Is Ps5 Slim Worth Upgrading From The Original Ps5 Design Differences

The PlayStation 5 has evolved since its 2020 launch, and with Sony’s release of the PS5 Slim in late 2023, many gamers are asking: is it worth upgrading from the original model? The answer depends on your priorities—design, storage, portability, or future-proofing. While both consoles deliver identical performance in gaming, the PS5 Slim introduces meaningful refinements that may justify an upgrade for some users.

This article breaks down every key difference between the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim, evaluates whether the changes offer tangible benefits, and helps you decide if making the switch is a smart move for your setup and lifestyle.

Design Evolution: Smaller, Lighter, More Practical

The most immediate difference between the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim is physical design. Despite the \"Slim\" moniker, this isn't just a minor cosmetic update—it's a complete redesign aimed at improving usability and space efficiency.

The original PS5, with its bold two-tone white-and-black panels and large wing-like curves, made a strong visual statement but occupied significant entertainment center real estate. At approximately 390 mm tall and weighing around 4.5 kg (about 9.9 lbs), it required dedicated shelf space and careful orientation—especially when placed vertically.

In contrast, the PS5 Slim reduces volume by nearly 30%. It measures about 358 mm in height and weighs roughly 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) for the model with the disc drive. That weight reduction is immediately noticeable during handling or relocation. The console is now more compact in all dimensions, making it easier to fit into tighter AV cabinets or media setups where space is limited.

Tip: If you frequently move your console between rooms or have a cluttered entertainment stand, the PS5 Slim’s smaller footprint and lighter build make it significantly more convenient.

The aesthetic has also been refined. The removable side panels remain, but their curvature is less dramatic. The new model features a more segmented look, with three distinct horizontal bands—two outer white sections and a central black core—which give it a sleeker, more modular appearance. Some fans miss the original’s futuristic flair, but others appreciate the matured, minimalist approach.

Storage Options and Expandability

One of the most practical upgrades in the PS5 Slim is its rethought storage system. The original PS5 came with an 825GB SSD, of which only about 667GB was usable after system files. With modern AAA games regularly consuming 80–120GB each, storage filled up quickly, forcing players to manage downloads or invest in expandable M.2 NVMe drives.

The PS5 Slim addresses this by offering two configurations at launch:

• PS5 Slim (with Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive): 1TB internal storage
• PS5 Slim Digital Edition: 1TB internal storage

This represents a meaningful increase—nearly doubling usable space to around 848GB. For most users, this means being able to keep 5–7 full-sized games installed simultaneously without constant juggling. It doesn’t eliminate the need for expansion, but it delays it considerably.

Additionally, the internal SSD slot remains accessible and supports PCIe Gen4 M.2 drives up to 8TB, just like the original. However, the PS5 Slim simplifies installation. The shroud now opens with a simple screwdriver (no special tools), and the bay is designed for faster, tool-free access—making upgrades more user-friendly than before.

“Sony listened to user feedback. The new storage layout reflects a shift toward practicality over pure aesthetics.” — Jordan Lee, Console Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Hardware and Performance: No Compromises

A critical point often misunderstood is that the PS5 Slim does not offer improved performance over the original PS5. Both models use the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and memory architecture. Game loading times, frame rates, ray tracing capabilities, and overall graphical fidelity are identical.

The Slim is not a “PS5 Pro”—that title belongs to a separate model released in late 2024. The PS5 Slim is strictly a hardware refresh focused on form factor and usability, not raw power. Gamers seeking higher resolution modes, faster load times, or enhanced AI upscaling will need to consider the PS5 Pro instead.

That said, thermal performance appears slightly improved due to refined internal component layout and airflow management. While no official benchmarks show lower temperatures, user reports suggest quieter operation under sustained loads, especially in well-ventilated environments. This could extend long-term reliability, though the difference is subtle.

Digital vs. Disc Edition: A New Flexibility

One standout feature of the PS5 Slim is modularity. For the first time, Sony allows users to add or remove the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive—something impossible on the original digital edition.

The base PS5 Slim Digital comes without a disc drive, but includes a dedicated bay on the front left side where the drive can be purchased separately and installed. This gives consumers unprecedented flexibility:

• Start with the cheaper digital model and add a disc drive later.
• Upgrade from a disc-based original PS5 to a digital-only Slim while keeping your physical media option available.
• Sell or transfer the disc drive independently if switching households or usage habits.

