In another example of how today's games are increasingly tied to the internet, the upcoming slimmer PlayStation 5 requires an internet connection to pair with an external disc drive during setup.
Sony has introduced a new slimmer PlayStation 5, available in two configurations. The disc drive is now attachable/detachable, so you can select the cheaper PS5 Digital Edition and later buy the disc drive and attach it to the side.
The new slimmer PlayStation 5 and the attachable disc drive. Photo: Sony
Disc drive requires internet
A new detail regarding the disc drive was made by CharlieIntel, who shared photos of the new packaging on X, revealing the following disclaimer text
- "Internet connection required to pair Disc Drive and PS5 console upon setup."
It seems that an internet connection is only necessary during the initial setup, but it is worth to keep this in mind if you plan to bring a PlayStation 5 to a remote location without internet access – pair the disc drive before leaving home.
Disclaimer text on the packaging of the new PS5. Photo: CharlieIntel, twitter
How games are tied to the internet
The requirement is likely related to copy protection and to ensure that only authorized disc drives are used, according to Ars Technica.
Still, this development underscores how today's games are increasingly tied to the internet, even when you purchase a physical game disc. Some game discs do not contain the entire game package, while others require a day-one patch to be downloaded.
Linking games to the internet serves as an anti-piracy measure but raises concerns about game ownership and preservation in the long run, as the servers needed for authentication or hosting software patches may eventually be taken offline by the game studio or console manufacturer.
- Source: twitter via Ars Technica
