When Sony launched the PlayStation 5 in 2020, it marked a bold leap into next-gen gaming with lightning-fast load times, immersive haptics, and stunning visuals. Fast forward to late 2023, and Sony introduced the PS5 Slim — a more compact version of the same powerhouse. The question now isn't whether the new model performs better; it's whether its smaller footprint justifies upgrading from the original PS5.
The answer depends on your priorities: space efficiency, aesthetics, storage needs, or long-term value. While both consoles deliver identical gaming performance, subtle differences in design, capacity, and usability can influence your decision. For those already invested in the original PS5, the upgrade calculus becomes even more nuanced.
Design and Physical Differences
The most immediate distinction between the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim is size. Sony reduced the overall volume by nearly 30%, making the Slim significantly more compact. The original PS5 measures 390mm x 104mm x 260mm and weighs about 4.5kg (disc edition). In contrast, the PS5 Slim comes in at 358mm x 96mm x 216mm and weighs approximately 3.2kg for the disc version — a noticeable improvement in portability and shelf fit.
Another key change is modularity. The PS5 Slim features a detachable 1TB SSD cover on the side, allowing users to expand internal storage without opening the entire casing. This is a welcome upgrade over the original, where accessing the M.2 slot required removing large panels and unscrewing components. The new design streamlines hardware upgrades, appealing to tech-savvy users who want more control over their setup.
Aesthetically, the Slim retains the two-tone white-and-black theme but breaks it into four removable panels — top and bottom on each side. These can be swapped out via simple latches, offering future customization options. Sony has already released alternative panel colors, signaling a shift toward personalization similar to what we’ve seen with Xbox accessories.
Performance: No Difference Where It Matters
Despite the physical changes, there is zero difference in raw performance. Both models use the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and 16GB of GDDR6 memory. Game frame rates, resolution, ray tracing capabilities, and loading speeds are indistinguishable. Whether you're playing God of War Ragnarök, Spider-Man 2, or Horizon Forbidden West, the experience remains identical across both consoles.
The internal SSD also maintains the same speed — around 5.5 GB/s — ensuring that neither console has an edge in game boot times or level transitions. Any perceived improvements in responsiveness come down to software updates or external factors like internet speed and peripheral latency, not hardware differences.
What this means is clear: if you're considering the upgrade purely for better performance, you won’t find it here. The PS5 Slim is not a mid-generation refresh like the PS4 Pro; it’s a re-engineered chassis with the same heart.
“The PS5 Slim represents refinement, not reinvention. It’s the same console built smarter.” — David Lee, Senior Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Weekly
Storage Capacity and Expandability
One tangible advantage of the PS5 Slim is increased base storage. The original PS5 shipped with an 825GB SSD, of which roughly 667GB is available to users after system files. The PS5 Slim bumps this up to 1TB (with approximately 848GB usable), giving players an extra 180GB of breathing room.
This may seem modest given modern game sizes — Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III exceeds 200GB alone — but it does delay the inevitable need for expansion. More importantly, the modular SSD door simplifies adding compatible NVMe drives. You no longer need a screwdriver or full disassembly; just slide off the panel, insert the drive, and secure it with a single screw.
Here’s how storage compares across models:
| Model | Total Storage | Usable Space | Expandable? | Upgrade Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original PS5 (Disc) | 825 GB | ~667 GB | Yes (M.2 slot) | Moderate (requires full panel removal) |
| Original PS5 (Digital) | 825 GB | ~667 GB | Yes (M.2 slot) | Moderate |
| PS5 Slim (Disc) | 1 TB | ~848 GB | Yes (M.2 slot + modular door) | Easy (side-access panel) |
| PS5 Slim (Digital) | 1 TB | ~848 GB | Yes (M.2 slot + modular door) | Easy |
While all models support expandable storage, the Slim lowers the barrier for entry. Casual users who previously avoided internal upgrades due to complexity may now feel confident enhancing their system.
