The PS5 Slim will apparently require an online connection in order to "pair" with its detachable disc drive accessory.
That's according to information spotted on the box for the console's new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III bundle, at any rate, which reads as follows: "Internet connection required to pair Disc Drive and PS5 console upon setup".
As pointed out by Digital Foundry's John Linneman, it's not ideal if the console requires a connection to a server that might not always be available in order to play physical media.
Since Sony doesn't provide any kind of context regarding why an internet connection is needed, we can only speculate as to the purpose of this requirement.
It could be in place to deter piracy or hacking, and other users are speculating that the reason might be related to firmware checks and updates.
The PS5 Slim was officially announced earlier this month. It's a revised version of both PS5 models - the disc-based console and the Digital Edition - with some hardware tweaks and improvements.
While the technical specs of the consoles will remain identical, both new models will come with 1TB of storage, as well as a revised design that's 30% smaller.
The disc version of the console will be 18% lighter than its predecessor, while the Digital Edition will be 24% lighter.
In addition, an optional Disc Drive accessory will be released for the Digital Edition, meaning you can add physical media capabilities to your machine later on if you so desire.
That is, of course, assuming that you have a stable online connection, at least for the initial setup process.
The PS5 Slim will be released in the US and on PlayStation Direct in November, with other global markets getting the new consoles "in the following months". Stay tuned for more.
