The PlayStation 5, one of Sony’s most debated designs, has seen mixed reactions since its release. Despite its sizeable dimensions, the design has attracted growing appreciation over time. The introduction of the PS5 Slim addresses concerns about the console’s large size, offering a more compact alternative. Additionally, the forthcoming PS5 Pro is set to enhance the existing design with notable hardware improvements, providing options for different user needs.
The PS5 Slim, unlike previous midcycle updates such as the PS4 Pro, is poised to replace the original model rather than supplementing the lineup. Once the inventory of the original PS5 is depleted, only the Slim model will be available. The Slim version maintains the same core specifications, including processor and RAM, but offers increased internal storage from 825 GB to 1 TB.
Conversely, the PS5 Pro aligns more traditionally with midcycle refresh expectations, featuring substantial processing upgrades and an internal storage capacity of 2 TB. However, this comes with a higher price point of $700. Detailed specifications and features will provide further clarity on the value proposition of this model.
The PS5 Slim’s primary advantage is its reduced size. The original PS5 was one of the largest consoles ever, but the Slim version is approximately 30 percent smaller by volume. The discless models of the PS5 Slim offer further space savings. For a comparison of all four models, detailed dimensions and 3D rotational views can be seen here. Despite the reduction in size, the Slim models remain significantly larger compared to the Xbox Series X/S consoles.
Photograph credit: Eric Ravenscraft