Sony has reportedly begun releasing the new PS5. But before you rush to the PS5 restocking page, remember that the new model has only a few minor changes and will not make Sony's flagship console any easier to get your hands on.

The new PS5, spotted by Press-Start, was launched in Australia last week. The new PS5 can only be clearly identified by its model number (CFI-1102A), but apart from that, its packaging is almost identical to the console released almost a year ago.

The new PS5 model is slightly lighter than the original model, reducing the console's weight by about 300 grams. The most noticeable change is the screws that attach the base stand to the console, which can now be adjusted by hand without the need for a screwdriver.

Update (8/29): An overhaul of the new PS5 has revealed that the weight reduction is due to a smaller heatsink, which results in higher operating temperatures.

It is not uncommon for game console manufacturers to regularly update their flagship consoles. Sony has released several PS4s in various model numbers, as well as two more significant upgrades, the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro.

Unfortunately, the new PS5 model is unlikely to solve the restocking problems that have plagued the console since its announcement; nine months after its November 2020 release, purchasing a PS5 is still an extremely frustrating experience, with multiple failed attempts and multiple updates to retailer lists. It is a frustrating experience.

Sony has not been able to meet the high demand for the PS5 due to the ongoing global chip shortage. News about when the chip shortage will end is rather confusing, with some sources predicting it will last until 2023, while other analysts claim it may already be coming to an end.

This new PS5 model will not change the internal components of the console, so it will still be constrained by the same shortages that have been affecting production for months. Unless, of course, it was the screws in the base stand that actually delayed production, which is highly doubtful.

The heavily redesigned PS5 will reportedly arrive in 2022. This version of the console may feature a new "semi-customized" CPU from AMD. This hardware iteration could not only make mass production easier for Sony, but could also improve the overall performance of the console; it could be important enough to earn the title of Pro.

For now, the existence of that model should be classified as a rumor, but it makes sense that Sony is actively looking at ways to alleviate production problems with its game consoles. Nevertheless, even with these limitations, the PS5 remains the fastest-selling console in history.

If you can't wait for the inventory situation to improve so you can play the best PS5 games like Returnal and Ratchet & Clank: bookmark the PS5 Restocking Hub. This guide is updated daily with the latest inventory information and updates. We can't guarantee that this will get you your console, but it will definitely make your work much easier.