Sony PlayStation 5 Slim - Holiday Release & Latest Details
Sony has redesigned the Sony PlayStation 5 Slim, resulting in a 30% reduction in volume and 18% and 24% weight reduction compared to its predecessors. The slim model comes in two variations: one with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive and one without one.
Author:Paolo ReynaReviewer:Iram MartinsNov 05, 202354.9K Shares797K Views
Sony has redesigned the Sony PlayStation 5 Slim, resulting in a 30% reduction in volume and 18% and 24% weight reduction compared to its predecessors. The slim model comes in two variations: one with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive and one without one.
The most significant change is the increased storage capacity, with both versions featuring a 1 terabyte removable solid-state drive. The disk version measures 14 inches in height, 4 inches in width, and 8 ½ inches in depth, while the digital version is slightly slimmer at 3 inches in width.
The slim version is slightly thinner than the original PS5 with a Blu-ray drive, which stood at 15.4 inches in height, 3 ½ inches in width, and 10.2 inches in depth.
Sony also introduced aesthetically pleasing updates to the front and back cover panels, with the top section featuring a glossy finish and the bottom maintaining a matte appearance.
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim
The PlayStation 5 has received mixed reviews from consumers and critics alike due to its controversial two-tone design and bulky overall appearance. Thankfully, Sony is now delivering on that promise with the release of a new, thinner PS5, which they aren't naming the PS5 Slim just yet.
Despite being 18% lighter for the Digital console and 24% lighter for the Disc drive type, Sony has decided to simply refer to the device as the "new PS5" in a blog post. The PS5's internals haven't changed much since its introduction, but the new model will come with a 1TB solid-state drive instead of the 825GB SSD seen in the original system.
The new PS5 model will have an external disc drive, which was one of the most widely circulated rumors. You read it correctly; the PS5 Digital Edition will replace the ordinary PS5 with optical drive. If you want to play physical games, however, you may save money by purchasing the digital version and then upgrading to a system with an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive.
Availability And Price
In addition to the official PlayStation shop, the new PS5 Digital Edition and PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive will be available through "select local retailers" starting in November.
Sony has only said that the new PS5 would "spread out internationally in the coming months,” so there is still no concrete information about when it will be available outside of Japan. Also, as soon as additional PS5 preorders are made available, this page will be updated accordingly.
The PS5 Digital Edition will retail for $449 in the US, €450 in Europe, £390 in the UK, and AU$679.95 in Australia, while the PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive will set you back $499 in the US, €550 in Europe, £480 in the UK, and AU$799.95 in Australia.
Even though the PS5's pricing went up in both Europe and the UK last year, it has stayed the same this time around. However, the PS5 Digital Edition is increasing in price by $50 in the United States from its original launch price of $399. However, you get a thinner console with 175GB of more storage capacity and the potential to add an optical drive at a later date for the same price.
You'll also need to buy a separate stand if you want to put your console on a vertical display instead of a flat one. Sony's PS5 will ship with a horizontal stand, but there will also be a new Vertical Stand that works with all PS5 consoles for $30 / AU$49.95.
The new design, which incorporates plastic in the centre with a metal ring on the outside, is an improvement over the original vertical/horizontal stand that came with the initial PS5. Although, it would have been preferable if this were included with the system rather than an extra purchase.
It's worth noting that the Digital Edition of the new PS5 will ship without an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive, but you can purchase one separately for $80 in the US, €120 in Europe, £100 in the UK, and AU$159.95 in Australia if you're so inclined. It's wonderful that the new PS5 Digital Edition allows for an optical drive to be bought separately, even if it'll be cheaper to buy the Disc drive variant entirely.
Sony has announced that PS5 console covers will be available in the first quarter of 2019. In addition to the Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sterling Silver of the Deep Earth Collection, a completely black version will also be available at launch. Prices for the new PS5 console covers will begin at $65 in the United States, €55 in Europe, and £45 in the United Kingdom.
