PlayStation have announced the mid-lifecycle upgrade to the PS5: the PS5 Slim (they aren't calling it the PS5 Slim, but that's exactly what it is - just a thinner PS5). At the same time they announced a detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive for the new digital-only version of the PS5 Slim. Here are the details.
PS5 Slim rumors have abounded in 2023, but now Sony have finally confirmed the console. This new model of PS5 is really the same as the original PS5 under the hood, but it looks a little nicer, and it has extra storage. Insider Tom Henderson claimed that we would be getting a PS5 Pro rather than a Slim and he said it would be coming in 2024, but this now seems to be incorrect.
Sony also announced that they will be releasing an "Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive" this year. The Disc Drive can be bought separately and attached to the digital version of the new PS5 Slim.
PS5 Slim & Detachable Disk Drive Announced
The new PS5 Slim has just been announced by Sony, they will be selling one version with a disk drive and another without, and they plan to begin shipping the first models in November. These consoles have been reduced in volume by more than 30%, and weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous models. Both of them come with 1TB SSD, which is a solid upgrade, but there are no other new features compared to the OG PS5.
PS5 Slim Prices
Here is the RRP for the new console around the globe:
- U.S.
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 499.99 USD
- PS5 Digital Edition – 449.99 USD
- Europe
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 549.99 EUR
- PS5 Digital Edition – 449.99 EUR
- U.K.
- 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)
They also announced a new vertical stand for $30, but we don't expect it to be very popular for that price.
What do you think about the new PS5s, a smart move from Sony, or a little underwhelming?