Sony’s decision to release a slimmed down version of the PlayStation 5 – we’ve since learned that the PS5 Slim is a more substantial decrease in footprint than initially believed – was initially met with applause, save, maybe, for the decision to sell a $30 stand and make the Digital Edition unnecessary more expensive. But, now, Sony is flirting with potential disaster with the detachable disc drive, specifically, its online verification requirement.
Sony’s latest design decision allows owners of the PS5 Slim to add or remove the disc drive based on user preference. A quick observation suggest that it’s a step toward offering greater flexibility to consumers. However, images of the PS5’s retail boxes have unveiled a critical caveat: the need for an internet connection to pair the disc drive with the console.
Zooming in on the latest images confirming the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 PS5 Slim bundle shows a controversial disclaimer that reads, “Internet connection required to pair Disc Drive and PS5 console upon setup.”
What this means is that, before users can operate the disc drive, whether it comes pre-attached or added later, they’ll need to ping a Sony server for verification. The likely rationale behind this requirement is to ensure the use of an official drive, which makes sense. Sony wants to protect itself from third-party manufacturers that might encourage using unofficial alternatives and reduce game piracy risks. This move isn’t without its implications; it’s triggering broad discussions about consumer rights, game preservation, and the essence of physical gaming media.
If the claims are accurate, individuals without internet access may find the PS5 Slim inaccessible. The fine print, which is what discloses the online requirement, may go unnoticed by many, potentially leading to unpleasant surprises.
Another looming question pertains to the reselling and repairability of these drives. The pairing process suggests a disc drive may become tied to a console permanently once verified. This would effectively rule out any future reselling of the drive. While Sony remains silent on whether users can replace a faulty drive with another, many hope for clarity in the official console documentation.
What happens if Sony’s servers, responsible for the disc drive pairing, goes down? Does it become paper weight? If so, it’s a significant step back for video game preservation. To make matters worse, this may incentivize studios to skip a physical release even more. Remedy Entertainment is already doing it with Alan Wake 2. What’s stopping others from doing the same?
Sony’s reason for this online requirement for the PS5 Slim might have something to do with the complexities of modern copyright laws. Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, for example, prohibits any form of circumvention of technologies that control access to copyrighted works. Given optical drive firmware falls under this umbrella, Sony’s decision implies that it’s taking steps to ensure compliance. Unfortunately, following the rules often comes at a cost. In this case, previous console generations end up getting the short end of the stick – thrown in landfills as opposed to being resold or repurposed.
Adding to these reservations is Sony’s history with protective measures over their hardware. Previously, the PS5’s disc drive was paired to its motherboard, preventing the recognition of drives from other PS5 consoles. This protective stance mirrors the broader industry trend where manufacturers, from gaming to household appliances, are increasingly walling off their hardware, often to the detriment of end-users.
The digital evolution in gaming is no longer coming – it’s here. More games are forgoing physical releases, and digital sales continue to overshadow their tangible counterparts. But, many still cherish physical media, citing reasons ranging from collection purposes to concerns over digital ownership.
The PS5 Slim’s detachable drive was initially seen by many as a bridge between the digital future and the physical past. However, with the revelation of the online verification requirement, it seems like the bridge might have a few unstable planks. As the PS5 Slim prepares for its launch, Sony’s challenge is addressing these concerns while ensuring their next-gen console remains both innovative and user-friendly. While flexibility in hardware design is commendable, it should not come at the cost of user trust and the core tenets of gaming.
If it’s any consolation, this isn’t expected to negatively affect the sales of the PS5, which is on track to end the year as the best-selling video game console of every month of 2023.
