PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: A Comparison of Key Differences

If you’re pondering between the PS5 and the PS5 Slim, let’s dive in and help you figure out which console might be your best pick.

With the new introduction of the enhanced PS5 Pro, now could be the ideal time to scoop up an older model, which still packs a powerful punch. If you’re eyeing potential discounts or permanent price slashes, it’s crucial to be fully informed about what the PS5 and PS5 Slim each bring to the table. So, let’s not waste any time.

First up, let’s talk about the price of these consoles. The original PS5 comes in two flavors: one with a disc drive and one that’s digital-only. The PS5 Slim mirrors this setup with a disc drive version and a digital version. Oddly enough, Sony hasn’t reduced the prices on the new PS5 Slim models. You’ll find the PS5 Slim with a disc drive goes for $499, whereas the digital version is priced at $449, which is a $50 bump over the original PS5’s digital-only version.

Here’s the breakdown:

– PS5 Slim (digital): $449
– PS5 Slim (with disc drive): $499
– Original PS5 (digital): $399
– Original PS5 (disc drive): $499

That means if you’re looking at the digital-only option, the PS5 Slim is more budget-friendly compared to its counterpart with a disc drive but not when you compare it to the 2020 digital-only model. Plus, buying a digital version and then adding a separate disc drive later wouldn’t save you any money compared to buying the disc version upfront.

My suggestion here is simple: if you want a PS5 for the $399 price tag, you should act fast. Once the current stock of the original models is gone, the PS5 Slim will be your only option in stores.

Now, for gamers who care about the console’s footprint, the size of the PS5 Slim is indeed more compact than the original. According to Sony’s stated dimensions, the changes are as follows:

– Original PS5 (with disc): 104mm x 390mm x 260mm
– PS5 Slim (with disc): 96mm x 358mm x 216mm
– Original PS5 (digital): 92mm x 390mm x 260mm
– PS5 Slim (digital): 80mm x 358mm x 216mm

This translates to about a 30% reduction in overall volume, which is quite significant, yet it’s important to note, as The Verge pointed out, both new models still manage to exceed the size of the Xbox Series X. So, while “slim,” they remain fairly sizable.

When it comes to performance, the PS5 Slim models maintain the same capabilities as their predecessors. There won’t be any differences in how games perform across the various versions of the PS5, unlike the distinction you might see between a PS4 and a PS4 Pro. The only internal perk with the new models is a bump in storage – while the originals came with 825GB, the new PS5 Slim offers a full terabyte of space, allowing for a few more hefty game installations without needing external SSDs.

Lastly, let’s address the disc drive situation. Just like the launch versions, PS5 Slim offers a model with a built-in disc drive and another that’s solely digital. Additionally, there’s a detachable disc drive available for purchase at $79.99. Although it might look a bit unconventional, it functions as expected, and for those who cherish physical media, it’s indispensable. Interestingly, the PS5 Slim doesn’t include a vertical stand in the box, but many gamers will tell you that keeping your PS5 horizontal is the way to go.

So, there you go. The battle between the PS5 and its slimmer sibling comes down to your preferences in terms of price, size, and storage expansion. Hopefully, this gives you a clearer view of what’s at stake as you make your decision.