PS5 Slim vs PS5
The giant PlayStation 5 has a sleeker look
Chris Compendio
Chris Compendio Chris Compendio has been writing about technology since 2016. Although Chris focuses on gaming, his bylines include Paste Magazine, MSN, and more. lifewire's Editorial Guidelines published on May 15, 2024We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. We may receive compensation if you click on a link we provide. learn more.
Overall, PS5 Slim takes up 30% less space than PS5. PS5 Slim and PS5 Slim Digital Edition are 18% and 24% lighter than the launch model. The PS5 Slim has four covers, compared to the PS5's two covers, with the top cover having a smooth surface.
The technical differences are minimal - the PS5 Slim SSD has 1 TB of storage compared to the PS5's 825GB SSD. The Slim also has two front-facing USB-C ports instead of the single USB-C port on the front of the original model. However, the original does have a front-facing USB-A port, which is missing on the Slim model.
feature
390 x 104 x 260 mm, 4.5 kg (pan)
390 x 92 x 260 mm, 3.9 kg (digital)
825GB
3 USB-A ports (1 front, 2 back), 1 USB-C port
Pricing will start at $400 (digital) and $500 (disc) at time of release
Published November 2020
358 × 96 × 216 mm, 3.2 kg (pan)
358 × 80 × 216 mm, 2.6 kg (digital)
1TB
2 USB-A ports (back), 2 USB-C ports (front)
Pricing will start at $450 (digital) and $500 (disc) at time of release
Released in November 2023
The original PS5 came with a stand that held the console both vertically and horizontally. However, the PS5 Slim is only a few feet long, allowing the console to be placed horizontally.
Sony sells the newly designed vertical stand separately for $29.99 for all PS5 models.
PS5 Slim owners can remove the bottom panel and remove the 4K Blu-ray drive. Those who own the PS5 Slim Digital Edition can connect the optical drive later, but it will need to be purchased separately for $79.99.
The cost of purchasing the digital version of the console and the removable optical drive exceeds the price of the regular PS5 Slim, so if you plan to play games using physical game discs, it makes more sense to buy the disc version.
The PS5 Slim is not a complete upgrade from the original PS5. Its most notable feature is its compact form factor, but other than that, the PS5 Slim has the same features and hardware specs as the released PS5.
If you don't have a PS5 yet but want to buy one for yourself or someone else, the PS5 Slim is the best option, and once the original console is sold, it will be the only option in stores.
However, launch PS5 owners should be fine with their current console as long as it has no issues and its bulky body already fits their current setup.
