Microsoft speculates that Sony will launch a slim version of its PlayStation 5 (PS5) console and a handheld version of the PS5, priced under $300, later this year. This information was revealed in legal documents submitted by Microsoft during the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) vs. Microsoft case.
Insider Gaming reported in 2023 that Sony was preparing a PS5 with a detachable disc drive. The rumor suggests that this console might be sold standalone or bundled, making the slim PS5 the default console with the option to add a disc drive at a later date. This approach contrasts with Sony's current options: the $399 PS5 Digital Edition or the $499 PS5 with a disc drive.
Microsoft's document also mentioned Sony's plans to release a handheld device capable of streaming PS5 games over Wi-Fi. However, Microsoft did not cite any external sources for these predictions in its findings of fact and conclusion of law document.
If Microsoft's insights on Sony's planned PlayStation hardware are correct, it would not be the first time confidential details have been revealed during the FTC vs. Microsoft case. A previous incident involved an improperly redacted Sony document leaking information about Sony's revenue margins and the costs of developing some of its games.
