A recent video circulated online, showing a revised PlayStation 5 model that appears to feature a removable drive module. Insider-Gaming, a portal known for breaking console hardware insights, reported this development with an insider link on X (formerly Twitter) associated with BwE_Dev.
The circulating images depict a new PS5 configuration, identified by the model number CFI-2016, presenting a more compact and slender chassis. Notable design changes include two USB-C ports on the front panel and additional ventilation openings along the body. One of these openings connects with the modular removable drive, suggesting a modular approach to expand or upgrade cooling and storage options. The removable optical drive is expected to be sold separately, with the base system continuing to emphasize a thinner overall footprint.
Earlier material posted on a Chinese forum showed a version of the console without a floppy drive, aligning with a broader industry shift toward digital-first gaming and disc-less configurations. These visual clues, though unconfirmed by Sony, have fueled ongoing discussions about how Sony might offer flexible hardware in a refreshed PS5 lineup.
Insider Gaming’s Editor-in-Chief, Tom Henderson, suggested that the new PlayStation 5 could become available later in the year, noting analysts expect Sony to advance a line of updated SKUs that maintain backward compatibility while introducing modular enhancements. Sony has not publicly commented on these rumors or confirmed specific product details, and the company continues to support existing PS5 models with both standard disc drives and digital-only editions. The absence of official statements has left enthusiasts weighing the likelihood and potential timing of any hardware revision against the company’s ongoing software and service roadmap.
For players who own earlier PS5 units, the possibility of expanding capabilities via a removable drive and optional modular components is generating renewed interest in upgrading, particularly for those seeking a lighter chassis or enhanced ventilation. If a modular drive becomes standard in future shipments, it could simplify regional production variants and offer a path for optional accessories that extend the life of the console, such as upgraded storage or improved cooling solutions. Market observers are watching closely to see how Sony balances the realities of manufacturing complexity with consumer demand for flexible, future-proof hardware.
Citations: Insider Gaming and Tom Henderson, with ongoing coverage by technology and gaming press. The information remains subject to official confirmation from Sony and should be interpreted as industry speculation until Sony makes a formal announcement. (Insider Gaming reporting) (Tom Henderson via Insider Gaming)