Sony is reportedly working on a new version of the PlayStation 5, with a twist. Instead of raising prices, they are opting for shrinkflation for the PS5 model CFI-2100. Specifically, the built-in SSD for the PS5 Slim Digital Edition is expected to decrease from 1TB to 825GB.
Japanese regulatory documents first hinted at this change in June, and now reliable leaker billbil-kun on French deals site Dealabs has provided further details on Sony’s plans for the new revision.
The PS5 model CFI-2100, also known as Chassis E, will undergo internal tweaks and improvements while maintaining the familiar PS5 Slim exterior design. Interestingly, Sony will now produce this chassis differently based on whether it includes a disc drive. The Digital Edition will only come with 825GB, while the Standard edition with a disc drive will still offer 1TB, as has been the case since the PS5 Slim’s introduction in 2023.
The new revision is expected to launch in the European market on September 13th, with the digital edition priced at €499.99 and the standard edition at €549, as they have been since earlier this year. The separate disc drive will continue to be priced at €79.99, making the digital edition less appealing compared to the extra €50 for the standard edition.
It seems that the era of cheaper game consoles is over. Despite significant hardware changes such as die shrunk chipsets, smaller heat sinks, overall size reduction, and more, Sony has not lowered the price over time. Various challenges like the pandemic, supply chain issues, economic inflation, and US tariffs have hindered their ability to do so. Both Sony and Microsoft have chosen to increase the cost of their console hardware over time.
The PS5 Digital Edition has seen price increases this year, starting at £349 / €399 in 2020, rising to £389 / €449 in 2022, maintaining that price with the Slim redesign and 1TB SSD upgrade in 2023 (including a vertical stand), and now increasing to £429 / €499 with a reduced SSD in 2025. In contrast, the Standard Edition has only increased by £30 / €50, narrowing the value gap between the two variants.
Source: Kunkoko, Dealabs
