Ps5 Slim Vs Original Ps5 Is The Size Reduction Worth The Stand Wobble

When Sony introduced the PS5 Slim in late 2023, it was met with cautious optimism. The original PS5 had already become a cultural icon—its bold, futuristic design turning heads as much as its performance. But with supply stabilizing and manufacturing refined, the company took the opportunity to streamline the console. The result? A smaller, lighter model that saves space and materials. However, early adopters quickly noticed something unsettling: the new vertical stand doesn’t grip the console as securely as before. This has sparked debate—does the reduced footprint come at too high a cost in stability?

This isn’t just about aesthetics or convenience. For many users, especially those who frequently move their setup or have pets and children nearby, physical stability is a genuine concern. One accidental bump could mean a costly fall. So, when weighing the PS5 Slim against the original, the question isn't just whether it's smaller—it's whether that compactness compromises practicality.

Design Evolution: From Statement Piece to Streamlined Tech

The original PS5 made a statement. Its white-and-black two-tone panels, angular curves, and sheer size were designed to stand out. At 390mm tall and weighing 4.5kg (9.9 lbs) for the disc edition, it was one of the largest home consoles ever released. While powerful, its footprint demanded attention—and space.

The PS5 Slim trims down significantly. It’s about 30% smaller in volume and nearly 18% lighter. The disc version now weighs 3.2kg (7.1 lbs), and the digital edition drops to 2.6kg (5.7 lbs). These changes make it easier to fit on crowded entertainment centers and reduce shipping emissions—a win for both consumers and the environment.

Internally, the redesign includes a revised heatsink and more efficient cooling layout, allowing for the smaller chassis without sacrificing thermal performance. Sony claims the fan noise remains comparable, though some users report slightly higher pitch under load due to increased airflow velocity through a denser fin array.

Tip: If you plan to place your PS5 Slim vertically, consider using third-party adhesive pads or an upgraded metal stand to minimize wobble.

Stability Issues: The Stand Wobble Problem

The most immediate difference users notice isn’t performance-related—it’s how the console feels when standing upright. The original PS5 used a wide, weighted circular base that provided excellent balance. Even if nudged, it would rock slightly and settle back into place.

The PS5 Slim’s new stand is slimmer and less massive. More critically, the attachment point—the screw-in mechanism on the bottom—is shorter and shallower. Combined with a tighter fit requirement for alignment, this leads to inconsistent contact between the stand and console base. In many units, there’s visible play or “wobble” when lightly touched.

Sony maintains the stand meets safety standards and won’t detach during normal use. But anecdotal evidence from forums like Reddit and technical reviewers such as Digital Foundry suggests the tolerance stack-up in manufacturing can lead to instability, particularly if the screw isn’t perfectly aligned or tightened by hand.

“While the PS5 Slim’s engineering improvements are impressive, the stand design feels like a step backward in user experience.” — James McAndrews, Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Performance and Internal Changes

Despite the size reduction, Sony did not cut corners on core performance. Both models use the same AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU architecture, delivering identical frame rates, resolutions, and ray-tracing capabilities. Load times, game compatibility, and controller functionality remain unchanged.

Where the Slim does differ internally is storage. The base model now comes with 1TB of SSD storage—an upgrade from the original’s 825GB. That extra space matters, especially given modern game sizes regularly exceed 100GB. Users gain roughly 200GB of additional usable space after system files, which translates to holding several more AAA titles without needing an external drive.

The internal SSD slot still supports PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe drives, but the redesigned heatsink means some thicker aftermarket coolers may no longer fit. Sony recommends drives with a total height of 11.5mm or less, and width restrictions are tighter around the connector area.

Internal Comparison Table

Feature	Original PS5	PS5 Slim
Dimensions (H×W×D)	390 × 260 × 104 mm	358 × 215 × 96 mm
Weight (Disc Edition)	4.5 kg	3.2 kg
Internal Storage	825 GB SSD	1 TB SSD
Expandable Storage	PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe	Same, but tighter clearance
Vertical Stand Design	Wide, stable base	Narrower, reports of wobble
Uphill/Downhill Disc Tray	Motorized sliding cover	Manual flip-up lid

Note the change in disc drive mechanism: the Slim replaces the motorized tray cover with a manual flip-up lid. Some see this as a downgrade in premium feel, while others appreciate the mechanical simplicity and reduced risk of motor failure over time.

Real-World Usage: A Mini Case Study

Consider Mark, a father of two in Austin, Texas, who upgraded his original PS5 to the Slim shortly after launch. He placed it vertically beside his TV cabinet, within reach of his five-year-old son. On day three, the child brushed past it while playing, causing the console to tilt forward and fall onto the hardwood floor. The plastic casing cracked near the base, though thankfully no internal damage occurred.