The latest iteration of the PS5 showcases remarkable design improvements. The reduction in volume by over 30% and the significant weight reduction of 18% for the Digital console and 24% for the Disc drive model not only enhance the console's aesthetics but also make it more user-friendly. A notable transformation in both versions is the introduction of four cover panels, two on each side, deviating from the initial PS5's two-panel design.
What's particularly intriguing about the Digital Edition of the new PS5 is that the cover panel on the bottom right side can be removed to accommodate the new Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive. While Sony hasn't officially confirmed this, it's likely that the add-on disc drive will come with a spare console cover, as the original cover won't be wide enough once the drive is added.
Despite these impressive design enhancements, the internal specs of the new PS5 remain largely unchanged, except for the addition of a more capacious 1TB SSD. The console still boasts 16GB of GDDR6 memory and is equipped with a Ryzen Zen 2 CPU from AMD. However, the new PS5 does not receive a Wi-Fi upgrade and retains Wi-Fi 6 instead of adopting the more recent Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 standards. This might be a slight letdown for some, especially when compared to Microsoft's Brooklin version of the Xbox Series X, which is slated to have faster Wi-Fi.
Here's a comprehensive look at the specs for both the Digital Edition and the Disc edition of the new PS5:
- Price- New PS5: $499, €550, £480
- New PS5 Digital Edition - $449, €450, £390
- Processor- Custom AMD Zen 2, 8-core / 16 threads, 3.5GHz
- GPU- AMD RDNA 2, 10.3 teraflops, 2.23 GHz
- RAM- GDDR6 16GB
- Storage - 1TB SSD
- Disc drive- Ultra HD Blu-ray, up to 100GB/disc (New PS5)
- Optional add-on (New PS5 Digital Edition)
- Video out- 4K, 120Hz
- Ports- New PS5: 1 x USB Type C (front), 2 x USB Type A, 1 x gigabit Ethernet, 1 x HDMI (rear)
- New PS5 Digital Edition- 1 x USB Type C (front), 2 x USB Type A, 1 x gigabit Ethernet, 1 x HDMI (rear)
- Networking - Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6
PS5 Slim Vs. Regular
Here's a detailed breakdown of the distinctions between the new PS5 Slim and its predecessor:
PS5 Vs. PS5 Slim - Size
Size is undoubtedly a significant concern for gamers, so let's delve into the details. Comparing the stated dimensions from Sony, it's evident that the new PS5 Slim is indeed more compact than the original:
- 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
In Sony's own words, this equates to a roughly 30 percent reduction in total volume. It's a notable improvement, but there's a bit of context to consider. When The Verge conducted a digital size comparison, it revealed that both new models are still notably larger than the Xbox Series X. In essence, this "slim" console remains quite substantial in size.
For a visual side-by-side comparison, you can explore the PS5 Slim vs. Regular Reddit post.
PS5 Vs. PS5 Slim - Horsepower And Storage
An important facet to address about the new PS5 models is that they retain the same internal capabilities as the originals. This isn't akin to the PS4 vs. PS4 Pro situation. Games will run identically across the entire spectrum of PS5 consoles.
An added internal advantage for owners of the new PS5s is expanded storage. The original PS5 had 825GB of onboard storage, with the option to expand using external SSDs. In contrast, the new models boast a full 1TB of built-in space, allowing you to install a few extra games based on their size.
PS5 Vs. PS5 Slim - Disc Drive
Similar to the PS5's launch in late 2020, there are two PS5 Slim models. One of them includes a built-in disc drive, while the other is strictly digital.
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Outlook
As the first supply of PS5 consoles sells out, it will be totally replaced by the new, thinner models. Since I highly doubt Sony will continue selling Console Covers for the Standard PS5 and the Digital Edition when they are discontinued, now is a good opportunity to stock up on any accessories you may need.
