PS5 Slim: Where to buy, design and specs
The PlayStation 5 Slim is now the most common model on store shelves and retailer websites. It’s, as you might expect, slightly different from the launch model, but has now become the standard PS5.
The revised console, originally announced via the official playstation blogcontinues Sony’s trend of releasing a thinner hardware revision for each PlayStation generation, which dates all the way back to the PS1. This slimmer model significantly reduces the PS5 system’s silhouette while maintaining the power of the base model. The PS5 Pro will soon join the lineup, offering a nice upgrade to the base model’s GPU and adding AI-powered upscaling.
The PS5 Slim revision is just as powerful as the base model and retains the same price point. However, it’s much slimmer, has a slightly more attractive design, and adds the option to purchase a detachable Ultra HD Blu-Ray drive for the PS5 Digital Edition. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the PS5 Slim.
PS5 Slim: Price
The PS5 Slim will come in at the exact same price as the original model, $499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.95, in-line with the PS5’s previous price hike. Alternatively, the PS5 Slim Digital Edition will also be available for a cheaper $449.99 / £389.99 / AU$679.95 – again, this is in-line with the pricing of the original Digital Edition.
Sony is also offering an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive, sold separately, for those who purchase the PS5 Slim Digital Edition and want the option to upgrade to use physical media in the future. The disc drive will cost $79.99 / £99.99 / AU$159.95, making it much cheaper to buy in the US than the UK.
Additionally, owners can also purchase a new vertical stand that’s compatible with PS5 models old and new. It costs $29.99 / £24.99 / AU$49.95. The new consoles do come with a horizontal stand, however, if you’re worried about it scratching against a surface.
If you’re looking for a place to buy the PS5 Slim, your best bet is to head over to our dedicated page , where you’ll find all the latest stock information in the US, UK, and other regions. Alternatively, you might find the larger package you’re looking for on our PS5 deals and bundles page.
PS5 Slim: Design
According to the official PlayStation Blog post (linked 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, instead of just two, separated by a metallic “bar” in between. The top two have a glossier finish, which contrasts with the matte finish of the bottom panels.
This panel division is made to facilitate the new design of the detachable drive. You can also still install the best SSDs for PS5, as the updated consoles will continue to support M.2 NVMe SSDs.
PS5 Slim: specifications
Aside from the new size, weight, and bezels, the specs for 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 and Dolby Atmos.
One important change to note, however, is that the original’s 825GB of accessible storage has been upgraded to 1TB, meaning that additional space has been added to compensate for the size of the console’s operating system when it first boots up. This is very welcome, as a large portion of the capacity is taken up by the PS5’s own operating system and other small bits and bobs.
PS5 Slim: Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim costs the same as the original model, $499 / £449. But if you haven’t picked up a PS5 yet, it’s definitely worth picking up the slimmer model, as it’s just as powerful as the base PS5 and offers options like a removable disc drive should you want to use physical discs.
It’s worth noting that the PS5 Pro is set to launch on November 7, 2024, so you may want to wait a little longer and consider whether the more powerful option is for you. It offers a larger GPU and AI-powered upscaling. So far, we’ve seen improved versions of Spiderman 2, Horizon Forbidden West 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 performing fine, we don’t think it’s worth upgrading to the PS5 Slim. As we’ve mentioned on this page, there’s really not much to upgrade to compared to the launch model, aside from getting a slightly larger capacity SSD.
