Sony’s PlayStation consoles have always changed up their look. With fresh editions dropping a little while after the original launches. It’s been going on since the PS1 released way back in 1994 (wow, that makes us feel old). And just like with the PS2, PS3 and PS4 before it, Sony have finally announced a brand-new slim version of the PS5.
So, we’re all used to mid-generation updates by now. But what does the PS5 ‘slim’ really change? Especially when you compare it to the OG console? Quite a bit actually! Let’s have a proper look…
PS5 ‘slim’ release date
After months of waiting, the PS5 ‘slim’ is finally here. You can get your hands on the digital edition or the disc drive version right now!
Sony have also confirmed that the slimmer console will completely replace the launch version of the PS5 when the remaining stock sells out. So, if you prefer the chunky look of the old model, make sure you grab one before they’re gone.
PS5 ‘slim’ design and specs
Slim down
The PS5 ‘slim’ is a lot thinner than the original PS5. If we’re talking numbers, it’s 24% lighter and 30% smaller than the one that came out in 2020. So, if you’ve got a tight spot under the telly, it actually now might fit!
And just because it’s little, that doesn’t mean it won’t pack a punch. It’s just as powerful as the base model is. You’ll still be playing games at an ultra-smooth 60 frames per second. With all the same shiny graphics to boot.
Go for a drive
There’s one other big difference to the design as well. And that’s the detachable Ultra-HD Blu-ray disc drive. Let’s say you’ve bought the digital version of the PS5 ‘slim’. But your mate has a stack of great games that you really want to borrow. No worries. Grab yourself the removable disc drive, clip it on, and Bob’s your uncle. Now you’ve got a console that’ll play disc-based games and films on Blu-ray or DVD. Remember those?
What’s in store?
What about under the hood? Sony have upgraded the built-in storage to a beefy 1TB (up from 825GB). And that’s a real game changer. As games keep getting bigger and bigger – with super realistic graphics – they take up even more space on your hard drive. But with 1TB to play with, you’ll have extra space for all your favourite titles. And you won’t have to keep deleting them to make space for something new!
You’re in charge
They’ve also added another USB-C port on the front, so now you’ve got two instead of just the one. That means you’ll be able to charge a couple of controllers at the same time. And they’ll be powered up and ready to go for your couch co-op session when your friends arrive. Nice.
PS5 ‘slim’ price
It might be a new console, but it’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg. You can bag a PS5 ‘slim’ for the same price as the current PS5/PS5 digital editions. So, that’s £479.99 if you go for the PS5 ‘slim’ with the disc drive. And £389.99 for the digital only version. You can always attach a disc drive later on for £99.99 too. Perfect for when you want to borrow The Last of Us from your mate.
If you fancy giving your PS5 ‘slim’ a fresh lick of paint, you can always swap out the four white panels for a bunch of other cool designs. Pick from volcanic red, cobalt blue, sterling silver and matte black face plates and put your own unique stamp on the console. All of them cost £44.99 and will be shown off properly in 2024.
Need something new to play on your PS5? Suit up as New York’s legendary protector in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Become a grizzled special forces operator in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Or lace up your boots and hit the pitch in EA Sports FC 24. It’s a great time to be a gamer!
