Key Highlights
- Sony’s new ‘PS5 Slim’ model has been reduced in volume by more than 30%, and weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous models.
- Internally, the slim PS5 will come with 1TB of storage, an increase over the only 800 GB available in the old models.
- People who buy the new slimmer PS5 digital edition can later add a Blu-ray disc drive.
Sony yesterday officially announced the ‘PS5 Slim’, a slimmer, lighter redesign of the PS5 console. The PS5 Slim is set to launch in November. In addition to the smaller main console, Sony is releasing an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive add-on specifically for the disc-less PS5 Digital Edition.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing stays the same at $499.99 for the standard PS5 with disc drive. However, the PS5 Digital Edition is getting a price hike from $399 to $449.99. For comparison, here are prices in other major regions:
- U.S. – PS5 with disc drive: $499.99 | PS5 Digital Edition: $449.99
- Europe – PS5 with disc drive: €549.99 | PS5 Digital Edition: €449.99
- U.K. – PS5 with disc drive: £479.99 | PS5 Digital Edition: £389.99
- Japan – PS5 with disc drive: 66,980 yen | PS5 Digital Edition: 59,980 yen
The new Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive accessory allows PS5 Digital Edition owners to play physical disc-based games and movies. It will retail for $79.99 in the U.S. (€119.99 in Europe, £99.99 in the UK, 11,980 yen in Japan) but only works with the redesigned PS5 Digital Edition model.
I should note that the add-on drive is only compatible with the new model of the PS5 Digital Edition.
Also Read: PlayStation 5 Shortage is Over – According To Sony
The slimmer PS5 variants will start rolling out globally in November, though initial availability looks to be limited to select U.S. retailers and Sony’s PlayStation Direct website. International launches in other regions will follow in the coming months.
PS5 Slim Design and Hardware Changes
According to Sony, the new PS5 Slim model has a volume over 30% less than the original version that came out in 2020. The weight is also reduced by nearly 20% on the standard edition and 24% on the Digital Edition.
Specific dimensions show the redesigned PS5 Slim is shorter by 33 mm, narrower by 44 mm, and lighter by 1.3 kg compared to the first iteration. Despite the changes, performance remains the same between old and new.
Internally, the slim PS5 will come with 1TB of storage, an increase over the only 800 GB available in the old models. That appears to be the only real difference inside the machine. So don’t expect a PS4 Pro-like upgrade of the PS5 with this new slimmer variant.
Sony stated the redesign focused on creating a more energy-efficient console with the same power as before but in a smaller, lighter form factor. This should make the PS5 easier to fit into home entertainment centers and transport.
Also Read: PlayStation now lets players review games
While the PS5 continues to be in high demand since launching nearly two years ago, this revision is arriving sooner than expected for a typical slim model late in a console generation. It shows Sony is already iterating on the hardware.
With supply issues finally easing up, the redesigned PS5 may be easier for consumers to find in stock. Pre-orders aren’t open yet, but those still struggling to buy the elusive console could have better luck once it hits shelves. The original PS5 remains widely available for now.
First impressions of the PS5 redesign are generally positive among industry analysts and journalists. The console finally ditching its massive size and embracing a more subtle, minimalist look has been a long-requested change.
Will you be getting the new PS5 models? Do let us know in the comments section below.
