Is The Ps5 Slim A Real Upgrade Or Just Smaller

The PlayStation 5 has been a dominant force in the console market since its 2020 launch. In late 2023, Sony introduced a revised model: the PS5 Slim. Marketed as a more compact version of the original, it immediately raised questions among gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. Is this a meaningful upgrade, or is it simply a cosmetic refresh with less bulk? To answer that, we need to look beyond size and examine hardware changes, performance, usability, and long-term value.

The original PS5 launched with a bold, futuristic design—some loved it, others found it impractical for tight entertainment centers. The PS5 Slim addresses one of the most common complaints: physical footprint. But does reducing size come at the cost of capability? Or has Sony managed to refine the experience without sacrificing power?

Design and Physical Changes: More Than Just Smaller

The most obvious difference between the original PS5 and the Slim model is size. The new console is approximately 30% smaller by volume, making it significantly easier to fit into standard media cabinets. This reduction isn’t just about aesthetics—it reflects improved internal engineering and component miniaturization.

The base unit now features a unified disc drive that can be swapped between sides, allowing users to orient the console horizontally with the drive on the left or right. This flexibility was absent in the original model and marks a thoughtful improvement for space-constrained setups. Additionally, the two separate side panels of the original have been replaced with a single-piece shell, simplifying assembly and giving the console a cleaner, more cohesive look.

Despite these changes, the core design language remains intact. The white-and-black color scheme, angular lines, and illuminated blue glow are all preserved, maintaining brand continuity. However, the reduced size doesn’t mean reduced cooling capacity. Sony claims thermal performance is on par with the original, thanks to redesigned airflow channels and a more efficient heatsink layout.

Tip: If you own a vertical stand for the original PS5, note that the Slim requires a new, slimmer stand—sold separately or included with certain bundles.

Performance: Identical Power Under the Hood

One of the most critical points to clarify: the PS5 Slim is not faster than the original. It uses the exact same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, delivering identical processing power, frame rates, and graphical fidelity. Games run the same way, load times are comparable, and ray tracing performance remains unchanged.

Sony made no upgrades to the core silicon. This means titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, God of War Ragnarök, and Horizon Forbidden West perform identically across both models. There’s no boost mode, no higher clock speeds, and no enhanced AI upscaling or SSD read speeds. The internal 825GB SSD has the same sequential read speed of 5.5 GB/s.

However, the Slim does offer expanded base storage: 1TB compared to the original’s 825GB. That extra 175GB may seem modest, but it translates to roughly two additional AAA games stored locally. For players who frequently juggle large game installations, this small increase reduces the need for constant deletion and re-downloading.

“The PS5 Slim isn’t about raw performance gains. It’s about refinement—making an already powerful system more accessible, manageable, and user-friendly.” — Marcus Tran, Senior Hardware Analyst at GameTech Weekly

Storage and Expandability: Practical Improvements

While the internal SSD upgrade from 825GB to 1TB is welcome, it still fills up quickly. A single modern title can consume 80–120GB, meaning the new base storage holds about six to eight full games before expansion is needed.

Luckily, both PS5 models support M.2 NVMe SSD expansion via the internal bay. The PS5 Slim maintains full compatibility with the same PCIe Gen4 drives, requiring a heatsink and minimum 5,500 MB/s read speed. Users can install up to 4TB of additional storage, making long-term game libraries feasible without constant management.

What’s notable is that Sony didn’t use the redesign as an opportunity to improve expandability—there’s still only one M.2 slot. Competing platforms like the Xbox Series X offer quicker external USB SSD integration, while PC gamers enjoy multiple NVMe slots. For heavy users, this single-slot limitation remains a constraint.

Still, the added base storage and retained expandability make the Slim a slightly more future-proof option out of the box—especially for first-time buyers who may not immediately invest in an extra SSD.

Comparison Table: PS5 Original vs. PS5 Slim

Feature	PS5 (Original)	PS5 Slim
Size	390 x 104 x 260 mm	358 x 92 x 216 mm
Weight (Disc Version)	4.5 kg	3.2 kg
Internal Storage	825 GB	1 TB
Expandable Storage	Yes (1x M.2 slot)	Yes (1x M.2 slot)
Disc Drive	Fixed position	Removable, swappable side
CPU/GPU Performance	Same (Zen 2 / RDNA 2)	Same (Zen 2 / RDNA 2)
Ray Tracing & 4K Support	Yes	Yes
Price (Launch)	$499 (Disc), $399 (Digital)	$499 (Disc), $449 (Digital)

Note: The digital edition of the PS5 Slim now includes 1TB of storage as well, but Sony increased its price to $449—up $50 from the original digital model. This pricing shift has sparked debate about whether the added storage justifies the cost increase for budget-conscious buyers.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a working professional and avid gamer, purchased the original PS5 at launch. She loved the performance but struggled with placement—her entertainment center barely accommodated the massive console, and the vertical orientation took up too much shelf space. By 2024, her SSD was nearly full, and she was spending time managing downloads weekly.

