Sony appears to be reducing storage capacity on its latest PS5 Digital Edition revision while maintaining the same price point, leaving consumers with less space for their growing game libraries.
In what some are calling an example of “shrinkflation,” Sony has reportedly introduced a revised PS5 Slim Digital Edition that reduces internal storage from 1TB back down to 825GB. The new model, designated as Chassis E with the model number CFI-2116, has already begun appearing on retail platforms overseas, particularly in European markets.
A Step Backward in Storage
The storage reduction represents a 17.5% decrease in capacity compared to the previous Chassis D model of the PS5 Slim Digital Edition. What makes this change particularly controversial is that the console will reportedly be sold at the same price point as its predecessor, despite offering less storage space.
The original PS5 launched with 825GB of storage, which Sony increased to 1TB with the PS5 Slim revision. This latest move essentially reverses that improvement, bringing the Digital Edition back to its original storage capacity while the physical disc version maintains its 1TB configuration.
Why the Reduction?
Industry observers suggest Sony may be implementing this change as a cost-saving measure to avoid implementing a third price increase for the PS5 Digital Edition in certain markets, particularly in Europe. By reducing the SSD capacity, Sony can potentially offset rising production costs without directly raising the console’s retail price.
However, for consumers, the practical impact remains the same—they’re getting less for their money. After system formatting, updates, and pre-installed software, the 825GB model typically leaves users with approximately 670GB of usable space for games, which can fill up quickly given that modern titles often exceed 50-100GB in size.
Physical Changes
Some reports also indicate that the Chassis E revision features a subtle aesthetic change, replacing the glossy finish panels with a matte exterior. This shift away from the reflective surface offers a simpler, less flashy appearance, though it’s unlikely to compensate for the reduced storage in the eyes of most consumers.
What This Means for Buyers
The storage reduction places greater emphasis on the console’s expandable storage options. PS5 owners can add their own M.2 NVMe SSD through the console’s expansion slot, but this represents an additional expense on top of the console purchase.
For potential buyers, the advice is clear: check the model number carefully. If you’re purchasing a PS5 Slim Digital Edition, look for the CFI-2100 series designation—specifically the CFI-2116 reference—to identify whether you’re getting the reduced-storage Chassis E model or an earlier revision with 1TB of storage.
Consumer Reaction
The gaming community has reacted with disappointment to the news, viewing it as a downgrade that undermines one of the PS5 Slim’s key improvements over the base model. With game file sizes continuing to grow and digital-only gaming becoming increasingly common, storage capacity is more important than ever.
As Sony continues to refine its console hardware, this latest revision serves as a reminder for consumers to carefully review specifications before making a purchase, even for products they think they’re familiar with. While the CFI-2116 may perform identically to its predecessors in terms of gaming performance, that missing 175GB of storage space could make a significant difference in day-to-day use.
