Sony released the original PlayStation 5 console in two versions three years ago. One PS5 included a Blu-Ray disc drive, the other did not.
This initial version of the PS5 won’t be available for much longer. Sony unveiled a new, slimmer version of the PlayStation 5. This version will replace the classic version of the console this year.
The new model is lighter and slimmer, but that is not the only difference. Sony plans to replace the original model with the new one. Old models are no longer in production but they remain available until the remaining stock is depleted.
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim
The new version of the PS5 is slimmer and lighter than the classic version. While not called Slim by Sony, it is definitely a smaller version. The new PS5 is offered in two versions, one with a Blu-Ray disc, the other without, just like the original models.
The weight of the disc-based version drops from 3.9 kg to 3.2 kg and dimensions shrink to 36 x 10 x 22 cm from 39 x 10 x 26 cm.
The disc-less model’s weight is 2.6 kg, down from 3.4 kg, and the size shrinks to 36 x 8 x 22 cm from 39 x 9 x 26 cm.
Weight and dimensions are not the only characteristics that change. Owners of the disc-less version may purchase a Blu-Ray drive to turn it into a PS5 console with disc drive. The new Blu-Ray drive may be attached to the console. It is sold separately for 79.99 USD | 119.99 EURO | 99.99 GBP | 11,980 JPY according to Sony. The add-on drive is only compatible with the new PS5, not the classic disc-less version.
This is not the only difference though. The consoles include a a horizontal stand. A vertical stand may be purchased separately for 29.99 USD | 29.99 EURO | 24.99 GBP | 3,980 JPY.
Last but not least, PS5 Console Covers will become available in early 2024. These will change the look of the console. Covers start at 54.99 USD | 54.99 EUR | 44.99 GBP | 7,480 JPY.
Refreshed Sony PlayStation 5: hardware changes and price
Sony’s new PlayStation 5 models use the same hardware components as the classic versions, with one exception. The hard drives of both models have a size of 1 TB now, compared to 825 GB of the old models.
The new PS5 models have two USB-C ports at the front and one USB-A port at the back. The original version has an USB-C and an USB-A port in the front. Everything else looks identical.
Availability of the new consoles
The new PlayStation 5 models will be released in November in the United States. The price of the disc version is $499.99 and the price of the disc-less version $449.99. The base price of the disc-less version jumped by $50.
Here is the retail price in other regions:
Europe
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 549.99 EUR
- PS5 Digital Edition – 449.99 EUR
UK
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 479.99 GBP
- PS5 Digital Edition – 389.99 GBP
Japan
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 66,980 JPY (includes tax)
- PS5 Digital Edition – 59,980 JPY (includes tax)
The new models will roll out worldwide soon thereafter according to Sony.
Verdict
The new Sony PlayStation 5 Slim console is different from the original one in several ways. The option to purchase the Blu-Ray drive as an add-on is a welcome addition. The console offers 175 GB of extra storage, which is always great, considering that games can easily exceed 100 GB nowadays.
No USB-A port on the front may make it more difficult for some users to play on the system while the controller is charging. There is also the question of heat and whether the slimmer design has an impact on that. It is hotter on average than the larger, but older, models?
Most owners of the original PS5 won’t likely migrate to the new console. The extra bit of storage and the slimmer dimensions may tempt some, however. I’d wait for tests to come out to make sure that heating is not a problem in these newer versions.
The increased price of the digital version makes it even less attractive than before. It is just $50 cheaper than the disc-based version, which allows PS5 owners to share games with friends and resell purchased games.
Now You: do you own a PS5 or plan to?