New PlayStation 5 model rumored to start production this year

Hints of a new model of Sony’s PlayStation 5 (PS5) being just around the corner have begun circulating on social media.

The details:

• The PS5 has been around for over two years after launching in November 2020, although many struggled to get their hands on the console following mass shortages worldwide. Sony has previously made design improvements to its consoles throughout their lifecycles, with the PS4 receiving a smaller, more optimized “slim” version as well as the high-end PS4 Pro.
• According to a tweet from Twitter leaker @Zuby Tech, a new model of the PS5 will go into mass production in April. The lack of information in the tweet has fueled speculation that the new model will be a slim or pro variant, similar to how the PS4 was treated a few years after its initial release. Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson reported on the new model on January 13, including the same date for the beginning of production, but also stated that the model would begin shipping in September.
• After news of a pro or slim PS5 began to circulate, Henderson addressed the production rumors once more, stating that he does not believe the console will be a radically different redesign, but rather a second generation of the console. The current PS5 model will reportedly cease production at the end of 2023, with the reported "gen 2" model taking its place to reduce Sony's production and shipping costs, as it will be a single console with a detachable disc drive.
• As for a pro-revision, Henderson added that he’s not entirely sure whether we’ll see one this generation as the base PS5 is still relying heavily on cross-generation titles and has yet to be "fully utilized." He went on to say that he had "heard more about the PS6 than a PS5 Pro," suggesting that Sony might be aiming for an entirely new generation once their current console gets a bit too outdated.

In other PlayStation news:

• At CES earlier this month, Sony revealed its new accessibility controller codenamed "Project Leonardo." The controller’s unique circular design and modular buttons were designed in collaboration with accessibility groups AbleGamers, SpecialEffect, and Stack U and can be used as a single device, in a pair, or in conjunction with the standard DualShock 5.
• The launch lineup for the upcoming PS VR2 has been revealed, including 13 new titles that will release by the end of March. The headset launch bundle itself will be available on February 22 and set you back a hefty $550 USD. You can check out the full list of games here.