Sony reportedly plans to launch the PlayStation 6 with a detachable disc drive, following the model first introduced with the mid-generation refresh of the PS5. According to Insider Gaming, the approach has proven successful enough that Sony is carrying it forward into the next console era.

This is welcome news for gamers who still value physical media. A detachable drive ensures that physical editions won’t disappear with the new generation, meaning major releases like GTA 6 could still be offered on disc. Sony is also expected to provide flexible packaging options, allowing customers to choose between a digital-only console, one bundled with the drive, or purchasing the drive separately as an upgrade.

It’s worth noting, however, that discs on modern PlayStation systems usually only serve as installation media. Most games require tens of gigabytes of additional data to be downloaded before they can run, with day-one patches now standard across the industry. Effectively, the disc functions more as an authentication key, while the bulk of the content installs directly to the SSD.

Even so, physical discs still hold an important advantage: resale. On PlayStation, ownership is tied to the disc, meaning physical copies can be sold or traded so long as the new owner has an internet connection for updates and verification. This remains a major distinction from digital purchases, which are locked to a single user account.

Source: Insider Gaming