Summary
PlayStationjustunveiled the PS5 Pro, finally confirming that it will be a digital-only console. It has, however, also been confirmed on thePlayStation blogthat we’ll be able to purchase a separate disc drive to allow us to access our physical games, but this only adds to the expense on an already pricey console.
If this is the same price asthe PS5 Slim’s disc drive, then this will set us back another $80. The PS5 Pro itself already costs $700, so unless we can buy them in a bundle, the upgrade will cost $780 if you want to play physical games. Add in the optional stand, and that could bring the total cost to $800.
PlayStation Called Out Over PS5 Pro Price Tag And Separate Disc Drive
It wasrumoured that the PS5 Pro would be digital only, and now, it looks like these leaks were accurate. The early reactions to this have been overwhelmingly negative, as many are quick to argue that this is too high a price to pay for a mid-generation upgrade.
Of course, the digital gaming market is only continuing to grow. Many major releases, such asBaldur’s Gate 3andAlan Wake 2, are getting digital-only launches now, only getting a physical run when it’s been proven that the interest is there.
However, this decision to make the PS5 Pro digital-only by default makes it much harder for current PS5 owners to upgrade. They could sell their base model PS5s and put the money they make towards a PS5 Pro, but if they have any physical games, they’ll be unable to play them until they get the separate disc drive. We’ll have to wait and see if the disc drive’s prices are adjusted to reflect this, but right now,the cost of PS5 hardware is going up, not down.
The PS5 Pro launches on November 7, almost exactly four years after the PS5.
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 was launched in 2020 as Sony’s next-gen console, armed with an SSD and the new DualSense controller. Disc-based and digital models are available, and it supports the new PS VR2 virtual reality headset.
