By In recent news, the legal battle between Microsoft and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has garnered attention, shedding light on several trade secrets and internal information. The FTC’s antitrust investigation has brought to light some intriguing revelations, including Microsoft’s recent disclosure that Sony is allegedly planning to release the PS5 Slim later this year.
To provide some context, Sony currently offers two variants of its highly popular PlayStation 5 console: one with a disc drive and another digital-only version. In India, the disc variant is priced at Rs 54,999, while the digital-only variant is more affordable, priced at Rs 44,999. According to Microsoft’s documents filed with the FTC, it appears that the PlayStation 5 Slim could be launched at the same price as the digital variant, making it an enticing option for gamers at Rs 44,999 in India and $399 in the US.
Interestingly, reports from InsiderGaming in the past have suggested that Sony may introduce a detachable disc drive with the PlayStation 5 Slim. This innovation implies that users who decide to upgrade to the slimmer console will still have the ability to play their physical game library on the new device. It’s worth noting that the detachable disc drive might be offered as a separate accessory, giving users the choice to purchase it if they wish to enjoy their physical game copies on the rumored PS5 Slim.
Going beyond the potential release of the PS5 Slim, Microsoft’s document also indicates that Sony might be exploring the launch of a new handheld console based on the PS5. However, it is unlikely that Sony will release a standalone handheld device. Instead, it is possible that Microsoft’s document is referring to the already confirmed PlayStation Project Q, which is a remote-play device designed to stream PS5 games over Wi-Fi. Notably, this remote-play device is expected to encompass all the native features of the PS5 DualSense controller, including Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers, providing a seamless gaming experience.
As we await official announcements from Sony regarding these developments, it is intriguing to observe the ongoing competition between Microsoft and Sony in the gaming industry. The disclosure of these potential plans through legal proceedings has certainly piqued the interest of gamers and industry enthusiasts alike. Gamers will likely keep a close eye on Sony’s upcoming releases, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the rumored PS5 Slim and any other innovations that may enhance their gaming experiences.