Is Upgrading Worth It? A Practical Checklist
If you already own an original PS5, ask yourself these questions before trading in:
- Are you running out of storage? If yes, consider buying an external SSD instead — far cheaper than replacing the whole console.
- Is space a constraint? If your AV rack is cramped or you move the console frequently, the smaller size could be a real benefit.
- Do you care about aesthetics? The Slim’s sleeker profile and swappable panels offer a more modern look.
- Have you damaged your current unit? If your original PS5 has issues (fan noise, disc drive failure), replacement makes sense — but go Slim only if you value the new form factor.
- Can you resell your old console profitably? Check current trade-in values. Many original PS5 units still retain strong resale value, especially disc editions.
Real-World Scenario: Should Sarah Upgrade?
Sarah bought a launch-day PS5 Digital Edition in 2020. She lives in a small apartment where her console sits on a narrow shelf beneath her TV. Over time, she found the original PS5’s bulk awkward — especially when rearranging cables or cleaning around it. She also hit storage limits twice, forcing her to delete games repeatedly.
In early 2024, she considered switching to the PS5 Slim. After researching, she realized that while performance wouldn’t improve, the 1TB base storage and compact design addressed her two biggest pain points. She traded in her original console for $300 credit and paid $350 out of pocket for the Slim — a total cost of $650, less than buying new.
Post-upgrade, Sarah appreciated the easier access to the M.2 slot. She installed a 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD within minutes using the side panel, doubling her total storage. The new console fit perfectly in her tight space, and she later purchased blue side panels to match her room’s decor.
For Sarah, the upgrade was justified — not because of performance gains, but because of quality-of-life improvements that aligned with her living situation and usage habits.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
Upgrading electronics always carries environmental implications. Manufacturing a new console requires raw materials, energy, and transportation emissions. According to a 2023 report by the Green Electronics Council, replacing a functioning device before its end-of-life increases e-waste and carbon footprint unnecessarily.
If your original PS5 works well, keeping it reduces ecological impact. Instead of trading in, consider optimizing your current setup: clean dust from vents, manage storage efficiently, and use external drives for additional game libraries. These steps extend your console’s lifespan without contributing to waste.
Economically, the math rarely favors early upgrades unless there’s a compelling reason. The PS5 Slim costs $499 (disc) or $449 (digital), while original models can still be resold for $350–$400 depending on condition. That means a net cost of $100–$150 minimum — money that could buy several new games or a high-quality SSD.
Unless you’re facing hardware limitations or spatial constraints, holding onto your original PS5 is both financially and environmentally sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same accessories with the PS5 Slim?
Yes. All PS5-compatible accessories — DualSense controllers, Pulse 3D headset, HD Camera, charging station — work seamlessly with the PS5 Slim. The ports (HDMI 2.1, USB-A/C) remain in the same locations and configurations.
Does the PS5 Slim run quieter than the original?
Subjectively, some users report slightly lower fan noise under heavy load, likely due to refined airflow in the redesigned chassis. However, Sony hasn’t advertised any thermal improvements, and lab tests show minimal differences in decibel levels. Don’t expect a silent revolution.
Will future PS5 games require the Slim model?
No. There is no functional distinction between the consoles from a software standpoint. Developers optimize for the PS5 platform as a whole, not specific hardware revisions. All games released for PS5 will run identically on both models.
Conclusion: When the Slim Makes Sense — And When It Doesn’t
The PS5 Slim is an elegant evolution of the original console — smaller, slightly more user-friendly, and better suited to modern living spaces. But it is not a necessity. If you already own a working PS5, the upgrade offers convenience, not transformation.
For new buyers, the Slim is the obvious choice: better storage, improved serviceability, and a cleaner design. But for existing owners, the decision should hinge on practical needs, not novelty. Ask whether the benefits solve actual problems in your setup. If not, your money and conscience are better served by staying put.
Technology should serve life, not dictate it. The PS5 Slim improves ergonomics, but doesn’t redefine gaming. Hold onto what works. Upgrade only when it truly enhances your experience — not just because something newer exists.
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