PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: Key Differences Explained

I’ve been a PlayStation fan for nearly three decades, and in this PS5 vs. PS5 Slim showdown, I’m here to help you figure out which console might suit your gaming needs best.

With the PS5 Pro hitting the shelves, it’s a great moment to consider getting your hands on the slightly older but still mighty PS5. There could be some attractive deals soon, or maybe even a price reduction, so it’s crucial to know what you’ll gain or miss out on when choosing between the PS5 and the PS5 Slim.

### PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: Price

First off, let’s talk price. The original PS5 came in two iterations: one equipped with a disc drive and one without, a purely digital version. The PS5 Slim follows the same structure with both disc and digital versions available. Interestingly, Sony decided not to cut the pricing for the new PS5 Slim models. The PS5 Slim with a disc drive still tags at $499, while its digital counterpart costs $449, marking a $50 increase over the original digital-only PS5.

– PS5 Slim (no disc drive): $449
– PS5 Slim (with disc drive): $499
– Original PS5 (no disc drive): $399
– Original PS5 (disc drive): $499

It’s clear that while opting for the digital PS5 Slim saves you money against the disc model, it doesn’t offer the same savings compared to the 2020 digital-only version. Plus, if you think about buying a digital model and later adding the disc drive, it’s more expensive than just picking the built-in drive option from the start. Odd pricing strategy, right?

So, my tip is: if a $399 PS5 is what you’re after, grab one while they last. Note that once current stocks of the original models are depleted, they’ll be phased out for the Slim versions.

### PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: Size

Now, let’s address what’s on many gamers’ minds: size. Comparing the dimensions from Sony, you’ll find the new PS5 is certainly more compact than its predecessor:

– Original PS5 (disc version): 104mm (height) x 390mm (width) x 260mm (depth)
– PS5 Slim (disc version): 96mm (height) x 358mm (width) x 216mm (depth)
– Original PS5 (digital version): 92mm x 390mm x 260mm
– PS5 Slim (digital version): 80mm x 358mm x 216mm

Sony’s announcement claimed a reduction of about 30 percent in total volume. Though it’s a sizeable shrink, keep in mind that according to comparisons done by The Verge, both new models still overshadow the Xbox Series X in size. So, even “slim” isn’t synonymous with tiny.

If you want a visual comparison, I suggest checking out some of the Reddit discussions about the PS5 Slim versus the standard PS5.

### PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: Performance and Storage

Let’s dive into performance and storage, two critical considerations. It’s important to note that the new PS5 Slim models share the same internal specs as the original PS5. This isn’t a situation like the PS4 vs. PS4 Pro; your games will perform the same across all PS5 models.

One modest upgrade, though, is storage. While the original PS5 boasted 825GB of storage with expansion options, the new Slim models step it up to a full 1TB. That means a bit more room for your game library right out of the box.

### PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: Disc Drive

Lastly, let’s talk disc drives. Like the 2020 launch, the PS5 Slim comes in two flavors: with and without a disc drive. However, there’s now an option to buy a detachable disc drive for $79.99. It’s not the prettiest attachment, but if you love collecting physical media, it’s probably worth the investment.

The PS5 Slim, unlike its predecessor, skips the inclusion of a vertical stand in the box. But if you ask any seasoned gamer, they’d likely suggest keeping your PS5 horizontally anyway for stability.

Overall, when deliberating between the original PS5 and the Slim, your choice will boil down to budget, preference for a slimmer design, and how you plan to manage your library of physical games.