Sony’s PlayStation 5 has been a dominant force in the gaming industry since its launch in 2020, but recent reports suggest the company may be taking a controversial step to manage production costs. According to multiple leaks and certification documents, Sony is preparing to release a revised version of the PS5 Digital Edition that features a downgraded SSD—reducing storage from 1TB to 825GB. This move, reportedly limited to Europe for now, has sparked widespread concern among gamers and industry watchers alike.
A Return to Launch-Day Storage
The new model, identified as part of the CFI-2100 series, appears to roll back the SSD capacity to the same 825GB offered in the original PS5 launch units. This is a notable change, as Sony had previously upgraded the storage to 1TB in later Slim models. The downgrade is particularly surprising given that the PS5 Digital Edition lacks a disc drive, meaning users rely entirely on digital downloads for games, updates, and media.
In an era where AAA titles regularly exceed 100GB and live-service games receive frequent updates, storage is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Reducing the SSD capacity by nearly 20 percent could significantly impact usability, forcing players to delete and reinstall games more often or invest in external storage solutions.
No Price Drop in Sight
What’s fueling the backlash is that Sony reportedly plans to keep the price of the downgraded model unchanged. In Europe, the PS5 Digital Edition currently retails for €499, and the new 825GB version is expected to carry the same price tag. In the UK, it’s likely to remain at £429.99. This move has been widely criticized as a form of “shrinkflation”—offering less for the same price.
Historically, console prices tend to drop over time as production becomes more efficient. However, the PS5 generation has bucked that trend. Since launch, the Digital Edition has seen two price hikes in Europe, rising from €399 to €499. In the US, the console’s price was increased from $449 to $499 earlier this year. These changes have made the PS5 one of the few consoles to become more expensive over time, rather than more affordable.
Cost-Cutting Measures Amid Global Tariffs
Industry insiders suggest that the SSD downgrade is part of Sony’s strategy to avoid another price increase, especially in light of rising global tariffs and manufacturing costs. By reducing internal storage, Sony can lower production expenses while maintaining its current retail pricing. However, this approach has raised questions about long-term value and consumer trust.
The decision also comes at a time when third-party publishers are expressing concern over the cost of entry into the PS5 ecosystem. Capcom, for example, has noted that the combined expense of the console, games, and subscriptions could limit software sales and reduce market penetration. With titles like Monster Hunter Wilds earmarked for PS5 as a lead platform, hardware decisions like this could have ripple effects across the industry.
Impact on User Experience
From a technical standpoint, the SSD downgrade may not affect performance directly. The speed and architecture of the drive remain unchanged, meaning load times and data transfer rates should be consistent with previous models. However, the reduced capacity could hinder the overall user experience, especially for players who juggle multiple large games or use their console for media storage.
The PS5 does support expandable storage via NVMe SSDs, but these drives are an additional expense—often costing upwards of $100 for 1TB. For budget-conscious consumers, the need to purchase extra storage undermines the value proposition of the console itself.
Limited to Europe, For Now
As of now, the downgraded model appears to be limited to the European market. Packaging for the new version has already surfaced, showing the updated “825GB” label. The console is expected to launch on September 13, 2025, and will likely replace the current 1TB Digital Edition in retail channels.
There’s no confirmation yet on whether this change will extend to other regions like North America or Asia. However, given Sony’s global pricing strategy and recent trends, it’s possible that similar revisions could roll out elsewhere in the future.
A Strange Generation for Consoles
The PS5 generation has been marked by unusual pricing behavior and hardware revisions. Unlike previous cycles, where consoles became more affordable and feature-rich over time, the PS5 has seen price increases, reduced storage, and limited availability of new features. This reversal of expectations has made it harder for consumers to justify the purchase, especially when compared to competing platforms.
Gamers have taken to social media to express frustration, with many calling the move anti-consumer. Some argue that the Digital Edition, which relies entirely on downloads, should be the last model to receive a storage downgrade. Others worry that this could set a precedent for future cost-cutting measures, such as reduced RAM, fewer ports, or lower-quality components.
Final Thoughts
Sony’s reported decision to downgrade the SSD storage in the PS5 Digital Edition is a bold and controversial move. While it may help the company manage production costs and avoid further price hikes, it risks alienating consumers who expect more value over time—not less. In a market where digital gaming is becoming the norm, reducing storage capacity feels like a step backward.
As the new model hits shelves in Europe, all eyes will be on Sony to see how the market responds. Will consumers accept the trade-off, or will they demand better value for their money? Either way, the PS5’s evolution continues to challenge expectations—and redefine what it means to own a modern gaming console.
