Recently, reports surfaced indicating a significant change to the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition in Europe: its 1TB SSD was reportedly being reduced to 825GB. This updated model, identified as CFI-2100, has now been officially confirmed for the region. In addition to the decreased SSD capacity, this console revision includes several other internal modifications primarily intended to lower manufacturing expenses.
While these cost-cutting adjustments result in a marginally lighter PS5 console, theoretically making it cheaper to produce and distribute, these savings will not translate into a lower retail price for consumers. The console is expected to maintain its current price point of €500 (approximately $586 USD) when it becomes available, replacing the existing PS5 Digital model in the market.
A detailed unboxing video by YouTuber Austin Evans showcased the internal alterations of this new PS5 model. The downsized SSD now provides 667.2GB of usable storage, representing a substantial 27% decrease compared to the 848.0GB available with the original 1TB model. Furthermore, several internal components have been lightened, and the central black casing now features a distinct matte finish.
Crucially, the console`s processing power and overall performance remain entirely consistent with older PS5 models. However, users may find it advisable to expand their storage capabilities by installing a secondary NVMe SSD to compensate for the reduced internal space.
This year has presented considerable challenges for gamers, marked by a persistent trend of increasing console hardware prices across the industry. In April, Sony implemented price hikes for both its Digital and Standard Edition PS5 consoles across various territories, including Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. This was followed by a $50 price increase for all PS5 models in the US in August. Sony stated that these adjustments were necessary due to a “challenging” economic environment.
Similarly, Microsoft has implemented two separate price increases for its Xbox Series X|S consoles this year: the first occurred in May, with a subsequent round of price hikes announced in late September. The entry-level 512GB Xbox Series S console now retails for $400, a significant increase from its 2020 launch price of $300. The 1TB Xbox Series X console, which originally launched at $500 in November 2020, has seen its price climb to $650.