Is The Ps5 Slim Worth Upgrading To Or Should You Stick With The Original Model

The PlayStation 5 has evolved since its 2020 launch, and Sony’s release of the PS5 Slim in late 2023 marks a significant shift in design, storage, and usability. For current PS5 owners, the question isn’t just about whether the new model is better—it’s whether it’s better enough to justify an upgrade. If you already own the original disc or digital edition, does the PS5 Slim offer meaningful improvements, or is it merely a cosmetic refresh? The answer depends on your priorities: storage capacity, physical footprint, future-proofing, or cost.

This article breaks down every key difference between the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim, evaluates real-world performance, and helps you determine whether upgrading makes financial and practical sense—especially if you’re not replacing a broken console but simply considering a newer version.

Design and Physical Differences

The most immediate change with the PS5 Slim is its size. Sony reduced the console’s volume by nearly 30% compared to the original model. While the original PS5 was criticized for its large, futuristic shape that dominated entertainment centers, the Slim offers a more compact, boxy profile that fits more easily into tighter spaces.

The disc drive on the Slim is now detachable—a first for the PS5 line. This modular approach allows users to switch between digital and disc editions after purchase. You can buy the base digital model and add a disc drive later, which retails separately. This flexibility is ideal for users who may want to start digital-only but plan to use physical media in the future.

Another subtle but notable update is the redesigned stand. The original PS5 required a separate screw-on stand for vertical positioning, while the Slim includes a reversible stand that supports both horizontal and vertical orientations without additional tools.

Tip: If space is tight in your setup, the PS5 Slim's smaller footprint makes it ideal for shelf stacking or AV cabinet placement.

Storage Capacity and Expandability

One of the most impactful upgrades in the PS5 Slim is internal storage. The original PS5 came with 825GB of SSD storage, of which only about 667GB is usable. With modern AAA games regularly exceeding 100GB, storage filled up quickly, forcing many users to rely on external drives or frequent game deletions.

The PS5 Slim increases base storage to 1TB (approximately 848GB usable), offering roughly 180GB more space—enough for several additional full-sized games. While this doesn’t eliminate the need for expansion, it delays the pain point significantly.

Sony continues to support M.2 NVMe SSD expansion via the internal slot. Both models perform identically when using compatible third-party drives, so upgrading storage remains a cost-effective solution regardless of which PS5 you own. However, the extra built-in capacity of the Slim means fewer early trips to the hardware store.

Feature	Original PS5	PS5 Slim
Internal Storage	825GB (667GB usable)	1TB (848GB usable)
Disc Drive	Built-in (disc version) / None (digital)	Optional add-on (both models)
Console Volume	~10.5 liters	~7.5 liters
Weight (Disc Model)	4.5 kg (horizontal)	3.2 kg
Stand Design	Screw-on, single orientation	Reversible, tool-free

Performance: Is There a Noticeable Difference?

In terms of raw performance, there is no difference between the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim. Both models feature the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and system architecture. Game load times, frame rates, resolution output (up to 4K), and ray-tracing capabilities are identical.

The Slim does not include a faster SSD, improved cooling, or enhanced power efficiency. Despite rumors, the upgrade is not aimed at boosting performance but rather refining form factor and user convenience. If you're hoping for quieter operation or better thermal management, the differences are marginal at best. Some users report slightly lower fan noise due to refined airflow, but this varies by unit and environment.

“From a technical standpoint, the PS5 Slim is a refinement, not a reinvention. Gamers shouldn’t expect performance gains—just better ergonomics.” — Mark Rivera, Senior Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Backward compatibility, UI responsiveness, and DualSense controller integration remain unchanged. Any perceived improvement in speed or stability is likely due to software updates (such as system OS patches or game optimizations) rather than hardware changes.

When Upgrading Makes Sense: A Practical Checklist

For most current PS5 owners, upgrading solely for performance or graphics reasons isn't justified. However, specific user scenarios make the Slim a worthwhile investment. Use this checklist to evaluate your situation:

• You're running out of storage frequently – The extra 180GB of usable space can delay the need for an internal SSD upgrade.
• You want a smaller, sleeker console – If aesthetics or space constraints matter, the Slim integrates more cleanly into modern living rooms.
• You own the digital edition and want disc functionality later – The modular drive lets you upgrade without buying a whole new console.
• Your current PS5 is damaged or under warranty replacement – If replacing anyway, the Slim is now the standard model.
• You're buying secondhand and can get a good deal – Some resellers list older models at steep discounts, making the original PS5 a better value.

