The PlayStation 5 Slim is now the most common model on store shelves and on retailers' websites. It's slightly different, as you'd expect, from the launch model, but it's now become the standard, default PS5.
The revised console, originally announced via the official PlayStation blog, continues Sony’s trend of releasing a slimmer hardware version for each PlayStation generation, dating back to the PS1. This sleeker model significantly reduces the silhouette of the PS5 system, while retaining the power of the base model. Soon, the PS5 Pro will join the lineup, offering a nice GPU upgrade from the base model and adding AI-powered upscaling.
The PS5 Slim review is just as powerful as the base model and remains at the same price. However, it's much slimmer, has a slightly more attractive design, and offers the option to purchase a detachable Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc drive for the PS5 Digital Edition. Read on for everything you need to know about the PS5 Slim.
PS5 Slim: price
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The PS5 Slim will be priced the same as the original model at $499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.95, in line with the price increase of the previous PS5. Alternatively, the PS5 Slim Digital Edition will also be available at a cheaper price of $449.99 / £389.99 / AU$679.95. Again, this is in line with the price of the original Digital Edition.
Sony is also offering an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc drive, sold separately, for those who buy the PS5 Slim Digital Edition and want the option to upgrade to use physical media in the future. The disc drive costs $79.99 / £99.99 / AU$159.95, making it much cheaper to buy in the US than in the UK.
Additionally, owners will also be able to purchase a new vertical stand that is compatible with both old and new PS5 models. This will retail for $29.99 / £24.99 / AU$49.95. However, the new consoles do come with a horizontal stand in case you're worried about it getting scratched against any surfaces.
Those looking for where to buy PS5 Slim should head to our dedicated page which has all the information on the latest stock in the US, UK and other regions, while our PS5 deals and bundles page may have the larger bundle you're after.
PS5 Slim: design
According to the official PlayStation Blog post (link above), the PS5 Slim “has been reduced in volume by over 30% and in weight by 18% and 24% compared to previous models.” There are also now four cover panels, rather than just two, divided by a metallic-finished “bar” between them. The top two feature a glossier finish, contrasting with the matte finish of the bottom panels.
This panel split is designed to facilitate the new removable disk drive design. You'll also still be able to insert the best SSDs for PS5, as updated consoles still support M.2 NVMe SSDs.
PS5 Slim: specifications
Aside from the new size, weight, and panels, the specs of the PS5 Slim models remain almost exactly the same as the original models. That means the same RDNA 2-based GPU, the same CPU, and support for Tempest 3D Audio technology, as well as Dolby Atmos.
One major change worth noting, however, is that the original model's 825GB of accessible storage has been upgraded to 1TB, meaning that extra space has been added to compensate for the console's OS installation size on first boot. This is very welcome considering that a good portion of the capacity is taken up by the PS5's own OS and other elements.
PS5 Slim: FAQ
Should I buy a PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim costs the same as the original model at $499 or £449. But if you haven't bought a PS5 yet, it's definitely worth getting the slimmer model, as it's just as powerful as the base PS5 and offers options like a removable disc drive if you want to use physical discs.
It's worth noting that the PS5 Pro is set to launch on November 7, 2024, so you might want to wait and consider whether the more powerful option is for you. It offers a larger GPU and AI-powered upscaling. So far, we've seen upgraded versions of Spider-Man 2, Forbidden West Horizon and The last of us part 2.
Is it worth upgrading to the PS5 Slim?
If you already have a launch PS5 and it's working perfectly fine, then no, we don't think it's worth upgrading to the PS5 Slim. As we've mentioned on this page, there's not really much to upgrade compared to the launch model, other than getting a slightly larger capacity SSD.
