Ps5 Slim Vs Original Is The Smaller Size Worth The Upgrade

The PlayStation 5 has evolved since its 2020 launch, with Sony introducing a slimmer, more compact model in late 2023. This new version—commonly referred to as the PS5 Slim—has sparked debate among gamers: is the reduced size enough to justify an upgrade from the original console? For those already invested in the PS5 ecosystem, the decision isn’t just about aesthetics. It involves evaluating real differences in design, storage, usability, and long-term value.

This article breaks down every meaningful distinction between the PS5 Slim and the original PS5, offering a clear-eyed comparison that goes beyond marketing hype. Whether you're considering an early replacement or simply curious about the new model, this guide delivers the insights needed to make an informed choice.

Design and Physical Differences

The most immediate change in the PS5 Slim is its physical footprint. Sony reduced the console’s volume by approximately 30% and its weight by nearly 18%, making it significantly more manageable for entertainment centers with limited space. The original PS5 was noted for its bold, futuristic design—but also criticized for being unwieldy on crowded shelves.

The Slim model retains the same two-tone aesthetic but reconfigures the outer shell into a more modular system. Instead of fixed side panels, the Slim features removable white faceplates that snap on magnetically. This allows users to swap colors or even customize their look with third-party options—an option not available on the original at launch.

Another notable shift is the orientation. While the original PS5 required different screw placements depending on whether it stood vertically or horizontally, the Slim includes a built-in kickstand for vertical use and a detachable base for horizontal placement. No extra tools are needed, streamlining setup.

Tip: If you have a tight AV cabinet, the PS5 Slim’s reduced depth can make a noticeable difference in fit and airflow.

Performance: Identical Power, Same Experience

One of the most important clarifications is that there is no performance difference between the PS5 Slim and the original PS5. Both models feature the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and 16GB of GDDR6 memory. Game load times, frame rates, ray tracing capabilities, and overall system responsiveness remain identical.

Sony did not enhance or downgrade the core hardware. This means titles like *Spider-Man: Miles Morales*, *Demon’s Souls*, and *Horizon Forbidden West* run exactly the same on both consoles. The SSD speed is unchanged, so installation times and in-game streaming assets perform identically.

Thermal design has been refined—the internal layout is more compact, and the cooling system has been optimized—but user reports and teardowns show that temperature and noise levels are comparable under load. There is no measurable advantage in thermal performance despite the smaller chassis.

“The PS5 Slim isn’t a generational refresh; it’s a refinement. The engineering team focused on miniaturization without compromising output.” — Mark Tran, Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Storage Options and Expandability

A key upgrade in the PS5 Slim lies in its internal storage. While the original model launched with an 825GB SSD (around 667GB usable), the Slim comes in two variants: one with 1TB of internal storage and another with a disc drive add-on that brings total storage to 1TB as well. This represents a meaningful increase, especially given how quickly modern games consume space.

For example, *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III* requires over 200GB, and *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth* exceeds 150GB. With only ~667GB available on the original, many users had to manage storage aggressively or invest early in M.2 expansion drives. The extra 333GB on the Slim provides breathing room, delaying the need for external upgrades.

Both models support M.2 NVMe SSD expansion via the internal bay, and the process is identical. However, the Slim ships with a removable 1TB SSD cover, simplifying access compared to the original’s screw-based panel. This small detail makes self-upgrades slightly more user-friendly.

Feature	Original PS5	PS5 Slim
Internal Storage	825GB (~667GB usable)	1TB (~840GB usable)
Disc Drive (Standard)	Included	Sold separately / Add-on
Expandable SSD	Yes (M.2 NVMe)	Yes (M.2 NVMe, easier access)
External USB Support	Yes (HDD/SSD for PS4 games & cold storage)	Same functionality

Disc Drive Flexibility and Cost Implications

Perhaps the most controversial change in the PS5 Slim is the separation of the disc drive. Unlike the original, which offered two versions (standard with disc drive, digital without), the Slim base model is digital-only. However, instead of buying a whole new console, users can now purchase a disc drive add-on separately and install it themselves.

