The heavyset form of the PS5 is getting streamlined by Sony, but will the PS5 Slim be worth it? The PlayStation 5 is one of the most powerful and most popular home consoles out there, but one of the main qualms gamers had with the device was its size, taking up a huge amount of space in set-ups and TV stands. However, with the arrival of the PS5 Slim, many people are naturally wondering if it’s worth upgrading to this slimmer version of the console.
While the new model is getting a 30% reduction in volume, unlike other streamlined devices such as the PS3 Slim, the PS5 Slim isn’t getting a major design overhaul or hardware upgrades. So, in this article we’re delving into the potential benefits of the PS5 Slim and whether it will be a better choice compared to the original PS5.
How powerful will the PS5 Slim be?
One of the main concerns when it comes to slimming down a console is the potential impact on performance, as gamers want to ensure that they’re getting the same level of power and capabilities as the standard console. In terms of its power, the PS5 Slim will have the same CPU and GPU performance, memory, and performance targets as the base model. This means that you can expect the same level of gaming experience and graphical fidelity as the classic PlayStation 5.
Will the PS5 Slim be better than the PS5?
While the PS5 Slim will offer a more compact design, it doesn’t actually provide any significant performance upgrades compared to the original PS5. Both consoles have the same CPU and GPU performance, ensuring a comparable 120fps with 120Hz output gaming experience on each model.
Ultimately, both the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim deliver the same gaming performance, and your choice should depend on your specific needs and priorities, predominantly how much space you have. Whether you choose the original PS5 or the PS5 Slim, rest assured that you’ll have access to an incredible gaming experience on Sony’s next-generation console either way. So in terms of it being the PS5 Slim being worth it, if you’re drastically short on space then the answer might be yes, but the device doesn’t offer more than the original PS5 in terms of gaming capabilities.
What are the benefits of the PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim boasts a 30% reduction in size, and 18% and 24% reduction in weight for the digital and disk drive models respectively, making it more suitable for those with limited space. Aside from the size reduction, the PS5 Slim has been given a slight visual redesign, but it didn’t get given the core design shift that perhaps some users were seeking. It’s sized been down, but still retains the slightly awkward design of the PS5. At least you can confidently say that the Slim has a family resemblance.
Additionally, the PS5 Slim offers the flexibility of adding an attachable disc drive to the digital edition. This modular approach allows gamers to choose whether they want a disc drive or not, based on their preferences and gaming habits.
One of the main upgrades in the PS5 Slim concerns a shift from an 825GB SSD to a 1TB SSD. This provides more storage space for games, which can be a significant advantage for gamers who have large game libraries – and plan on continuing to expand them. However, it’s important to note that even with the increased storage capacity, the PS5 Slim may still face limitations when it comes to game installations and updates. With game sizes frequently exceeding 100GB, it’s essential to consider your storage needs before making a decision.
Also, the PS5 Slim is set to have the same CPU, GPU, and RAM specifications as the original PS5. This means that you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues when it comes to playing the latest and most demanding AAA titles from across the PlayStation family. You can rest assured that you’ll have access to the same library of games, and enjoy a seamless gaming experience.
How much smaller is PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim is approximately 30% smaller in terms of volume compared to the original PS5. While the reduction in size may not be as dramatic as the percentages suggest, it can still make a noticeable difference in terms of its presence in your gaming setup. These are similar figures to the resign of the PS3, which was 33% smaller and 36% lighter than its original console.
PS5 super slim?
After we saw the PS3 Slim, Sony further streamlined the model with the launch of a PS3 Super Slim. This ultra-lightweight model say a further 20% size and 25% weight reduction to the original PS3 Slim. So, will we see this pattern repeated with the PS5? Arguably, it’s too soon to tell, but there’s no harm in hoping that at some point in the future, we might end up seeing a second size reduction of the PS5.
New PS5 Slim colors
CES 2024 was the perfect time for Sony to preview its upcoming trio of colorful faceplates for the PS5 Slim. The new colors include a ‘Sterling Silver’ reminiscent of the original PlayStation consoles, a ‘Cobalt Blue’, and a ‘Volcanic Red’. The three colorways are expected to start at $54.99 when Sony fully releases them, and by the looks of things, you’ll be able to get a matching DualSense controller to complete your customization.
Will the PS5 Slim replace the original PS5?
In the past, Sony has released slim versions of their consoles alongside the original models. From the look of things, the PS5 Slim is not intended to fully replace the original PS5. However, the company has stated that once the inventory of the current PS5 model has sold out, the PS5 Slim will become the sole PlayStation 5 model available. So, if you’re weighing up if the PS5 Slim is worth it, it’s mainly coming in as a physically smaller, not better, console.
Is the PS5 Slim more expensive?
When it comes to pricing, the PS5 Slim Digital Edition costs $449.99/£389.99, while the PS5 Slim with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive costs $499.99/£479.99. This means that for now, you’ll be paying more by opting for the digital version of PS5 Slim. With the option to add or detach the disc drive, you have more flexibility in choosing the features that matter most to you. However, flexibility is lost in terms of the orientation of your console: a vertical stand is not included with the PS5 Slim. If you want to have your PlayStation upright, you’ll to fork out an extra $29.
Final thoughts
So, is the PS5 Slim worth it? Well, if you’re after the PlayStation 5 in a smaller physical format, then the Slim model is a worthwhile investment, especially if you don’t own a current PS5. However, the benefits don’t particularly outweigh the price for gamers looking to upgrade from an original PS5, so it might be worth holding out for a PlayStation with a significant hardware boost before splashing another $400 on a device that’s only smaller.
