Ava Brooks
Nov 16, 2023
Sony has recently announced a new version of its popular PlayStation 5 console, dubbed the PS5 Slim. The PS5 Slim is a slimmer, lighter, and cheaper alternative to the original PS5, with some minor changes in design and features.
What is the PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim is a redesigned version of the PS5 that Sony launched in November 2020. It has the same hardware power and performance as the original PS5, but it comes with a smaller size, less weight, more storage space, and a detachable disc drive.
The PS5 Slim is 18% lighter for the Digital Edition and 24% lighter for the Disc Drive model than the original PS5. It also has a 30% reduction in volume, making it easier to fit in your entertainment centre. The PS5 Slim features a 1TB SSD instead of the 825GB SSD shipped with the launch PS5, giving you more room for your games and apps.
| Feature | PS5 Slim | Regular PS5 |
| Size (Digital Edition) | 305 x 92 x 260 mm | 390 x 92 x 260 mm |
| Size (Disc Drive model) | 305 x 92 x 260 mm + disc drive | 390 x 104 x 260 mm |
| Weight (Digital Edition) | 3.6 kg | 4.4 kg |
| Weight (Disc Drive model) | 3.6 kg + disc drive | 4.9 kg |
| Storage space | 1TB SSD | 825GB SSD |
| Design | Curved slit on faceplates | Smooth curves on faceplates |
| Disc drive | Detachable (optional) | Built-in (standard or none) |
| Price (Digital Edition) | $449.99 / £390 / €450 / AU$679.95 | $399.99 / £359 / €399 / AU$599.95 |
| Price (Disc Drive model) | $549.99 / £490 / €550 / AU$779.95 (including disc drive) | $499.99 / £449 / €499 / AU$749.95 |
One of the most noticeable changes in the PS5 Slim is the curved slit that bisects each faceplate into glossy and matte sections. This gives the console a sleeker and more futuristic look. You can also customise your PS5 Slim with different coloured faceplates that will be available for $54.99 starting in early 2024.
Another major change in the PS5 Slim is the option to add an external disc drive to the Digital Edition. This means that you can buy the cheaper digital edition and then upgrade it later with an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive if you want to play physical games or watch movies on discs. The disc drive will cost $99.99 and will connect to the console via USB-C.
How does PS5 Slim compare to regular PS5?
The PS5 Slim and the regular PS5 have the same hardware specifications and features, such as:
- An AMD Ryzen Zen 2 CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads
- An AMD Radeon RDNA 2 GPU with 36 compute units and 10.28 teraflops of power
- 16GB of GDDR6 RAM
- A custom SSD with 5.5GB/s of raw bandwidth
- Support for ray tracing, 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and 3D audio
- A DualSense controller with adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, motion sensors, a built-in microphone, and a touchpad
- A PlayStation Camera with HD resolution and dual lenses
- Access to PlayStation Plus, PlayStation Now, PlayStation Store, and PlayStation Network
- The main differences between the two consoles are:
- The size and weight: The PS5 Slim is smaller and lighter than the regular PS5
- Storage space: The PS5 Slim has more storage space than the regular PS5
- The design: The PS5 Slim has a different design than the regular PS5, with a curved slit on the faceplates
- The disc drive: The PS5 Slim has a detachable disc drive that can be added to the Digital Edition
- The price: The PS5 Slim is cheaper than the regular PS5 for the Digital Edition, but more expensive for the Disc Drive model.
Disclaimer: The prices are taken as of October 18, 2023, and are subject to change over time.
