After months of rumors and purported leaks confirming the existence of a new hardware upgrade, Sony officially unveiled the new PS5 Slim models in October ahead of their launch. As is typically the case with each hardware generation of Sony's PlayStation console, a newer, sleeker edition of the platform arrives just a few short years after the initial launch as part of a regular hardware refresh. What remains to be seen is whether the launch of the PS5 Slim will preclude the announcement of a mid-generation hardware update via a Pro model of the PS5, but for now, players eager to get their hands on a new PlayStation console with a more appealing form factor are in-luck.

One of the more prevailing questions on fan's minds was one involving the continuation of both PS5 models, as the Microsoft leak and the design of the next Xbox console somewhat confirm the current trajectory of the industry toward an all-digital future. Thankfully, PlayStation owners who still have games on physical discs will still be able to enjoy an upgrade to the PS5 Slim should they choose to do so. Not only that, the newer disc-drive PS5 Slim has an added bonus over the standard edition consoles.

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PS5 Slim and PS5 Standard Side-by-Side Comparison

While the PS5 Slim is indeed smaller than the standard PS5 in the case of both the disc-drive and digital-only SKUs of the console, it can appear at first-glance that there's not much difference between the two. Indeed, the size difference is slight based on a purely numerical perspective, but Sony reports that the PS5 Slim boasts an overall 30% reduction in size over the bulky footprint of the standard edition. Looking at the two versions of Sony's flagship console side-by-side paints a clearer picture of some of the more distinctive differences between them, including some unexpected features.

Although the standard edition of the PS5 purports to have 1TB of internal storage, this number actually shrinks down to 825GB of usable storage after the space taken up by the console's firmware. One of the most welcome upgrades to the PS5 Slim is that both versions of the console offer a full terabyte of internal storage after the firmware installation. Like the standard editions of the console, the PS5 Slim models also have an additional upgrade slot for an SSD.

One of the most interesting additions to the digital-only SKU of the PS5 Slim is the new detachable disc-drive, which Sony will start selling in 2024. Retailing for $79.99, this optional disc drive will allow players to initially purchase the digital-only version of the PS5 Slim (and enjoy its smaller footprint) but then have the option to play physical media down the line should they choose to do so. However, with the increased price of the digital-only model (a full $50 more than the standard digital PS5), purchasing the detachable disc drive makes it more expensive than simply opting for a PS5 Slim with the drive included.

One important thing to note is that the internal components of both versions of the PlayStation 5 are identical, meaning that there are no benefits to performance from upgrading to a PS5 Slim. This is not the rumored PS5 Pro hardware refresh but rather a mid-generation form factor update to make the console look more sleek compared to its original design. For anyone who doesn't yet have a PS5 and has been on the fence, the PS5 Slim with a disc-drive may be the best starting point considering its identical price to the standard edition.

PS5

Sony's PlayStation 5 ninth console generation and debuted with a launch lineup that included Demon's Souls and Astro's Playroom. The console comes with a Blu-ray disc, although a digital-only edition is also available for a cheaper price.

Brand

Sony

Original Release Date

November 12, 2020

Hardware Versions

PS5

Original MSRP (USD)

Disc Edition: $499.99; Digital Edition: $399.99

Weight

Disc Edition: 9.9 LBS; Digital Edition: 8.6 LBS

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