PS6 MUST Have This Feature, Says Former PlayStation Boss

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Summary

  • Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes that the PS6 must include an optical disc drive.
  • While Sony has already started offering discless consoles during the PS5 generation, an all-digital PS6 would alienate too many existing users, Layden believes.
  • The industry veteran suspects the rumored standalone PlayStation handheld will also have to support cartridges or some other form of physical media for much the same reasons, assuming that device ever makes it to the market.

Shawn Layden, former head of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, strongly advocates for the inclusion of a disc drive in the upcoming PlayStation 6, stating that it is crucial for the system’s design. In a recent interview, he expressed his doubts about Sony being able to successfully transition to an all-digital PlayStation console generation at this point in time.

Initially, the PS5 Digital Edition marked Sony’s debut of a home console lacking an optical disc player. Subsequently, they introduced the PS5 Pro and a disc-less version of the PS5 Slim, both of which can be upgraded with a separately bought Blu-ray drive. These product launches have sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the possibility of Sony transitioning to an all-digital console era more swiftly than anticipated.

Previously head of SIE Worldwide Studios, Shawn Layden expresses skepticism about the prediction that a digital-only PS6 is imminent. During a recent interview with YouTube channel Kiwi Talkz, he stated, “I don’t believe Sony could pull off an all-digital PS6 at this point.” He further explained that Sony’s home consoles remain relevant in areas with slow internet speeds or no connectivity, including rural regions and military bases. The former PlayStation leader pointed out that many consumers, like those in these situations, would struggle to consistently play modern PlayStation games if physical media support was discontinued by Sony.

A Discless PS6 Lineup Would Alienate Many PlayStation Users

In simpler terms, if Sony were to release a PlayStation 6 without a disc drive (discless), they risk losing many PlayStation users, according to Layden. This is the main reason why it’s unlikely that Sony can exclusively launch an all-digital console for the current generation. However, even though Layden didn’t predict beyond the tenth console generation, other analysts like Mat Piscatella from Circana have speculated that the PS7 could potentially be Sony’s first all-digital console.

Rumored PlayStation Handheld Will Likely Have to Support Physical Media As Well

In another part of the interview, Layden talked about the difficulties of a fully digital console generation by referring to Sony’s plans for a standalone PlayStation handheld device reportedly under development. Although this portable device may not support Blu-ray discs, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Sony would make it entirely digital. Layden explained that this issue is similar to the one faced with a disc-less PS6, as he anticipates that if Sony’s handheld ever becomes reality, it will likely offer an option for physical media, potentially using cartridges like Nintendo Switch games. Layden also expects Microsoft’s rumored handheld console to have a physical media option, given that the company has confirmed its existence in the prototyping phase but not yet approved it for commercial release.

I don’t think Sony can get away with [an all-digital PS6] now.

Based on comments made by Sony executives and their history of console releases, it’s anticipated that the PlayStation 6 (PS6) will likely debut sometime between the end of 2027 or the last quarter of 2028.

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2025-02-03 22:38