Design and Physical Changes
One of the most noticeable features of the PlayStation 5 Slim is its reduced footprint. The console is approximately 30% smaller in volume and significantly lighter than the original PS5, making it a better fit for a wider range of entertainment setups. Sony also revised the console's aesthetic by moving to a four-panel design for the side plates, featuring a mix of glossy and matte finishes on the faceplates. However, one controversial change is the decision to sell the vertical stand separately, with only two clear plastic feet for horizontal placement included in the box. This was a cost-cutting measure that many consumers noted.
Key Hardware Specifications
Despite its smaller size, the PS5 Slim's core performance components are identical to the original PS5. This means that the user experience is the same, with no compromises in graphics or processing power. The console still features:
- An 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU clocked at 3.5GHz.
- An AMD RDNA 2 GPU with 10.28 teraflops of power.
- 16GB of GDDR6 RAM.
This robust hardware enables the PS5 Slim to deliver stunning 4K visuals, ray tracing effects, and gameplay at up to 120 frames per second on compatible titles and displays. The immersive Tempest 3D Audio and the advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the included DualSense controller also remain standard.
Expanded Storage and Connectivity
Perhaps the most significant internal upgrade for the PS5 Slim is its storage capacity. The original model shipped with a custom 825GB SSD, while the PS5 Slim initially offered a larger 1TB SSD, providing more space for games and media. It is important to note that a recent hardware revision for the Digital Edition has seen the internal SSD reduced back to 825GB, though the Disc Edition still includes the 1TB drive. Both versions can still have their storage expanded with a user-installed M.2 SSD.
Regarding connectivity, the PS5 Slim replaces the front USB-A port with a second SuperSpeed USB-C port, for a total of two USB-C ports on the front. The two SuperSpeed USB-A ports on the rear of the console remain unchanged. This offers faster data transfer speeds and is more aligned with modern connectivity standards, particularly for charging multiple DualSense controllers simultaneously.
The Modular Disc Drive
One of the most innovative and talked-about features of the PS5 Slim is the new modular Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive. For the Digital Edition of the console, the drive is a separate, attachable accessory that can be purchased and installed by the user. This provides welcome flexibility, allowing gamers to upgrade their console for physical media playback if they decide they want it later.
There is one caveat: the disc drive must be connected to the internet and paired with the console during the initial setup. The standard PS5 Slim (Disc Edition) comes with the drive pre-installed. The modular design is a notable departure from the original consoles, where the disc drive was permanently fixed to the Disc Edition and impossible to add to the Digital Edition.
What's in the Box? (Slim Edition)
Upon purchasing a PS5 Slim, you can expect to find the following items included:
- PlayStation 5 Slim Console (Digital or Disc Edition)
- One DualSense Wireless Controller
- DualSense USB charging cable
- HDMI cable
- AC power cord
- A pre-installed copy of the game ASTRO's PLAYROOM
- Two clear plastic feet for horizontal placement
- Printed materials
PS5 Slim vs. Original PS5 Comparison
| Feature | Original PS5 | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger, bulkier design | Approximately 30% smaller volume |
| Weight | Heavier (~4.5kg Disc, ~3.9kg Digital) | Lighter (~3.2kg Disc, ~2.6kg Digital) |
| Internal Storage | 825GB SSD | 1TB SSD (some recent Digital units may have 825GB) |
| Disc Drive | Integrated (Disc Edition) or none (Digital) | Modular and detachable (Digital Edition) |
| Front USB Ports | 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C | 2x USB-C |
| Horizontal Stand | Included | Sold separately |
| Performance | Identical CPU/GPU/RAM | Identical CPU/GPU/RAM |
Conclusion
Ultimately, what is on a Slim 5 is an optimized and more user-friendly version of the standard PlayStation 5, not a new generation of hardware. The performance is identical, but the physical form is smaller and lighter, making it more convenient for many users. The increased standard storage (for most models) and the addition of a modular disc drive are notable quality-of-life improvements. For new PS5 buyers, the Slim is the default model available on store shelves. Anyone who prefers a more compact console or the option to add a disc drive later will find the PS5 Slim to be an excellent choice.
For more technical details on the console's USB port configuration, you can refer to the official PlayStation support page.