Those who have been waiting for the PS5's November release to get in may be pleasantly surprised to see a thinner system with a bigger 1TB SSD and the ability to add or remove its disk drive. The new PS5 Slim consoles are designed to be more compact, so they'll take up less room on your entertainment shelf or in your bedroom.
Sony PS5 Has Removable Disc Drive And Smaller Size
The fresh iteration of the PS5 brings significant changes, notably boasting a remarkable 30% reduction in overall volume and a weight reduction of up to 24%, dependent on your choice of model. One noticeable modification is the new bulge at the side of the PS5, designed to accommodate the disc drive, which can be easily removed and replaced with a side panel.
Sid Shuman, the senior director of SIE content communications, highlights another aesthetic shift in the blog post, explaining that there are now four distinct cover panels, with the top portion sporting a glossy finish, while the bottom retains its matte texture. Interestingly, with the base PS5 Digital Edition, you have the option to add the Blu-ray disc drive at a later point, as Sony offers it separately for $79.99 (€119.99 / £99.99).
Moreover, the new models feature two slits on each side and come equipped with dual USB-C ports at the front, as opposed to the single USB-C and USB-A ports on the current PS5.
To enhance versatility, a horizontal stand will come bundled with this new PS5 model, and a separate vertical stand, compatible with all PS5 models, will be available for purchase at $29.99 (€29.99 / £24.99 GBP). An increase in storage capacity is another welcomed change, with both new PS5 models now offering 1TB of storage, compared to the previous 825GB found on the existing PS5.
FAQs - Sony PlayStation 5 Slim
Is PS5 Getting A Slim Version?
Sony claims that the new PS5 is "reduced in volume by more than 30%, and weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous models." There is an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive version of the PS5 Slim, and there is also a digital-only variant that lacks a disc drive.
How Much Is A PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim with a disc drive still costs $499, but the PS5 Slim without a disc drive now costs $449, which is $50 more than the initial digital-only system.
Is PS5 Slim More Powerful Than PS5?
The PS5 Slim seems to have the same specs as the original PS5. The AMD Ryzen Zen 2 CPU included in the PS5 Slim has 8 cores and 16 threads.
How Much Cheaper Will The PS5 Slim Be?
The "PS5 Slim" will cost you between $449.99 and $499.99, which is comparable to the launch prices of the original versions.
Final Thoughts
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim model offers a streamlined design with a 1 terabyte solid-state drive, providing ample storage for modern gamers. The design also features a glossy and matte front and back cover panel, dividing them into glossy and matte sections.
This aesthetic design enhances the console's appearance and reflects Sony's commitment to creating a visually appealing and functional gaming system. The PS5 Slim is a testament to Sony's commitment to constant improvement, offering a compact, efficient, and stylish gaming console without compromising on performance.
As the gaming industry evolves, Sony continues to adapt, providing gaming enthusiasts with access to cutting-edge technology that enhances their gaming adventures.
Paolo Reyna
Author
Paolo Reyna is a writer and storyteller with a wide range of interests. He graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies.
Paolo enjoys writing about celebrity culture, gaming, visual arts, and events. He has a keen eye for trends in popular culture and an enthusiasm for exploring new ideas. Paolo's writing aims to inform and entertain while providing fresh perspectives on the topics that interest him most.
In his free time, he loves to travel, watch films, read books, and socialize with friends.
Iram Martins
Reviewer
Iram Martins is a seasoned travel writer and explorer with over a decade of experience in uncovering the world's hidden gems. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management from the University of Lisbon, Iram's credentials highlight his authority in the realm of travel.
As an author of numerous travel guides and articles for top travel publications, his writing is celebrated for its vivid descriptions and practical insights.
Iram’s passion for cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path adventures shines through in his work, captivating readers and inspiring wanderlust.
Outside of his writing pursuits, Iram enjoys learning new languages, reviewing films and TV shows, writing about celebrity lifestyles, and attending cultural festivals.
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