PlayStation 6 may launch with detachable drive after PS5 experiment

WEB DESK: Sony is quietly shaping the future of its gaming consoles, and if reports are accurate, the PlayStation 6 could look very different from what we’ve seen before.

According to Insider Gaming, Sony is making modular design the centrepiece of its next-gen console strategy, with a detachable disc drive available right from launch.

This move is not entirely new. The concept was first tested during the latter years of the PS5 lifecycle, when Sony introduced a model that let players choose between a digital-only console or a version that could connect to an external drive.

At the time, the change sparked debate, particularly when the release of the PS5 Pro required players to pay nearly $80 for the optional drive. Some gamers called it an unnecessary expense. Yet despite the criticism, sales figures proved the idea had legs.

Learning from the PS5 experiment

Sony appears to have taken that feedback and turned it into a defining feature for the PlayStation 6. Instead of waiting until mid-cycle, the PS6 will reportedly launch with a flexible setup. Players will be able to buy it in three ways: a digital-only version, a bundle with the disc drive included, or a base model where the drive can be added later.

The thinking behind this is simple but smart. Many modern players have embraced digital libraries, enjoying the convenience of downloads and cloud saves. Others, however, still value physical discs, whether for resale, collecting, or simply because of patchy internet. By catering to both groups without forcing them into a one-size-fits-all purchase, Sony is trying to please everyone.

Why modularity matters now

Modular design is more than a cost-saving measure. It represents a shift in how players interact with consoles. Where the PS5 generation taught Sony that flexibility sells, the PS6 aims to cement it as part of the PlayStation DNA. What once looked like an experiment has now become central to Sony’s identity.

The approach also speaks to a wider trend in tech. From laptops with swappable parts to phones with expandable storage, modularity is gaining traction as a way of extending product lifespans and reducing waste. For consoles, it means gamers may not need to buy entirely new hardware when they only want certain features.

Waiting for the next big leap

Sony has yet to reveal when the PlayStation 6 will launch, or what other upgrades it will bring beyond modularity. But the strategy already gives fans plenty to talk about. If the PS5 taught the company one lesson, it’s that giving players a choice between digital and physical worlds pays off.

With the PS6, Sony is taking that lesson to heart, making flexibility the headline feature rather than a late addition.

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