Is The Ps5 Slim Worth Upgrading To If You Already Have The Original Model

The PlayStation 5 has evolved since its 2020 launch, with Sony introducing a revised model—the PS5 Slim—in late 2023. For owners of the original console, the question arises: is it worth upgrading? After all, both models deliver the same core gaming experience, run the same games, and support identical features like ray tracing, 4K output, and 120Hz refresh rates. Yet, there are tangible differences in size, storage, and usability that may sway your decision. This article examines every angle—from hardware changes to long-term value—to help you determine whether the upgrade makes sense for your setup and lifestyle.

Design and Physical Differences

The most noticeable change between the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim is physical design. The original model made a bold statement with its large, white-and-black sci-fi aesthetic—dominant curves and a footprint that demands attention on any entertainment center. While visually striking, its size can be a drawback in tighter spaces.

The PS5 Slim addresses this by reducing volume by approximately 30%. It’s shorter, narrower, and lighter, making it easier to fit into compact AV cabinets or stand vertically without dominating shelf space. The disc drive is now detachable, giving users the option to go fully digital or retain physical media access. This modular approach adds flexibility but comes at a slight cost: the external drive must be purchased separately if not included with your bundle.

Tip: If space is limited or aesthetics matter, the PS5 Slim’s smaller profile and cleaner lines offer a more modern, minimalist look.

The new model also rethinks internal component layout, allowing for better airflow despite the reduced size. Vent placement has been optimized, and while thermal performance remains similar under load, the console runs slightly quieter during sustained gameplay sessions.

Storage Capacity and Expandability

One concrete upgrade in the PS5 Slim is storage. The original model came with an 825GB SSD, offering about 667GB of usable space after system files. That fills up quickly with modern AAA titles often exceeding 100GB each.

The PS5 Slim increases base storage significantly: the digital edition now includes 1TB of internal storage, while the disc version offers 1.2TB. That extra space means fewer trips to delete and redownload games, especially for players who don’t want to invest immediately in an M.2 expansion drive.

Model	Internal Storage	Expandable via M.2?	Disc Drive Included?
PS5 (Original)	825GB (~667GB usable)	Yes	Only in standard edition
PS5 Slim Digital	1TB (~840GB usable)	Yes	No
PS5 Slim Disc	1.2TB (~1000GB usable)	Yes	Separate attachment

The ability to expand storage via compatible PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe drives remains unchanged across all models. However, the increased baseline capacity of the Slim reduces immediate pressure to upgrade, which can save money and hassle.

Performance: Identical Under the Hood

Despite the redesign, the PS5 Slim does not offer any performance improvements over the original. Both models use the same AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and 16GB of GDDR6 RAM. Game load times, frame rates, resolution, and feature support (like Variable Refresh Rate and Auto HDR Tone Mapping) are indistinguishable.

This is critical context: if you're hoping for faster rendering, improved ray tracing, or higher sustained frame rates, the PS5 Slim won't deliver. The console maintains parity in every technical benchmark. As one hardware analyst put it:

“Sony didn’t reengineer the silicon—they refined the packaging. The power is identical; the efficiency and form factor are what changed.” — David Lin, Senior Console Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

For gamers focused purely on gameplay quality, there's no incentive to upgrade based on performance alone. However, secondary benefits like quieter operation and better heat dissipation may enhance comfort during long sessions, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.

Practical Considerations: When an Upgrade Makes Sense

So when should you consider switching from the original PS5 to the Slim? It depends on your priorities. Below is a checklist to help evaluate your situation.

Upgrade Checklist

• Running out of storage? If you constantly manage game deletions, the Slim’s larger base SSD is a meaningful improvement.
• Short on space? The smaller footprint helps in cramped setups or shared entertainment centers.
• Want a cleaner aesthetic? The Slim’s unified panels and reduced bulk offer a sleeker appearance.
• Need flexibility with media? The removable disc drive allows future-proofing—you can start digital and add disc support later.
• Replacing a failing unit? If your original console has hardware issues, the Slim is a logical replacement.

Conversely, if your current PS5 fits well, you’ve added external storage, and performance meets your needs, the upgrade becomes more about preference than necessity.

