PS5 Slim vs PS5: Everything New and Old In The Slim Console

Throughout the history of Sony consoles, the tradition of releasing multiple versions and editions has been consistent, starting from the original PlayStation 1. As technology evolves, Sony releases smaller, cost-effective updates to consoles a few years into their life cycle for enhanced efficiency. This trend has reached the PS5. After months of speculation and leaks hinting at a new hardware iteration, Sony officially revealed the PS5 Slim models in October before their release. The newly introduced PS5 Slim is a downsized version of the launch models. It will become the standard unit once the existing PS5 stock is depleted.

In a blog post, Sony unveiled the updated design for the PS5. The slimmer, lighter model features 1TB of storage and a detachable disk drive. Sony confirmed this will be the new standard design for all future PS5 models. The new slim PS5 was released in the U.S. in November, with shipments to other countries scheduled in the subsequent months.

The comparison of PS5 Slim vs original has been a hot topic among gamers. The primary focus of the PS5 Slim is evident — to be smaller than its predecessor from 2020 — but that’s not the only modification.

The unveiling of the PS5 Slim raises questions about whether it signals the exclusion of a mid-generation hardware upgrade, such as a Pro model for the PS5. However, players who are eager for a new PlayStation console with a more attractive design can rejoice for now. The key question arises: Is this version a worthwhile upgrade for existing owners, or is it primarily aimed at new purchasers? Additionally, there’s the dilemma of choosing between the two versions. To address these questions, let’s compare the PS5 Slim to the original PS5. We will discuss the comparison of the PS5 Slim vs regular model, highlighting size reductions, internal capabilities, and storage.

PS5 Slim vs PS5: Specs

The critical aspect to consider is whether the PS5 Slim offers enhanced power compared to the original launch models. The answer is no; the PS5 Slim does not possess any additional power compared to existing PS5 units. It’s important to note that this is not a PS5 Pro, which remains a rumor.

There is no difference in gaming performance – games will not look, run, or play better or worse on either version. The only discernible difference in specifications is the storage capacity, with the slim versions providing slightly more space at 1 TB compared to the original 825GB, constituting a modest 175GB upgrade. Consequently, there is no compelling reason to invest in a new system solely for these specifications when you can expand the storage of your current console yourself.

PS5 Slim vs PS5: Price

Sony has made an interesting decision by choosing not to reduce the prices of the new PS5 models. The PS5 Slim, equipped with a disc drive, retains its $499 price tag. In contrast, the price of the digital-only version of the PS5 Slim is a somewhat frustrating $449, representing a $50 increase compared to the original digital-only console.

To break it down:

• PS5 Slim (no disc drive) - $449
• PS5 Slim (with disc drive) - $499
• Original PS5 (no disc drive) - $399
• Original PS5 (disc drive) - $499

Opting for the digital-only PS5 Slim may save some money compared to its disc drive counterpart. However, it ends up being more expensive than the digital-only model that debuted three years ago.

The pricing strategy also introduces an odd scenario. If you purchase a digital model first and later add a disc drive, it would cost more than simply buying the version with the built-in drive. The reasons behind this pricing structure remain unclear.

In light of these changes, our recommendation is this: If you’re aiming for a $399 PS5, purchasing sooner rather than later is advisable. Once the existing stock of the original models is depleted, the slim models will take their place on store shelves.

PS5 Slim vs PS5: Size

The PS5 Slim vs regular model comparison reveals size reductions without compromising internal capabilities. Undoubtedly, introducing a slim model implies a decrease in size compared to the initially launched version, which was notably large. However, the reduction in size for the PS5 Slim is not immensely substantial. To deal with the size issue of the new PS5, Sony reduced the dimensions compared to the original model. These dimensions are as follows:

• Original PS5 (disc version): 104mm (height) x 390mm (width) x 260mm (depth)
• PS5 Slim (disc version): 96mm x 358mm x 216mm
• Original PS5 (digital version): 92mm x 390mm x 260mm
• PS5 Slim (digital version): 80mm x 358mm x 216mm

According to Sony’s official announcement, this translates to roughly a 30 percent reduction in total volume. While this improvement is noteworthy, it’s crucial to consider the context beyond just the raw numbers. A digital size comparison conducted by The Verge revealed that both new models, despite being labeled as “slim,” still maintain a substantial size and are larger than the Xbox Series X.

In terms of weight, the disc version of the PS5 Slim is 18% lighter than the original PS5, weighing 3.2 kilograms. On the other hand, the disc-less version is even lighter at 2.6 kilograms, representing a 24% reduction in weight. Both versions are 30% smaller by volume, highlighting a moderate decrease in overall size.

Even with the “slim” designation, these consoles are still relatively sizable.

PS5 Slim vs PS5: Horsepower and Storage

A crucial point to clarify about the new PS5 models is that they maintain identical internal capabilities to the original ones. Unlike the PS4 and PS4 Pro situation, where there were performance differences, games will run exactly the same across the entire spectrum of PS5 consoles.

However, there is a noteworthy internal upgrade for owners of the new PS5s in the form of expanded storage. The original PS5 had 825GB of onboard storage and could expand via external SSDs. Unlike the original, the new models boast a full 1TB of built-in space. This enhancement allows users to install a few extra games depending on their size.

PS5 Slim vs PS5: Disc drive

Similar to the PS5’s initial release in late 2020, the PS5 Slim also comes in two models: one with a built-in disc drive and the other as a digital-only version. However, there’s a unique aspect to the disc drive situation, as there’s now an optional detachable disc drive available for separate purchase for $79.99. While rumors of this accessory surfaced over a year ago, the expectation was for the new PS5 models to launch the following year, not in 2023, as it turned out.