This modularity aligns with modern consumer preferences for customizable tech. It also reduces e-waste—users aren’t forced to buy an entirely new console just to change media preferences.

The disc drive retails separately (~$80 USD), so upgrading isn’t free, but it offers financial flexibility. You can buy the digital model now and defer the disc drive purchase until you need it—ideal for travelers or secondary consoles.

Comparison Table: Original PS5 vs. PS5 Slim

Feature	Original PS5	PS5 Slim
Dimensions (H×W×D)	390 × 260 × 104 mm	358 × 215 × 98 mm
Weight (Disc Edition)	4.5 kg (9.9 lbs)	3.2 kg (7.1 lbs)
Internal Storage	825 GB SSD	1 TB SSD
Usable Storage	~667 GB	~848 GB
Disc Drive Removable?	No	Yes (Digital Edition only)
M.2 SSD Upgrade Ease	Requires special screwdriver	Tool-free panel access
Available Models	Disc & Digital (fixed)	Digital + optional disc drive
Controller & Accessories	Same (DualSense, etc.)	Same (fully compatible)
Performance	Identical	Identical

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah bought the original PS5 at launch and loved the immersive gaming experience. But as her game library grew, she found herself constantly deleting titles to make room for new releases. Her entertainment unit was also crowded, and the PS5’s size made rearranging difficult.

When the PS5 Slim launched, she considered upgrading. She didn’t need more power—but the extra 1TB of storage and smaller size were appealing. After researching, she decided to trade in her original PS5 and purchase the Slim Digital Edition. She kept her old DualSense controllers and external 2TB SSD, transferring all saved data seamlessly.

Now, she enjoys more built-in space, a quieter console, and better integration into her living room setup. Though the upgrade wasn’t essential, the quality-of-life improvements made a noticeable difference in her daily use.

Tip: If you own an external SSD, your game library and save data can transfer easily to the PS5 Slim—minimizing setup time after upgrade.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

Deciding whether to upgrade requires evaluating your current needs and usage patterns. Follow this logical sequence to determine if the PS5 Slim makes sense for you:

1. Assess Your Storage Needs
   If you’re constantly managing game installations or relying heavily on external drives, the extra 1TB in the Slim provides meaningful breathing room.
2. Evaluate Physical Space
   Measure your entertainment center. If the original PS5 is tight or awkwardly positioned, the Slim’s reduced size may solve spatial issues.
3. Consider Media Preferences
   If you own physical games but might go digital in the future, the Slim’s removable drive offers future flexibility.
4. Check Trade-In Value
   Compare the resale or trade-in value of your original PS5 against the cost of a new Slim. Many retailers offer credit toward upgrades.
5. Weigh Cost vs. Benefit
   Ask: Are the design and storage improvements worth $450–$500? If performance is your priority, wait for a PS5 Pro deal instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my original PS5 accessories with the PS5 Slim?

Yes. All PS5 accessories—including DualSense controllers, Pulse 3D headset, charging station, and media remote—are fully compatible with the PS5 Slim. No adapters or updates are needed.

Does the PS5 Slim support all PS5 games?

Absolutely. Every PS5 title runs identically on both models. Backward compatibility with PS4 games is also unchanged. There are no exclusives or optimizations tied to the Slim’s hardware.

Is the PS5 Slim quieter than the original?

Subjectively, yes—many users report reduced fan noise during extended gameplay. This likely results from improved internal airflow and component placement, though peak performance noise levels remain similar under heavy loads.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The PS5 Slim is not a revolutionary leap, but it is a thoughtful refinement. If you’re still using the original PS5, know that you’re not missing out on any gaming advantages—your console performs just as well. However, the Slim offers clear quality-of-life improvements: more storage, less bulk, easier upgrades, and modular media options.

For early adopters frustrated by limited space or cumbersome design, the upgrade makes practical sense. Casual players who are satisfied with their current setup may find it unnecessary. And budget-conscious gamers should weigh the cost carefully—unless trading in the original, the financial investment is substantial for non-performance gains.

Ultimately, the PS5 Slim represents maturity in product design. It retains everything that made the PS5 great while addressing real user pain points. It’s less about power and more about polish—the kind of update that shows Sony is listening.

💬 Have you upgraded to the PS5 Slim? Share your experience—did the design changes make a difference in your gaming life? Join the conversation below.