the rumored lineup includes:

PlayStation 6 Digital Edition – Compatible with a standalone disc drive
PlayStation 6 – Standard edition with disc drive included
PS6 Disc Drive Add-On – For digital-only console users who want physical media

This modular approach provides flexibility, letting players customize their experience based on their gaming preferences.

🏁 Final Thoughts

If these rumors hold true, the PS6 could offer the most versatile PlayStation experience yet, letting players choose between digital-only gaming or the ability to install a disc drive later. This would continue Sony’s trend of modular consoles while preparing for the industry’s eventual shift away from physical media.