PS5 Slim: what you need to know about Sony’s smaller PlayStation 5 console
What can we expect from the 'new PS5'? It's 30% smaller than the original model
The new PS5 Slim console will arrive in time for the holiday season (so Thanksgiving and Christmas). But Sony has not called it PS5 Slim.
For now, Sony’s official information calls it a ‘new PS5 model’. In our coverage, we’ll refer to it as the PlayStation 5 (2023) to distinguish it from the larger model. It’s a shame that Sony has decided not to give the redesigned PS5 a distinct name.
The smaller PS5 design, detailed in a Sony blog post, also now comes with 1TB storage for both the standard PS5, as well as the PS5 Digital Edition.
The new model will directly replace the old one. Rumours point to an 8 November US release date, but we still don’t have any confirmation on that just two weeks before the date.
From there, it will then roll out globally, hopefully without the same delays we experienced with the original PS5. The intention is that it will replace the existing PS5 model as stock of the larger model is sold off.
So, how slim will it be?
The new PS5 with disc drive has been reduced in volume by more than 30%, compared to the PS5. The dimensions, excluding the external parts, come in at 358mm in width, 96mm in height and 216mm deep. The first PS5 was 390x260x104mm, so while the new PS5 may be shorter and slimmer, it’s much deeper.
Naturally, there’s been a weight reduction for the new PS5. That can be anywhere between 18% and 24%, depending on external parts. The original PS5 with disc drive came in at 4.5kg. The new PS5 with disc drive is a leaner 3.2kg.
There are now four separate cover panels, with the top portion in a glossy look, while the bottom remains in matte.
What will it look like?
We have a pretty good idea of what the new PS5 will look like. If reports are to be believed, it’s already been spotted in the wild pre-release. A picture of the supposed slimmer PS5 has appeared on social media, and will apparently come bundled with Modern Warfare III.
While a horizontal stand will be included with the new PS5 model, there’s also a vertical stand on offer (it’s no longer included with the Slim models unfortunately). The stand has a metallic silver disc around the base…and that’s about it, really. If that’s enticed you, then the vertical stand will be sold separately at $29.99/£24.99/€29.99.
There’s also a range of PS5 Console Cover colours on offer, which will be available from early 2024. This includes an all-matte black, volcanic red, cobalt blue, and sterling silver. More colours will come in the future. The PS5 covers will start at $54.99/£44.99/€54.99.
What about the digital edition?
Much like the first PS5, the new PS5 comes with a Digital Edition. The OG model came in at 390x260x92 mm, but that’s been cut down to 358x80x216mm.
The Digital Edition will weigh just 2.6kg, down from 3.9kg for the launch version.
A new attachable Blu-ray drive
The new PS5 Digital Edition model also provides the option to add an attachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive should you wish.
YouTuber Dave2D recently gave us a more detailed look at the PS5 Slim’s inner workings. From the video, it looks like the disc drive detaches with a simple push of a button, and is connected via a small hexagonal port. It looks hassle free, sturdy and without any fiddly bits. It has been confirmed though that an internet connection is required in order to install the port.
If you buy the PS5 Digital Edition, you can add the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive for PS5 later, as it will also be sold separately for $80/£100/120 Euros.
What will it cost?
As the new PS5 will be a direct replacement of the current PS5, there’s currently no change when it comes to price…at least if you’re in the UK. The new PS5 will start from $499.99/£479.99/€549.99 for the PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive, and $449.99/£389.99/€449.99 for the Digital Edition.
Jack Needham
