Sony’s upcoming compact version of the PlayStation 5 has taken an unexpected turn, raising eyebrows and concerns among gamers and enthusiasts. The PS5 Slim, designed to be more streamlined, will introduce a unique feature – a swappable disc drive, giving owners the freedom to attach or remove it as they see fit. However, a recent leak regarding the online setup of this detachable drive has ignited fears within the gaming community.
Internet Connection Requirement Stirs Fears: The bombshell revelation came to light as retailers prepared to stock the PS5 Slim ahead of its November launch. A leak, shared with the Call of Duty news account CharlieIntel, showcased the packaging of the new console, featuring a disclaimer that sent shockwaves through the gaming world. The box bore the ominous message, “Internet connection required to pair Disc Drive and PS5 console upon setup.”
This requirement immediately struck many as unusual and potentially problematic. John Linneman of Digital Foundry expressed his concerns on Twitter, saying, “Uhhhh…if this is the case, that is highly concerning and very strange. Hardware connectivity shouldn’t be determined by a server that may not always be available.”
Uncertainty Surrounding the Requirement: The big question looming is whether this internet connection requirement will be a one-time occurrence, only necessary during the initial pairing of the console and disc drive. Alternatively, it remains uncertain whether this connection will be required every time the drive is detached and reattached. The fear is that this mandate might render new PS5s incapable of reading discs in the distant future if the servers used for pairing are eventually taken offline. Such a scenario would deal a significant blow to video game preservation as the industry continues to shift towards an all-digital landscape.
Legal Implications and Preservation Concerns: To understand the potential reasons behind this requirement, one must delve into the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Section 1201 of this law makes it illegal to “circumvent a technological measure that effectively controls access to a copyrighted work.” Optical drive firmware falls under this purview, a matter of significant concern for right-to-repair advocates. This legal framework, as Wired reported in 2020, has led to many older consoles ending up in landfills rather than being resold or gifted. While the U.S. Copyright Office did reexamine Section 1201 in 2021, it fell short of providing a complete exemption, leaving potential issues unresolved.
Release Date and Pricing: According to information from Dealabs’ billbil-kun, the slimmer PS5 is set to hit the market on November 8. The standard model, equipped with a disc drive, will retail at $500, while the all-digital version will be available for $450. The standalone disc drive, intended for those who choose to add it later, is priced at $80. It’s important to note that Sony has confirmed that once the existing stock of launch PS5 consoles is depleted, the slim models will be the sole option available.
Sony’s Response: Despite the growing concerns and questions raised by the gaming community, Sony has not provided an immediate response or comment regarding this controversial requirement. Gamers and tech enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting clarification from the tech giant.
Conclusion: The PS5 Slim’s online setup requirement for its swappable disc drive has certainly raised eyebrows, sparking discussions about its implications for gaming preservation and consumer convenience. As the November launch date approaches, all eyes are on Sony for a response that may shed light on the fate of this controversial feature.
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