Overview of the PlayStation 5 External Drive Compatibility and Hardware Update Rumors
The newly announced external storage option for the PlayStation 5 is not expected to be compatible with the original PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. Reports circulating in the Insider Gaming edition, attributed to insider Tom Henderson, describe this potential mismatch between models and how it might be addressed in future firmware updates.
According to Henderson, a number of Sony engineers have already received samples of the forthcoming model. While the exact reason the drive does not fit the base PlayStation 5 remains unspecified, there is no definitive ruling that compatibility cannot be achieved later. Developers and fans alike are watching for updates to the Digital Edition firmware that could bridge any hardware gaps and restore cross-model support.
A separate projection from Henderson suggests that the performance of the new PlayStation 5 will align with the capabilities of the current flagship console. The planned improvements are expected to focus on the device’s design and overall weight. A notable hardware detail is the addition of a USB Type-C port in the 2023 revision, intended to accommodate the same external drive accessory and ensure easier connectivity for users who upgrade their hardware while preserving accessory compatibility.
At this time, there is no precise schedule for a formal hardware refresh from Sony. Henderson indicates that any such update could arrive in the first half of 2023, though official confirmation has not been provided. Enthusiasts should monitor official Sony communications for exact timelines and compatibility confirmations, as revisions can occur later in the product cycle due to engineering refinements and supply considerations.
Earlier discussions in the media raised concerns about the vertical placement of the PlayStation 5 and the potential risk to the console’s internal components. Industry writers cautioned that improper vertical orientation could contribute to mechanical stress or overheating if the setup is not properly supported, though these statements reflect general guidance rather than a definitive defect. Consumers evaluating a vertical configuration should ensure proper ventilation and secure placement to avoid inadvertent wear or damage. This advice remains part of a broader conversation about long-term reliability and user practices rather than a specific hardware flaw.
There is a sense of evolving clarity around how Sony plans to balance new hardware features with existing accessories. As the company experiments with form factors and power management, the community awaits more concrete details on whether future firmware or hardware revisions will harmonize cross-model compatibility and deliver a seamless experience for players who own both the standard and digital editions. Citations for these insights come from industry insiders and ongoing reporting in gaming media.