The announcements of the PlayStation 5 Slim or PS5 Slim came as a surprise for gamers alike. Sonny unveiled on 11 October 2023 two new models of the fifth-generation PlayStation gaming console. These are the PlayStation 5 Slim with Disc Drive and the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition. The announcement was made in time for the 2023 holiday season. What exactly is new with PS5 Slim and how it differs from the original PlayStation 5?
What is New with PS5 Slim: A Look at the Slimmer PlayStation 5
Gamers, especially ardent fans of the PlayStation console, should have recognized by now that the new models of the PlayStation 5 follow the same pattern set by the previous three generations starting from the PlayStation 2 and up to the PlayStation 4. These consoles all have slimmer versions or models. Even the PlayStation Classic has a miniaturized version.
There are several practical reasons why Sony keeps on releasing slimmer versions of its popular console. These include appealing to gamers who prefer a smaller and lighter design, reducing manufacturing costs and increasing profit margins, generating more public attention or mileage, refreshing the existing product line, and driving and generating new sales.
It is high time for the company to release a slimmer version of its PlayStation 5 since it was released in November 2020 or about 3 years ago before the announcement of its newer version. Nevertheless, considering the announcement, the following are the specifications and features of PS5 Slim, and some pointers on how it differs from the original PlayStation 5:
1. Hardware
There is no difference between the slimmer version and the original PlayStation 5 in terms of hardware specifications. The newer one still sports the same capabilities. These include the 16GB GDDR6 SDRAM, a custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 central processor, a custom AMD Radeon RDNA2 graphics processor, an NVMe solid-state drive, and a custom Tempest Engine 3D Audio. It is important to note that the slimmer version comes with 1 TB solid-state storage compared to the 825 GB storage that shipped with the original version.
2. Design
Physical specifications spell the difference between the PlayStation 5 Slim and the original PlayStation 5. The slimmed-down version has been reduced in volume by more than 30 percent compared to the original version. The weight has also been reduced with the Disc Drive version weighing 24 percent less and the Digital Edition version weighing 18 percent less. The divisive black-and-white color scheme is still the same but there are now four separate cover panels, with the top portion in a glossy look, while the bottom remains in matte.
3. Versions
It is important to highlight the fact that the PS5 Slim comes in two sub-versions or models. These are the PlayStation 5 Slim with Disc Drive and the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition. The former supports Ultra High-Definition or UHD Blu-Ray, standard Blu-Ray, and DVD discs on top of digital downloads while the latter only supports digital downloads. The Digital Edition version has an optional add-on that allows users to equip it with disc-reading capabilities at a later date if desired. This attachable disc drive is sold separately.
4. Pricing
The Disc and Digital Edition versions of the original PlayStation 5 retailed for USD 499.99 and USD 399 at introduction. Take note that Sony has raised the price of the original Digital Edition version at USD 449.99. The slimmed-down models follow the same pricing. The PS5 with Disc Drive specifically has a retail price of USD 499.00 while the Digital Edition version is priced at USD 449.99. Those who will be purchasing the slimmer Digital Edition would need to spend an additional USD 79.99 for the attachable disc drive.