Tip: Wait for sales events like Black Friday or holiday promotions before trading in or selling your original PS5 to maximize resale value.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah bought a PS5 Digital Edition at launch. By 2024, she had accumulated over 15 games, constantly juggling installations. She also missed playing used games and borrowing titles from friends. When the PS5 Slim launched, she considered upgrading.

After researching, she realized the Slim’s detachable disc drive allowed her to keep her digital-first approach while adding physical media capability later. She sold her original console for $300 and purchased a PS5 Slim Digital model plus the optional disc drive for $550 total—$100 less than buying a new disc version outright.

She gained 180GB more storage, reduced her console’s footprint, and achieved long-term flexibility. For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about performance—it was about adaptability and convenience.

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

If you're on the fence, follow this logical sequence to make an informed decision:

1. Assess your current storage usage. Go to Settings > Storage. If you consistently have less than 100GB free, storage limitations are affecting your experience.
2. Evaluate your physical setup. Measure your entertainment center. Can the original PS5 fit comfortably? If not, the Slim’s smaller size may be a decisive factor.
3. Determine your media preferences. Do you miss using physical discs or want to resell games? The Slim’s modular drive gives you future options.
4. Check resale value and pricing. Look up current trade-in values for your model and compare them to the PS5 Slim’s retail price. Factor in the cost of the disc drive if needed.
5. Consider long-term ownership. Will you keep your PS5 for another 3–5 years? If yes, the Slim’s updated design might age better aesthetically and functionally.
6. Make your decision. If three or more factors favor the Slim, upgrading could be worthwhile. Otherwise, stick with what you have and invest in an M.2 SSD instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can transfer all your games, saves, and settings using a Wi-Fi connection, LAN cable, or external USB drive. The process is seamless and supported directly through the system settings menu under “System” > “System Software” > “Data Transfer.”

Is the PS5 Slim quieter than the original?

Not significantly. While some users report marginally lower fan noise due to internal layout tweaks, the difference is minimal in normal conditions. Neither model is loud under typical loads, and both respond dynamically to heat output.

Should I upgrade if I already have an external SSD?

Probably not. If you’ve already invested in a high-speed M.2 or external USB drive, the additional 180GB of internal storage on the Slim offers limited benefit. Your money is better spent elsewhere unless you value the smaller design or modular drive.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

The PS5 Slim is not a necessity for existing owners. It doesn’t deliver faster load times, higher frame rates, or visual enhancements. What it does offer is refinement: smarter design, greater flexibility with media, and slightly better storage. These are meaningful improvements—but they’re incremental, not revolutionary.

If you’re still using the original PS5, especially the digital edition, and haven’t hit major storage limits or space issues, keeping your current console is the smartest financial move. Invest any savings into games, accessories, or a high-performance M.2 SSD instead.

However, if you’re replacing a faulty unit, building a new setup, or value modularity and compactness, the PS5 Slim is the superior choice. It represents the mature evolution of the PS5 platform—one that listens to user feedback and improves usability without chasing specs.

“The best tech upgrade isn’t always the fastest one. Sometimes, it’s the one that fits your life better.” — Lena Park, Consumer Technology Editor, HomeTech Review

Conclusion

The PS5 Slim is an excellent console, but it’s not a mandatory upgrade. For most players, the original PS5 remains a powerful, fully capable machine that will deliver top-tier gaming for years to come. The decision to switch should be based on practical needs—not marketing appeal.

Before spending hundreds on a new console, ask yourself: What problem am I trying to solve? If the answer is “I want more storage” or “I wish I could add a disc drive later,” the Slim makes sense. If you’re just chasing the latest model, pause and redirect that energy toward experiences—new games, multiplayer sessions, or sharing the joy of play with others.

💬 Have you upgraded to the PS5 Slim? Or are you sticking with the original? Share your thoughts and experience in the comments below—we’d love to hear what matters most to real PS5 owners.