The ultra-rare PlayStation 5 Digital Edition has been on a diet, according to documentation discovered in Japan. Sony has submitted paperwork for a new model (CFI-1100B) which according to the manual is 300 grams lighter than its predecessor and has a slightly more manageable base screw. It’s unclear if there are any other obvious changes at this stage, but expect the console to look identical from the outside.
The platform holder frequently revises its manufacturing process over the course of the generation, in order to cut costs and maximise efficiency. We already know that it’s working with Taiwanese manufacturing juggernaut TSMC on a “new semi-customised” 6nm chip for the system starting in 2022, which it hopes will help it to get on top of PS5 stock issues. This revision probably isn’t that, although clearly something has changed to get the weight down.
With regards to the screw, many found attaching the base a bit fiddly at launch, so this seems to switch the assembly piece to a thumb screw which should be easier to handle. We’d expect this unit to make its way to the West eventually, although it’s probably not something Sony will publicise: this is very much a refinement of the system that already exists rather than a full-scale makeover. Interesting stuff, though.
[source manuals.playstation.net, via twitter.com]
Comments 52
Oh the ultra-rare PS5 digital.
I feel special now, it helps eases the consistent wounds I get when I purchase PS5 games on digital store haha
PS5: OLED edition?
After lockdown, I sure could take a leaf out of the PS5 Digital Edition’s book.
Major props for anyone who has been lucky enough to snag a digital edition.
Does this update make it more stable?
I wonder what was the change they made?!
300 grams is a significant weight when put in the context of electronic components.
@nessisonett L O L
I feel personally attacked by this article too 😂
@Dr-M I'd guess it's shaving off some steel on the chassis, or replacing some with aluminium. I can't see many other candidates
Is the digital edition really that rare? Considering they're planning a slimmer version this'll probably make these OGs even more valuable. I should take better care of mine...
I'm an idiot at physical stuff, yet I found the stand a doddle to attach and screw on... did anyone seriously struggle? Then again, I always read the manual.
@Dr-M They've removed all fans and the heatsink 😛
I don't get the hate on the stand. Granted, I have the disk version, but that thing can't get much simpler - you only need the screw when you're standing it up, and when standing it up the base only attaches one way and the screw hole is all lined up.
I also don't see the benefit in the digital only edition - I've saved some money getting disks, and the PS5 is a darn good UHD Blu-Ray player (and the quality IS even better than streaming).
300gr is kinda of a lot of weight for the console to drop. I wonder what changed besides the base.
I have to say the first 5 comments are all bangers, can't choose which one is best. Good job to all!
I hope sony make normal horizontal console for the next ps5 revision (slim or pro version).
@XinGViruS
Easy! @Vacuumator wins. Hands down.
Hope they didn't cut down the heat sink. Really can't see from where they manage to cut so much.
@RobN
Don't worry, it's just the Internet fuss.
It's like the 'confusion' about which way is up or down ; there is literally a picture on the box showing how it stands haha
@ATaco
Considering the scalping situation (scum bags) the PS5 in general is ultra rare I'd say. I was one of the lucky ones to get a regular edition on launch day but when they release a slim I'll be selling mine. I really don't like the look and general bulk of it personally.
Sony clearly went for a futuristic out of the ordinary aesthetic. But I would just prefer a traditional boring rectangle box that takes up less space.
Oh and bring back the coloured logo. (In my dreams)
@NateGoesLive I too am a 'special one'
I wish the console had matched the box, white centre, black sides though.
@The_New_Butler @NorrinRadd
Thank you very much. All too easy.
Don’t know how I’ve been so lucky to get PS5s but I’ve gotten 2 for myself (1 for me, 1 for my son) and last week got another for a buddy of mine. Wish I were as lucky in love 😔...
@GADG3Tx87 While there's nothing to be done about the size, I could see replacement plates being made that square off the shape. Would love to turn it into a matte black boring box that fades into obscurity under my TV rather than trying to be an out of place design taking point.
@AhmadSumadi offer shared custody of a PS5 on your tinder profile? 🤣
@theheadofabroom nah, she’s gonna have to really work at the relationship to get contact with the PS5. I’ll let her watch my kids though lol.
i don't understand why so many people hate the look of the PS5 console. At least the front of the disc version looks like a tail-less cat when it stands.
@PlayNation5 Not really, it was pretty easy to figure out
Oh good. Carrying my PS5 around all the time was getting exhausting, so this is the upgrade I needed.
Just kidding... I don't actually have a PS5 because I'm not a celebrity or a bot.
Removed - inappropriate; user is banned
@AhmadSumadi Charming, I can't see why you'd struggle!
