Sony is set to launch the “PS5 Slim” this November, a new, more compact version of the PlayStation 5. This release aims to offer gamers a smaller and more affordable option while introducing an interesting feature: the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive for the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the PS5 Slim, discuss its price, explore the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive, compare its size to the original PS5, and guide you on how to pre-order this gaming console. Let’s dive into what’s new with Sony’s latest creation.
What is special about the new PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim’s distinguishing feature is its smaller size and reduced weight, which makes it more convenient for gamers. In comparison to its predecessors, Sony has managed to lower the console’s size by roughly 30% and its weight by 18% to 24%. As a result, the new PS5 is notably shorter and narrower, making it more portable. The original PS5 has lost roughly 1.25 inches in height and 1.73 inches in width, while the new model weighs about 1.3 kg less. This results in a more accessible and portable gaming experience.
Sony sells the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive separately for individuals who want the PS5 Digital Edition but still want to play physical discs. The cost is $79.99 (€119.99/£99.99/11,980 yen). Keep in mind that this add-on drive is only compatible with the new PS5 Digital Edition, giving players with varying tastes additional alternatives.
PS5 Slim Size Comparison
In terms of size, the conventional PS5 Slim is 358 x 96 x 216 mm, while the Digital Edition is 358 x 80 x 216 mm. This is a huge decrease from the original PS5, which had dimensions of 390 x 104 x 260 mm for the basic model and 390 x 92 x 260 mm for the Digital Edition.
How to Pre-order PS5 Slim
As November 2023 approaches, the PS5 Slim will most likely be available for pre-order at certain local shops in the United States, as well as on Sony’s official website in qualified areas.
According to Sony’s announcement blog, players in qualifying territories may purchase the PS5 Slim directly from Sony at direct.playstation.com. It’s crucial to remember that the PS5 Slim’s availability may vary depending on where you live.
PS5 Slim Price
The PS5 Slim costs the same as the normal PlayStation 5 model, which costs $499.99. This means you can have the most up-to-date gaming technology without breaking the bank. While the PS5 Slim remains affordable, the PS5 Digital Edition, which lacks a disc drive, sees a tiny price hike to $449.99, up from $399 at debut in 2020.
Regional pricing
Here’s a quick breakdown of PS5 Slim pricing in various regions so you know what to expect:
- U.S.:
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – $499.99
- PS5 Digital Edition – $449.99
- Europe:
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – €549.99
- PS5 Digital Edition – €449.99
- U.K.:
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – £479.99
- PS5 Digital Edition – £389.99
- Japan:
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 66,980 yen (includes tax)
- PS5 Digital Edition – 59,980 yen (includes tax)
PlayStation 5 specs
| External dimensions(excluding projecting parts) | Approx. 358 × 96 × 216 mm(width × height × depth) |
| Mass | Approx. 3.2 kg |
| CPU | x86-64-AMD Ryzen™ “Zen 2” |
| 8 Cores / 16 Threads | |
| Variable frequency, up to 3.5 GHz | |
| GPU | AMD Radeon™ RDNA 2-based graphics engine |
| Ray Tracing Acceleration | |
| Variable frequency, up to 2.23 GHz (10.3 TFLOPS) | |
| System Memory | GDDR6 16GB |
| 448GB/s Bandwidth | |
| SSD | 1TB |
| 5.5GB/s Read Bandwidth (Raw) | |
| PS5 Game Disc | Ultra HD Blu-ray™, up to 100GB/disc |
| BD/DVD drive | Disc Drive portequipped with Disc Drive |
| Video Out | Support of 4K 120Hz TVs, 8K TVs, VRR (specified by HDMI ver.2.1) |
| Audio | “Tempest” 3D AudioTech |
| Input/OutputFront of Console | USB Type-C® port (Super-Speed USB 10Gbps) |
| USB Type-C® port (Hi-Speed USB) | |
| Input/OutputBack of Console | USB Type-A port (Super-Speed USB 10Gbps) x2 |
| Networking | Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)Wi-fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Specs
| External dimensions(excluding projecting parts) | Approx. 358 × 80 × 216 mm(width × height × depth) |
| Mass | Approx. 2.6 kg |
| CPU | x86-64-AMD Ryzen™ “Zen 2” |
| 8 Cores / 16 Threads | |
| Variable frequency, up to 3.5 GHz | |
| GPU | AMD Radeon™ RDNA 2-based graphics engine |
| Ray Tracing Acceleration | |
| Variable frequency, up to 2.23 GHz (10.3 TFLOPS) | |
| System Memory | GDDR6 16GB |
| 448GB/s Bandwidth | |
| SSD | 1TB |
| 5.5GB/s Read Bandwidth (Raw) | |
| PS5 Game Disc | Ultra HD Blu-ray™, up to 100GB/disc |
| BD/DVD drive | Disc Drive port |
| Video Out | Support of 4K 120Hz TVs, 8K TVs, VRR (specified by HDMI ver.2.1) |
| Audio | “Tempest” 3D AudioTech |
| Input/OutputFront of Console | USB Type-C® port (Super-Speed USB 10Gbps) |
| USB Type-C® port (Hi-Speed USB) | |
| Input/OutputBack of Console | USB Type-A port (Super-Speed USB 10Gbps) x2 |
| Networking | Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)Wi-fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
When will PS5 Slim launch globally?
The new PS5 Slim variants will first be available in the United States in November, at select retailers and on Sony’s PlayStation Direct website. Sony has pledged a global rollout in the coming months, guaranteeing that gamers all over the world may get their hands on this tiny and inexpensive gaming system. Sony’s continual innovation commitment continues to alter the gaming industry, making it an exciting moment for players everywhere.
Featured image credit: Sony
