The PS5 Slim is one of the most widely anticipated video game consoles. Mostly because this upcoming console is a direct upgrade to the original PS5 Sony launched back on November 12, 2020. For starters: as the name implies, it’s smaller than the original version. It also has 1 TB of internal storage (compared to the 667 GB available storage in the original), as well as an unknown number of additional USB ports. Alas, what it will also have is a frustrating way to install its detachable disc drive. Mostly because you apparently need a working internet just to get the damn thing running properly.

PS5 Detachable Drive: Inconvenient Details

PS5 Slim with detachable drive detached.
That detachable disc drive looks so convenient…until it isn’t.

Gizmodo recently released an article giving us some details about the upcoming PS5 Slim. Specifically: about the detachable disc drive. According to them: new users who purchase either the detachable disc drive version or the $79 disc drive kit to add onto a digital-only version will have to jump through some hoops just to get the thing working. Twitter/X user TheStebe actually has evidence for it. In a Tweet, he posted an image of some of the tiny text on the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III PS5 Slim Bundle box.

Sony: now with terrible user experience.

For those who can’t see the Tweet or can’t quite make out the low resolution text in the relevant image, it reads:

*Internet connection required to pair Disc Drive and PS5* console upon setup.

**Account for PlayStation (TM) Network and internet connection required to redeem voucher.

Vertical Stand sold separately.

So as you can see, Sony has apparently managed to figure out how to make hardware DRM for their PS5 Slim. If you don’t have the internet to pair that disc drive, then you’re out of luck. Depending on your views: even at its best, it’s an inconvenient hassle. At worst, it means that it’s entirely possible for gamers to not be able to access their PS5 game discs in the future should Sony pull support for this disc drive. We’ll just have to see how Sony resolves this in the future, if they ever. Tune back into THS later to find out more PS5 news when we get it.

Source: Gizmodo