We won't see this until mid-2022 though. I want my PS5 now. ;-(
I have my PS5 disc version in a horizontal position and to be honest it's kind of grown on me. It does remind me strongly of an ice cream sandwich though!
The controllers are gorgeous though and make the Dualshocks feel and look like a toy in comparison.
@Rural-Bandit I much prefer the disc-less version standing upright, but didn't have much choice as the majority of my PS4 library is physical discs and there's still a long backlog to play my way through, although laid horizontal it doesn't look too out of place under my TV flanked by an OG PS4 (functioning, but just for display) and PS3 (which actually makes the PS5 seem less of a chubb chubb) especially as the stand makes it look like it's floating between the two...
I still prefer discs so I'm happy with my current PS5. Hopefully this releases asap for those in need of a digital only PS5 though.
So many golden comments in this thread. It's an internet masterpiece!
So the revision this time arrives before anyone actually gets the original! PS5AD is a lie. It was just a publicity stunt. Like the Xbox big fridge.
....though, like Snoop, I got one of the set pieces....
@theheadofabroom @Dr-M My guess would be a reduced mass heatsink or heatpipe somewhere. Copper's heavy.
@NEStalgia Maybe, but if you look at the heatsink, most of the mass is aluminium. Copper is good at conducting heat while aluminium is better at releasing it, and obviously aluminium is very light
@theheadofabroom how about the transfer plate? I don't remember the design, is there a heat pipe somewhere? I thought I remember seeing one. Could have replaced it with a plastic duct maybe.
@NEStalgia There isn't that much copper, partly because it's also expensive - nobody is going to make a design that uses copper where it's not thermally necessary at current prices. Looking through https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/PlayStation+5+Teardown/138280 there's some copper in the fifth of heat pipes on the underside of the two EM shields, which seem to be mild steel plate. I'm not sure that thicker aluminium here wouldn't provide the same structural support and EM isolation while being significantly lighter and having a marginal thermal benefit.
Edit: plastic and thinner aluminium might do the job for that steel, but plastic alone will not provide any EM isolation. Replacing 64cc of steel with the same volume of aluminium would be about right for saving 300g, but less aluminium reinforced by plastic could save more weight for a given volume of steel. 64 cc is about 2 X 32cm x 20cm x .5mm, which seems like a reasonable ball-park for the em shields but I haven't measured them
Got an OG digital edition. I never buy physical anyway, so I figured why the hell not? Just snagged a physical edition on Sony Direct today for my fiancee too; it will be cool to watch our 4K Blu-ray collection...I mean I guess.
Nearly 50 comments and nobody could tell me it's 2/3 of a pound?
That does seem like a lot of weight for what is basically a big plastic box. Pretty sure anyone holding 1 in each hand would notice that much of a difference no problem. Curious.
Been lucky enough to get 4 ps5s for around the house. Just need another for occasional use out in our summer house.
@theheadofabroom the PS5 heat pipe is MASSIVE and one of the main reasons for the size. If they have found a more efficient way to cool it then this could be where savings are made.
Seems an odd change on our end though. Whether it’s 300 grams lighter or 1 kilo heavier doesn’t make much difference it’s not like they are very portable! I wonder if it makes a difference on their distribution. 300g x several thousand adds up quickly
Well, can’t say I care much about the 300g. I’ve not lifted my console a single time since installing it day after launch day (and I made sure to get the disc version, so mines even heavier!). But I guess it’ll save the backs of delivery drivers and on fuel used to transport. And might have an impact on Sony delivery costs.
The screw…how can they make that simpler? It’s a screw. You spin it and it fastens…
@rjejr True but it's not much weight for an Ikea wardrobe... lol
I really don’t recall having dramas with the base screw…
@LiamOliver Definitely, the physical PS5 really needs to be horizontal to look good and the inverse is true for the digital model.
@mrtennis1990
How about if you have a ps5 disc edition? I have a ps5 disc, and i feel ultra-special too.
@ColdHandGee Whoever has any of the Ps5"s are lucky. Still trying to get a disk or digital edition myself.
@sanderson72 I'm glad that in college I bought a bunch of Ikea furniture just so I can appreciate all of the world's Ikea jokes. Probably 80% of people who make Ikea jokes have never even shopped there. 🤷♂️
My personal thought on PS5 and Series S was, even if you don't think you need a disc drive probably better to get the model that has one, cos you never know, and the saving on used disc games will counterbalance the extra investment into the Disc version - granted the price gap is bigger between Series S and Series X but still.
@rjejr Sorry, it's my nickname for the oversized white PS5 as my lad's got some white Ikea drawers and a wardrobe in his room - that's where the nickname came from!
@sanderson72 Is your nickname for the PS5 "the Ikea wardrobe"? That's a really long nickname.
Planning on calling mine Minas Tirith some day.
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