Is The New Ps5 Slim Worth Upgrading From The Original Console Design

The PlayStation 5 has evolved since its 2020 launch, and Sony’s release of the revised “PS5 Slim” in late 2023 marks a significant shift in form and function. For owners of the original bulky model, the question arises: is it worth upgrading? The answer depends on your priorities—size, storage, convenience, or raw performance. While the core gaming experience remains unchanged, the new model introduces meaningful refinements that could sway long-term users.

This analysis breaks down every key difference between the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim, evaluates real-world benefits, and helps you determine whether the upgrade delivers enough value to justify the cost and effort.

Design and Physical Differences

The most noticeable change in the PS5 Slim is its reduced footprint. Sony redesigned both the standard and digital editions to be significantly more compact. The original PS5 was criticized for its size—it stood at 390mm tall and weighed around 4.5 kg (about 10 lbs). The new model trims approximately 30% off the volume and sheds nearly 18% of the weight, bringing it down to roughly 3.2 kg for the disc version.

While the aesthetic language remains consistent—the two-tone white-and-black panels, futuristic curves, and matte finish—the new model features a modular disc drive. On the digital edition, you can purchase and attach a detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive, giving users flexibility they didn’t have before.

Tip: If space is tight on your entertainment center, the PS5 Slim's smaller profile makes horizontal placement much more practical than the original.

The top ventilation slots have been restructured into segmented panels that can be removed and cleaned easily. This modularity extends to internal upgrades as well—Sony now allows users to expand internal storage via an M.2 SSD without requiring external software updates, streamlining what was already a user-friendly process.

Performance: Is There a Noticeable Difference?

Despite the redesign, Sony made it clear: there is no improvement in processing power. Both consoles use the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, delivering identical frame rates, resolutions, and load times. Games like *Spider-Man: Miles Morales*, *God of War Ragnarök*, and *Horizon Forbidden West* run indistinguishably across both models when connected to the same display and network.

Thermal performance has seen minor improvements due to refined airflow and a slightly larger heatsink relative to the chassis size. However, this doesn't translate into quieter operation under heavy load. In fact, some users report similar fan noise levels during intensive gameplay sessions. The real advantage lies in longevity—better heat distribution may reduce wear over time, but measurable differences are negligible in day-to-day use.

“We’re not seeing any benchmark deltas between the original PS5 and the Slim. It’s purely a physical evolution.” — Mark Chen, Hardware Analyst at GameTech Insights

If you're hoping for enhanced ray tracing performance, faster SSD read speeds, or support for future 8K gaming, the PS5 Slim does not deliver those advancements. It remains firmly within the same hardware generation.

Storage and Expandability

One of the most impactful upgrades in the PS5 Slim is the increase in usable internal storage. The original model offered 825GB of SSD space, with only about 667GB available to users after system files. The PS5 Slim bumps this up to 1TB, providing roughly 848GB of free space—an extra 180GB that matters for modern games averaging 70–100GB each.

This eliminates the immediate need to invest in external storage or an M.2 expansion for many users. You can install five to six large titles locally before needing to manage deletions—a small but meaningful quality-of-life improvement.

Feature	Original PS5	PS5 Slim
Total Storage	825 GB	1 TB
Usable Space	~667 GB	~848 GB
Disc Drive	Fixed (standard) / None (digital)	Removable (sold separately for digital)
Weight (Standard)	4.5 kg	3.2 kg
Volume Reduction	-	~30%

The detachable disc drive is particularly innovative. Previously, buying the digital edition meant permanently forgoing physical media. Now, if your needs change—perhaps you inherit a game collection or want to resell used discs—you can add the drive later for $79.99. This modularity aligns with growing consumer demand for customizable electronics.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah bought the original PS5 at launch and kept it upright in her living room cabinet. Over time, dust clogged the side vents, and she noticed occasional overheating warnings during marathon *Call of Duty* sessions. She also ran out of storage after installing ten games, forcing her to constantly delete and redownload titles.

When the PS5 Slim launched, she hesitated—she wasn’t chasing better graphics or speed. But the increased storage, easier cleaning access, and lighter build appealed to her lifestyle. After trading in her original console at a local retailer for $250 and purchasing the Slim at full price ($449), her net cost was $199.

She now keeps the console horizontally, appreciates the cleaner lines, and uses the extra space to keep *Final Fantasy XVI* and *Alan Wake 2* installed simultaneously. While the gaming experience is technically the same, her daily friction has decreased significantly.

Tip: Trade-in programs can reduce the effective cost of upgrading. Check retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, or Amazon Trade-In for current offers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deciding Whether to Upgrade

Not every PS5 owner should rush to upgrade. Follow this logical evaluation to make an informed choice:

1. Assess Your Current Setup: Is your original PS5 malfunctioning, overheating, or running out of storage frequently? If it performs reliably, urgency is low.
2. Evaluate Space Constraints: Do you struggle to fit the original console in your AV rack? The Slim’s smaller size may solve this.
3. Determine Storage Needs: Are you constantly deleting games? The extra 180GB could save hours of management.
4. Consider Future Flexibility: If you own the digital edition but think you might want a disc drive later, the Slim’s modular option adds long-term value.
5. Calculate True Cost: Factor in trade-in value, potential discounts, and accessories. If the net cost exceeds $200, weigh whether the benefits justify it.
6. Check Game Library Habits: If you primarily stream or play smaller indie titles, the storage bump matters less. For AAA collectors, it’s more relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my accessories work with the PS5 Slim?

Yes. All official DualSense controllers, Pulse 3D headsets, charging stations, and HDMI cables are fully compatible. The only physical difference is the removable disc drive cover, which doesn’t affect peripheral functionality.

Can I transfer my data from the old PS5 to the Slim?

Absolutely. Using Wi-Fi or a LAN cable, you can directly transfer games, saves, settings, and accounts via the system’s built-in data transfer tool. The process typically takes under an hour for 500GB of data.

Does the PS5 Slim support all the same features as the original?

Every feature—including 4K/120Hz output, VRR, Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D Audio, and backward compatibility with PS4 titles—is preserved. No functionality has been removed or altered.

When the Upgrade Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)

The PS5 Slim isn’t a generational leap. It’s a refinement—one designed for practicality rather than performance gains. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

• ✅ Upgrade if: You’re out of storage, want a sleeker setup, plan to switch between digital and disc formats, or your current console is failing.
• ✅ Consider it if: You’re replacing a damaged unit, value modularity, or found a strong deal through trade-in or promotion.
• ❌ Skip it if: Your original PS5 works well, you use external storage effectively, don’t mind the size, or are saving for a future PS6.

For early adopters who paid premium prices during shortages, upgrading now might feel redundant. But for those entering their third or fourth year with the original model, the PS5 Slim offers tangible comfort and convenience improvements that accumulate over time.

Final Verdict: Value Over Velocity

The PS5 Slim isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the same things better. It runs the same games, loads at the same speed, and outputs the same stunning visuals. What it improves is usability: less bulk, more storage, smarter design, and greater adaptability.

If you’re someone who values clean aesthetics, efficient space usage, and long-term device maintenance, the upgrade holds merit. But if you’re solely focused on graphical fidelity or next-gen innovation, hold your investment. The real leap will come with whatever follows the PS5 era.

Still, for a mid-cycle refresh, the PS5 Slim sets a high bar. It listens to user feedback—addressing storage limits, offering modular options, and refining ergonomics—without disrupting the core experience. That kind of thoughtful iteration is rare in consumer electronics.

💬 Have you upgraded to the PS5 Slim? Share your experience—did the smaller size or extra storage make a difference in your gaming routine? Join the conversation below.