A new report suggests that Sony has quietly removed the mandatory online PS5 Slim disc drive pairing process for the latest PlayStation 5 Slim units. This update could significantly improve convenience for new buyers, as the PS5 Slim disc drive pairing requirement has been criticized since launch.
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Latest Reports Confirm Disc Drive Pairing Is No Longer Required
A new source, Modyfikator89, claims that the latest PS5 Slim units with the detachable disc drive no longer need an online connection for activation. The user shared a video of a newly purchased console being set up, showing that the initial configuration no longer includes any disc drive pairing step.
According to the user, the updated PS5 Slim model is already available in retail stores and ships with factory firmware version 11.40. It appears that the disc drive now comes pre‑paired at the factory, removing the need for players to connect to the internet for the process. This change directly addresses previous criticism surrounding the required PS5 Slim disc drive pairing procedure.
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Conflicting Reports Suggest Firmware Updates May Affect the Feature
Despite the positive news, some uncertainty remains. According to user DoesItPlay1 on X, although the new PS5 Slim retains its pre‑paired disc drive even after a factory reset, this function may be lost following a firmware update.
The user noted that further testing is still in progress, so these claims are not yet fully confirmed. Until more concrete evidence arrives, buyers should remain aware that future firmware behavior could affect disc drive functionality.
Conclusion
The removal of mandatory online disc drive pairing on the new PS5 Slim models is an encouraging improvement for PlayStation buyers. However, unanswered questions remain about how firmware updates might impact this feature in the long term. As more information emerges, players will better understand whether this is a permanent upgrade or a temporary workaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the latest reports, no. The newest PS5 Slim units appear to have their disc drives pre‑paired at the factory.
Some sources claim this could happen, but the issue is still being tested and is not yet confirmed.
Reports indicate they come with factory firmware 11.40.
So far, it seems that the pre‑paired drive remains functional after a factory reset.
