Since the announcement of the PS5 Slim, information has been trickling down to us and some of it does not seem to be unanimously accepted by the Sony community, to say the least.
Sony is preparing to release a new PS5 model with the PS5 Slim and packs including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 have already been spotted. Images of the new box reveal a detail that could spark controversy: an Internet connection will be required to pair the optional Blu-ray disc player with the console, just as is the case for the console’s stand, sold at an exorbitant price.
An obligation for the PS5 Slim that will not please
Indeed, we can learn via this leak that an Internet connection will be required to pair the optional Blu-ray disc player to the console. This is likely a security check imposed by the Japanese giant to ensure that you are using an official Blu-ray player and not a third-party product. As is often the case with Sony. However, this raises preservation concerns: in theory, if, in the distant future, the manufacturer decided to shut down its servers, then it would be impossible to pair a new Blu-ray player to the console. And that doesn’t please the community at all.
Obviously, at the moment there is no need to panic. Sony is unlikely to shut down its servers in the near future. And if such a situation were to arise, the company could always release a firmware update to remove online authentication. It’s good to be aware of this though if you’re planning to buy the new PS5, as an internet connection will be required to set it up properly. This consideration is crucial if, for example, you purchase the console while away from home and you try to make the first settings without necessarily having access to an Internet connection.
An expensive console in its entirety
It should be remembered that the Blu-ray player is an optional item and is not automatically included in the base console, although some packs include it. The idea being to give buyers of the Digital Edition system the opportunity to purchase a Blu-ray player at a later date, thus adding flexibility and optimizing the manufacturer’s production chain. Another annoying point is that, despite this absence, the price of the console remains unchanged.
In terms of cost, the PS5 Slim will be priced at $499.99, the same price as the previous model. The separately sold Ultra HD Blu-ray player will cost $79.99 and the new vertical stand will be available for $29.99. That brings the total to $609.97, a considerable sum, even surpassing the price of the PS3 when it launched in 2007.