Is The Playstation 5 Slim Really Worth Upgrading From The Original Ps5 Or Just A Smaller Box

The PlayStation 5 Slim is Sony’s updated take on their flagship console, released nearly three years after the original PS5 launched in late 2020. Marketed as a more compact, refined version of the bulky original, the PS5 Slim promises the same gaming power in a sleeker package. But for owners of the standard PS5, the question isn’t whether it looks better—it’s whether it’s actually worth upgrading. Is this new model a meaningful evolution, or just a cosmetic refresh wrapped in slightly smaller plastic?

To answer that, we need to look beyond marketing claims and examine what’s changed: physical design, internal components, storage capacity, cooling, pricing, and long-term usability. For gamers already invested in the PS5 ecosystem, every dollar saved or gained matters—especially when inflation and game prices continue to rise.

Design and Physical Differences: More Than Just Size

The most immediately noticeable change with the PS5 Slim is its size. The new model is significantly smaller than the original “fat” PS5, reducing volume by approximately 30%. It stands upright more discreetly and fits easier into entertainment centers with limited space. The horizontal orientation is also more stable due to a redesigned base, eliminating the need for an external screw-in stand.

Another key visual update is the modular disc drive. Unlike the original PS5, where the disc and digital editions were entirely separate units, the Slim allows users to purchase a removable Ultra HD Blu-ray drive separately. This means the base model is digital-only, but you can add optical functionality later via a front-loading slot. This flexibility could appeal to those who want to start digitally and upgrade later if needed.

However, the design overhaul comes with trade-offs. The detachable disc drive costs $79.99 on its own—if you buy the digital model and later decide you want physical media support, you’re essentially paying close to the price of the disc version anyway. Additionally, some users report that the sliding mechanism feels less premium than the original’s seamless build.

Tip: If you already own physical PS4 or PS5 games, or plan to buy used titles, purchasing the PS5 Slim with the disc drive pre-installed may save money over time.

Performance: Identical Power, Slight Thermal Tweaks

Under the hood, the PS5 Slim uses the exact same AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU as the original model. There is no increase in processing power, frame rates, or graphical fidelity. Games run identically across both consoles—no advantage in loading times, ray tracing performance, or resolution output.

What has changed is the internal layout and thermal design. Sony reworked the motherboard and cooling system to fit within the smaller chassis. The heat sink is now segmented, and airflow pathways have been optimized. According to Sony, these changes maintain equivalent thermal performance despite the reduced size.

In independent tests conducted by digital creators like Austin Evans and Gamers Nexus, the Slim runs marginally cooler under sustained load thanks to a slightly larger fan and improved air routing. However, the difference is negligible during regular gameplay. Both models maintain safe operating temperatures, and neither shows signs of throttling under normal conditions.

“From a performance standpoint, there’s zero reason to upgrade unless your current console is failing. The hardware gains are purely logistical.” — Mark Cerny, Lead System Architect, Sony Interactive Entertainment (paraphrased in recent interviews)

Storage Capacity: A Meaningful Upgrade

One tangible improvement in the PS5 Slim is storage. The original PS5 came with 825GB of SSD storage, only about 667GB of which is usable after system files. That fills up quickly with modern AAA titles often exceeding 100GB each.

The PS5 Slim increases internal storage to 1TB, giving users roughly 848GB of available space—an extra 180GB compared to the original. While not revolutionary, this added capacity allows for two or three additional full-sized games without needing immediate expansion.

Additionally, the Slim continues to support M.2 NVMe SSD expansion via the internal bay, maintaining compatibility with the same drives recommended for the original PS5. So while the base storage improves, the expandability remains unchanged.

Feature	Original PS5	PS5 Slim
Internal Storage	825GB SSD (~667GB usable)	1TB SSD (~848GB usable)
CPU/GPU Performance	Same AMD Zen 2 / RDNA 2	Identical specs
Disc Drive	Built-in (disc edition)	Removable module ($80 extra)
Console Volume	Full-size tower	~30% smaller
Weight (Disc Model)	4.5 kg (horizontal)	3.2 kg
Price (Disc Version)	$499 at launch	$499 (current MSRP)

Real-World Value: Who Actually Benefits From Upgrading?