This modular approach offers flexibility. Buyers who start with the digital edition can later add physical media support without replacing the console. But it also raises the effective cost. The standalone disc drive retails for $79.99, meaning that upgrading a digital Slim to full functionality costs more than purchasing the original standard edition at launch price ($499.99).

Consider this breakdown:

• Original PS5 Standard: $499.99 (includes disc drive)
• PS5 Slim Digital: $449.99
• Slim Disc Drive Add-on: $79.99
• Total for equivalent Slim setup: $529.98

In essence, opting for the full-capability Slim costs $30 more than the original all-in-one model. For budget-conscious buyers, this pricing structure may feel like a step backward, even if the modularity is technically convenient.

Tip: If you collect physical games or rely on game resale/trading, factor in the $80 disc drive cost when comparing prices.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah bought the original PS5 at launch. She kept it upright in her entertainment center, where its size occasionally blocked ventilation for her soundbar. By 2024, her SSD was nearly full—she owned 14 PS5 titles averaging 80GB each. She considered upgrading to the Slim after seeing its sleeker profile online.

She evaluated based on her needs:

1. Space Savings: The Slim would free up 2 inches of shelf depth, improving airflow and aesthetics.
2. Storage: The 1TB drive would delay her need for an M.2 upgrade by several months.
3. Cost: Transferring data would require an external drive or network transfer. Selling her old PS5 might net $250–$300 used, but she’d still be investing over $200 out-of-pocket.

In the end, Sarah decided against upgrading. The performance was identical, and the financial return didn’t justify the effort. Instead, she purchased a 1TB M.2 SSD for $70 and upgraded her original console’s storage—a fraction of the cost with the same functional benefit.

Her case illustrates a common reality: for existing owners, the PS5 Slim offers convenience and refinement, not transformation.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

If you’re weighing the decision, follow this practical evaluation:

1. Assess your current setup. Is your original PS5 causing space issues or overheating? If it fits well and runs fine, the Slim won’t solve non-existent problems.
2. Check your storage usage. Navigate to Settings > Storage. If you’re consistently below 80% capacity, a new console isn’t urgent. If you’re constantly deleting games, the Slim’s larger SSD may help.
3. Evaluate your media habits. Do you buy physical games? Rent discs? Trade in used copies? If yes, ensure you account for the $80 disc drive cost. If you’re fully digital, the base Slim model aligns better.
4. Compare total costs. Include taxes, accessories, and data transfer tools. Factor in what you could sell your original PS5 for.
5. Consider timing. If you’re due for a console replacement (e.g., hardware failure, moving), the Slim is a logical next step. But upgrading purely for size is hard to justify financially.

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Can I use my original PS5 accessories with the Slim?

Yes. The DualSense controllers, Pulse 3D headset, and HD Camera are fully compatible. The only difference is the faceplate system, which is unique to the Slim.

Is the PS5 Slim quieter than the original?

Not significantly. While Sony redesigned the airflow, real-world testing shows similar noise levels during gameplay. Some users report marginally lower fan noise at idle, but the difference is negligible under load.

Will there be a PS5 Pro? Should I wait?

Rumors suggest a PS5 Pro may launch in late 2024 or 2025 with enhanced GPU performance and AI upscaling. If you want cutting-edge power, waiting might be wiser. The Slim is not a Pro model—it's a redesign, not a power upgrade.

Conclusion: Who Should Upgrade—and Who Shouldn’t

The PS5 Slim is a well-executed refinement of the original console. It’s smaller, lighter, offers more internal storage, and introduces modular flexibility with the disc drive. These improvements make it the best version of the PS5 available today—especially for first-time buyers.

However, for owners of the original PS5, the upgrade calculus is less compelling. There is no performance gain, no graphical improvement, and no new features that alter the gaming experience. The benefits are largely ergonomic and logistical. Unless you’re constrained by space, running out of storage, or replacing a failing unit, the upgrade offers marginal returns relative to cost.

For newcomers, the PS5 Slim is the obvious choice. Its design is more mature, its storage more generous, and its form factor more adaptable. But for existing users, patience may be the smarter strategy—especially with rumors of a more powerful PS5 Pro on the horizon.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Share your thoughts on the PS5 Slim vs. original in the comments. Are you upgrading, sticking with your current console, or waiting for the next generation?