When the PS5 Slim launched, she considered upgrading. After researching, she realized performance wouldn’t improve, but the smaller size and extra storage appealed to her lifestyle. She opted for the Slim Digital Edition, using the old console as a backup for family members. The new model fit neatly beside her soundbar, and the added 175GB gave her breathing room for upcoming releases like Marvel’s Spider-Man 3.

For Sarah, the PS5 Slim wasn’t about chasing better graphics—it was about convenience, space efficiency, and a modest quality-of-life upgrade. Her experience reflects a growing segment of users who prioritize practicality over peak performance.

Is It Worth Upgrading? A Step-by-Step Evaluation

If you already own a PS5, deciding whether to upgrade requires careful consideration. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help determine if the Slim makes sense for your situation:

1. Assess Your Space Constraints: Measure your current entertainment setup. If the original PS5 is difficult to fit or blocks other devices, the Slim’s smaller profile could solve real issues.
2. Evaluate Your Storage Needs: Check how often you delete games due to space. If you’re constantly managing storage, the extra 175GB may reduce friction—even if temporarily.
3. Consider Your Usage Patterns: Are you a casual player or a hardcore enthusiast? For light users, the Slim offers a sleeker entry point. For power users, the lack of performance gains may make the upgrade feel underwhelming.
4. Factor in Cost: The Slim Digital Edition costs $449—a $50 increase. Weigh whether the design improvements and extra storage justify that premium, especially if you plan to add an M.2 SSD anyway.
5. Determine Long-Term Plans: Are you planning to keep your console for five+ years? If so, the Slim’s improved build quality and modular drive might offer better longevity.

Tip: If you're buying your first PS5, the Slim is the clear choice—better design, more storage, and future-ready features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the PS5 Slim run games faster than the original?

No. Both models use the same CPU, GPU, and SSD architecture. Load times, frame rates, and graphical performance are identical. The Slim does not offer any performance enhancements.

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

Yes. You can migrate all your games, saves, and settings using Wi-Fi, LAN cable, or by moving your old SSD to the new console (if upgrading internally). The process is seamless and supported by Sony’s transfer tools.

Why did Sony increase the price of the digital model?

The Digital Edition now starts at $449, up from $399. This likely reflects the added 1TB storage, manufacturing refinements, and inflationary pressures. Whether the increase is justified depends on individual priorities—those valuing storage and design may accept it, while budget-focused buyers may find it harder to swallow.

Checklist: Should You Buy the PS5 Slim?

• ✅ Need a smaller console for tight spaces
• ✅ Want slightly more built-in storage without adding an SSD immediately
• ✅ Prefer a cleaner, more modular design with swappable disc drive
• ✅ Buying your first PS5 (recommended over original)
• ❌ Already own a PS5 and aren’t bothered by size or storage
• ❌ Expecting performance boosts or next-gen features
• ❌ On a strict budget and the $449 digital price is a stretch

Final Verdict: Refinement Over Revolution

The PS5 Slim is not a generational leap. It doesn’t deliver faster frame rates, enhanced visuals, or groundbreaking features. What it does offer is refinement: a smarter form factor, improved ergonomics, slightly better storage, and a more polished user experience.

Calling it “just smaller” undersells the effort Sony put into reengineering the internals. Reducing size by 30% while maintaining thermal performance and adding usable storage is an engineering achievement. For new buyers, the Slim is the definitive version of the PS5—one that corrects early design quirks and sets a higher standard for usability.

For existing owners, the upgrade is less compelling unless space or storage is a pressing issue. There’s no shame in sticking with the original; it remains a powerhouse. But if you’ve hesitated due to size or were waiting for a more balanced design, the PS5 Slim removes those barriers.

In the end, the PS5 Slim isn’t about what it does differently—it’s about doing the same things better. It’s quieter, leaner, and more adaptable. And sometimes, progress isn’t measured in gigahertz, but in how comfortably a device fits into your life.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Whether you're upgrading or buying your first PS5, the Slim offers a smarter, sleeker way to play. Share your thoughts—do you see the Slim as a true upgrade, or just a smaller shell?