The new, slimmer PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition models are starting to ship ahead of their intended release in November, and the fine print on the back of the box has revealed something important but previously unknown about the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc drive. Players can connect to the detected console: This requires an internet connection.
Sony revealed these new versions of the PS5 earlier this month, and one of the biggest visual changes is that instead of having one console cover on each side, the console now has four separate cover panels. The new PS5 Digital Edition obviously can’t play physical media by default, but Sony will allow people to remove one of the cover panels and replace it with an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc drive, just like they would on a gaming PC. Do it while exchanging. However, this back-of-the-box fine print revealed that this swapping process would actually require an internet connection.
CharlieIntel posted some pictures of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III PS5 Digital Edition bundle and people found the following disclaimer text on the back of the box: “Internet connection required to connect the disc drive and PS5 console upon setup.” Essentially, it seems that some form of DRM has been used on the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive to ensure that it is official hardware and compatible with the PS5 console. Thankfully, it appears that this Internet connection will only be required once.
While this makes sense from a verification and piracy prevention standpoint, it suggests the existence of disc drives or other PS5 add-ons not made by Sony is unlikely. Additionally, there are preservation concerns, as once PS5 online support ends, it will be impossible for new PS5 Digital Edition owners to purchase games or add a disc drive to play physical copies.
While this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most people right now, keep this required internet connection in mind if you’re planning on picking up a new PS5 Digital Edition and an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc drive for the PS5 in November.