Tip: Wait for seasonal sales or trade-in promotions. Upgrading during Black Friday or holiday events can reduce costs significantly.

Real-World Example: A Gamer’s Dilemma

Take Mark, a longtime PS4 and PS5 owner from Austin, Texas. He bought the original PS5 at launch and loved the immersive experience—but struggled with storage. By mid-2023, he was routinely deleting *Horizon Forbidden West* to install *Spider-Man 2*, only to repeat the cycle weeks later. His entertainment cabinet was also tight, forcing him to place the console sideways, which he worried might affect ventilation.

When the PS5 Slim launched, Mark considered his options. He didn’t need better graphics or speed—he wanted convenience. The 1.2TB disc model solved both problems: more space and a smaller chassis that fit perfectly upright. He used Sony’s official trade-in program, received $300 credit, and paid $250 out of pocket. For him, the upgrade wasn’t about raw power—it was about daily usability.

“I didn’t realize how much I’d appreciate not juggling games anymore,” Mark said. “And my wife loves that it doesn’t look like a spaceship took over the living room.”

Cost-Benefit Analysis Over Time

The financial aspect can’t be ignored. The PS5 Slim carries a premium: $449.99 for the disc model (including the drive), compared to the original’s $499.99 launch price. But inflation, supply chains, and market dynamics mean direct price comparisons are imperfect.

A smarter way to assess value is through longevity. The PS5 ecosystem will likely remain relevant until at least 2028. If the Slim’s improved build, larger storage, and modular design extend its functional life by even six months to a year, that could justify the investment—especially if resale value holds better due to newer design appeal.

Additionally, future software updates may favor consoles with more onboard storage, particularly as games grow larger. Developers are already planning titles with 150GB+ footprints. Starting with 1.2TB instead of 825GB gives you breathing room that could delay the need for costly M.2 upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my accessories work with the PS5 Slim?

Yes. All DualSense controllers, Pulse 3D headsets, charging stations, and media remotes are fully compatible. The only difference is the optional disc drive, which attaches magnetically and requires a separate purchase for the digital model.

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

Absolutely. You can transfer games, saves, and settings wirelessly over your home network or via LAN cable. Alternatively, use an external USB drive to back up and restore data. The process typically takes under an hour, depending on data volume.

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

Yes. Both models support 4K at 120Hz, 8K output (for future compatibility), Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D Audio, and HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and ALLM. No functionality has been removed or downgraded.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Whether to Upgrade

1. Assess your current pain points: Are you frustrated by lack of storage, size, noise, or reliability?
2. Evaluate your setup: Measure available space and determine if vertical/horizontal placement is an issue.
3. Check your usage patterns: Do you play mostly digital games? Collect physical editions? Share the console with others?
4. Research trade-in values: Use retailers like GameStop, Amazon, or Best Buy to estimate what your original PS5 is worth.
5. Calculate net cost: Subtract trade-in value from the Slim’s price to see actual out-of-pocket expense.
6. Consider timing: Wait for sales around holidays or new game launches when bundles may include free games or discounts.
7. Make your decision: If the net cost is under $200 and solves a real problem, the upgrade likely makes sense.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The PS5 Slim isn’t a generational leap—it’s a refinement. It doesn’t make games look better or run faster. But for many users, refinements matter. The combination of increased storage, reduced size, quieter operation, and modular disc support represents meaningful quality-of-life improvements.

If you’re perfectly happy with your original PS5—its size, storage management, and performance—there’s no urgent reason to switch. But if you’ve felt constrained by space, annoyed by constant storage cleanups, or simply prefer the idea of owning the latest iteration, the PS5 Slim offers enough practical upgrades to justify the move.

Ultimately, this isn’t a necessary upgrade. It’s a lifestyle one. And for those who value sleek design, long-term usability, and a little extra convenience, stepping up to the PS5 Slim can feel like a quiet win—one that enhances the everyday joy of gaming without changing the fundamentals.

🚀 Ready to optimize your gaming setup? Share your thoughts below—have you upgraded to the PS5 Slim? What changed for you? Join the conversation and help others decide their next move.