Sony quietly launched a revised base console in the United States with changes aimed at longevity and repair.

The article says features once kept for higher-end models are now on the standard base unit.

Those changes include cooling modeled on more advanced thermal designs and an internal layout meant to reduce hot spots.

A long-standing complaint about CMOS battery placement is addressed, so the battery is easier to reach.

Earlier versions needed extensive disassembly to get to that battery, the article says.

Cooling tech from the higher-tier pro hardware is part of the update.

The revised units are already in current retail stock, without a major launch event.

Older production runs are expected to be replaced by the new build as stock turns over.

Read the full article on Sony's quiet revision of its base game console.