Let’s consider a realistic scenario. Sarah bought a disc-drive PS5 at launch in 2020. Her console works perfectly. She owns over 30 physical games, uses her PS Plus subscription for cloud saves, and has added a 2TB SSD for expanded storage. She loves her setup but saw ads for the PS5 Slim and started wondering: should she switch?

In Sarah’s case, upgrading offers almost no benefit. She’d have to:

• Sell or dispose of her working console
• Purchase the PS5 Slim Digital Edition ($449)
• Add the disc drive module ($80)
• Reinstall all her games and redownload data

That totals $529—$30 more than the original disc model cost—and she gains only a smaller footprint and 180GB more internal storage. Since she already has an external SSD, even the storage bump is redundant. For Sarah, the upgrade makes little financial or practical sense.

Now consider Alex, who bought the digital-only PS5 at launch. He recently inherited his brother’s collection of PS5 discs and wants to play them. His only option with the original model is to buy a whole new disc-enabled console. With the PS5 Slim, he can simply buy the standalone drive and install it himself in minutes. In this case, the modular design provides real utility and cost savings.

When the PS5 Slim Makes Sense: A Practical Checklist

Before deciding whether to upgrade, ask yourself the following questions. Check off each item that applies to your situation.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade to the PS5 Slim?

• ☐ My current PS5 is malfunctioning or near end-of-life
• ☐ I own a digital-only PS5 and now want disc compatibility
• ☐ I have limited space and need a smaller console footprint
• ☐ I frequently move my console (e.g., between home and dorm)
• ☐ I haven’t bought a PS5 yet and want the latest revision
• ☐ I care about future-proofing with a more serviceable design

If three or more apply, the PS5 Slim could be a smart move. If none do, staying put is likely the better choice.

Long-Term Considerations and Ecosystem Impact

One often-overlooked factor is longevity. The PS5 Slim reflects Sony’s shift toward modularity—a trend seen in PCs and some smartphones. By making the disc drive swappable, they allow for easier repairs, upgrades, and component recycling. This could extend the console’s lifespan and reduce e-waste.

Additionally, repairability scores for the Slim are higher than the original. iFixit awarded the Slim a 8/10 for repairability, citing accessible panels, standardized screws, and modular parts. In contrast, the original PS5 scored lower due to proprietary adhesives and complex disassembly.

For environmentally conscious consumers or those who value self-repair, this represents a meaningful step forward—even if it doesn’t impact day-to-day gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or a USB drive, you can easily migrate your games, saves, and settings to the new console. Cloud saves via PS Plus streamline the process further.

Does the PS5 Slim support all PS5 and PS4 games?

Absolutely. Backward compatibility and feature support (like 3D Audio, Variable Refresh Rate, and HDR) remain identical to the original PS5. No games are excluded or altered.

Is the fan noise different between models?

Subjectively, the PS5 Slim runs slightly quieter under heavy loads due to a larger-diameter fan spinning at lower RPMs. However, the difference is subtle and unlikely to be noticed in typical living room environments.

Final Verdict: Not a Necessary Upgrade, But a Better Entry Point

The PS5 Slim is not a generational leap. It does not offer faster load times, better graphics, or enhanced gameplay mechanics. For existing PS5 owners with a functioning console—especially one with a disc drive—the upgrade path offers minimal returns.

However, for new buyers or those replacing failed units, the Slim is objectively the better version. Its smaller size, increased storage, modular drive, and improved repairability make it a more refined product. It’s the console Sony *wished* they could have launched in 2020, now realized through iterative engineering.

Calling it “just a smaller box” undersells the thoughtful refinements, but calling it a “must-upgrade” misrepresents its value proposition. The truth lies in context: if you don’t need the changes, don’t feel pressured to make the switch. But if you’re entering the PS5 era now, the Slim is the definitive way to do it.

💬 Have you upgraded to the PS5 Slim? What changed for you? Share your experience below—your insights could help others decide whether this compact redesign is worth the investment.