Sony announced it is introducing a new PS5 shipping in November, timed for the holiday shopping season. The slimmer form factor, which features a detachable Blu-ray Disc drive and 1TB SSD for internal storage, has been reduced in volume by more than 30 percent and is 18- 24 percent lighter, depending on the choice of two models. The PS5 Digital Edition will run $449.99, while the PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive will cost an additional $50. For those who purchase the base PS5 Digital Edition, a $79.99 Blu-ray disc drive can be added later. The new PS5 includes a horizontal stand; a new $29.99 vertical stand is compatible with all PS5 models.

Speculation of a sleeker PlayStation 5 model — occasionally referred to as the “PS5 Slim” — had been circulating online since August. With the announcement from Sony Interactive Entertainment, the rumor has now been confirmed.

“There are now two slits on each side and dual USB-C ports at the front instead of the single USB-C and USB-A ports that are available on the current PS5,” reports The Verge. “Both new PS5 models also include 1TB of storage, instead of the 825GB found on the existing PS5.”

“Besides the thinner profile, the slimmer units also feature a striking curved slit bisecting each faceplate into ‘glossy’ and ‘matte’ sections,” adds Ars Technica. “New colored faceplates for these models will be available for $54.99 starting in early 2024.”

“With the ability to upgrade the new Digital Edition of the PS5, Ampere expects there to be a larger share of total sales for this version versus the previous,” explained Piers Harding-Rolls, a games industry analyst with Ampere. “More gamers buying into the digital edition of the console will drive more sales of digital games through the PlayStation storefront. This will drive more storefront revenue for Sony and support its profit margin objectives.”

“The new PS5 model will be available starting this November in the U.S. at select local retailers and direct.playstation.com where available, explains Sony on the PlayStation Blog. “It will continue to roll out globally in the following months. Once inventory of the current PS5 model has sold out, the new PS5 will become the only model available.”