After researching online, Mark discovered he wasn’t alone. Multiple YouTube videos documented similar incidents, often triggered by minor bumps. He replaced the stock stand with a $12 aluminum third-party alternative that uses a broader base and rubberized grip. Since then, his setup has remained stable—even during enthusiastic gaming sessions with friends.

His takeaway? “The Slim is sleeker and fits better in my space, but Sony should’ve prioritized structural integrity over minimalism. I wouldn’t recommend the default stand for homes with kids or pets.”

Mitigation Strategies: How to Secure Your PS5 Slim

You don’t need to abandon the vertical orientation just because of the wobble. Several practical solutions exist:

• Use the horizontal position: When laid flat, the PS5 Slim is extremely stable. The redesigned feet provide solid grip, and the center of gravity is lower. This eliminates wobble entirely.
• Upgrade the stand: Third-party manufacturers now offer reinforced metal stands with wider bases and anti-slip padding. Brands like Razer and HAVIT have models specifically engineered for the Slim’s geometry.
• Check alignment carefully: Before tightening the screw, ensure the stand is flush on all sides. Misalignment is a common cause of perceived looseness.
• Add grip tape: Small adhesive rubber pads applied to the contact points between the console and stand can reduce micro-movements.

Tip: Always hand-tighten the stand screw. Over-tightening can strip the plastic thread insert on the console.

Step-by-Step: Installing the PS5 Slim Stand Safely

1. Place the console on a soft, clean surface (e.g., microfiber cloth).
2. Align the stand so the PlayStation logo faces the same direction as the console’s front panel.
3. Gently press the stand into the base until it clicks fully into place.
4. Insert the screw and turn clockwise by hand until snug—do not force it.
5. Test stability by gently rocking the console side-to-side. If wobble persists, reseat the stand.
6. For added security, apply small rubber bumpers where the stand meets the console.

Expert Recommendations and Industry Insight

According to Lisa Tran, senior product designer at a leading consumer electronics firm, “Miniaturization often involves trade-offs. In this case, Sony optimized for volume and weight, but didn’t fully account for dynamic stability in real-world environments.” She notes that adding even 10mm to the stand’s diameter could have dramatically improved balance without affecting the overall footprint.

Still, she praises the engineering behind the internal redesign. “Integrating a larger SSD while shrinking the chassis shows significant progress in component density and thermal management. That part of the update is genuinely impressive.”

The challenge, she adds, lies in balancing industrial design with ergonomics. “Consumers expect sleekness, but they also expect reliability. When a device feels unstable, trust erodes—even if the performance is flawless.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the PS5 Slim perform worse than the original?

No. Both models deliver identical gaming performance, including frame rates, resolution support, and loading speeds. The Slim retains the same CPU, GPU, and memory bandwidth. Any differences in temperature or noise are negligible in real-world use.

Can I use the original PS5 stand with the Slim model?

No. The mounting mechanisms are different. The original stand will not fit the PS5 Slim due to changes in the screw port location and chassis shape. Attempting to force it could damage the console.

Is the wobble dangerous?

Not inherently, but it increases risk. A loose-feeling console is more likely to tip over if bumped. While rare, falls can crack the casing or damage internal components. If stability concerns you, use the console horizontally or invest in a sturdier stand.

Checklist: PS5 Slim Setup Best Practices

• ✅ Decide on vertical or horizontal placement before unboxing
• ✅ Inspect the stand for debris or misshapen edges
• ✅ Align the stand precisely before inserting the screw
• ✅ Hand-tighten the screw—avoid tools
• ✅ Test for wobble gently with light pressure
• ✅ Consider rubberized grips or third-party stands for added security
• ✅ Keep away from high-traffic areas if using vertically

Conclusion: Weighing Compactness Against Confidence

The PS5 Slim represents meaningful progress in console design—smaller, lighter, with more storage and refined internals. For users prioritizing space-saving and aesthetic minimalism, it’s a compelling upgrade. However, the compromised stand stability introduces a tangible drawback that shouldn’t be ignored.

If you value peace of mind—especially in households with active movement, pets, or children—the original PS5’s robust stance may still hold advantages. Alternatively, accepting the Slim’s limitations while proactively upgrading its support system offers a balanced path forward.

In the end, the size reduction is technically impressive, but its worth depends on your environment and priorities. Stability shouldn’t be an afterthought. With the right precautions, the PS5 Slim can be both compact and secure. The responsibility, unfortunately, now falls partly on the user.

💬 Have you switched to the PS5 Slim? Did you experience stand wobble? Share your story and help others decide whether the trade-off is worth it.