Ps5 Slim Vs Original Ps5 Is The Size Reduction Worth Upgrading Your Console

The PlayStation 5 has been a cornerstone of next-gen gaming since its 2020 launch. In late 2023, Sony introduced the PS5 Slim — a more compact revision of the original model. While both consoles deliver identical performance under the hood, the physical redesign raises an important question for current owners: is the size reduction alone enough reason to upgrade?

This article breaks down every meaningful difference between the PS5 Slim and the original PS5, evaluates real-world usability, and helps you determine whether making the switch is a smart investment or simply cosmetic.

Design and Physical Differences

The most obvious change in the PS5 Slim is its reduced footprint. Sony redesigned the outer casing, repositioned internal components, and removed the ability to expand internal storage via M.2 SSD in the same way as before. The result is a console that’s significantly smaller and lighter than the original.

The original PS5 launched with a bold, futuristic aesthetic — large curved panels, a two-tone finish, and a towering vertical profile. At 390mm tall, 260mm deep, and 104mm wide, it demanded visual and physical space. It weighed approximately 4.5 kg (about 9.9 lbs) for the disc edition.

The PS5 Slim trims that down to 358mm tall, 216mm deep, and 96mm wide — a reduction of nearly 15% in volume. More noticeably, it weighs just 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) for the disc version. That makes it easier to fit on crowded entertainment centers and simplifies wall mounting.

Tip: If you have limited shelf space or plan to mount your console vertically behind a TV, the PS5 Slim’s smaller size offers tangible benefits.

Sony also split the base into two parts — one for vertical use and another for horizontal placement — sold separately in some regions. This modular approach reduces packaging waste but may frustrate users expecting a single included stand.

Performance: Identical Under the Hood

One of the most critical points often misunderstood is that there is no difference in processing power between the original PS5 and the PS5 Slim. Both models feature the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and 16GB of GDDR6 memory. Game loading times, frame rates, ray tracing capabilities, and overall system responsiveness are indistinguishable.

Sony did not upgrade or downgrade the core hardware. Instead, they optimized the motherboard layout and adopted a slightly revised cooling solution to accommodate the smaller chassis. Thermal performance remains effective, with reports indicating similar noise levels during intensive gameplay.

There is no generational leap here — only a mechanical refinement. Gamers seeking better performance should look toward potential future revisions like a rumored “PS5 Pro,” not the Slim model.

“The PS5 Slim isn’t about power — it’s about practicality. It’s the same powerhouse wrapped in a smarter shell.” — Marcus Lee, Senior Hardware Analyst at GameTech Weekly

Storage Configuration and Expandability

A key trade-off in the redesign involves internal storage architecture. The original PS5 featured a single, user-accessible M.2 NVMe SSD slot for expanding storage beyond the base 825GB (approx. 667GB usable). Users could install compatible PCIe Gen4 drives up to 4TB.

The PS5 Slim changes this setup. It now ships with higher base storage options: either 1TB (digital-only model) or 1.2TB (disc version), addressing one of the biggest complaints about the original. However, the expansion method differs.

Instead of one large M.2 slot, the Slim includes two smaller internal slots: one for the primary drive and another for expansion. But only one can be used at a time unless both are pre-installed by Sony. For most users, this means you’re still limited to one user-upgradable drive, though compatibility requirements remain unchanged (PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSDs with heatsink).

In practice, average users will benefit from the larger default storage, reducing early reliance on external drives. Power users who regularly manage large game libraries may find the dual-slot limitation restrictive if they wanted redundancy or tiered storage.

Detailed Comparison: PS5 Slim vs Original PS5

Feature	Original PS5	PS5 Slim
Dimensions (W×H×D)	104 × 390 × 260 mm	96 × 358 × 216 mm
Weight (Disc Edition)	4.5 kg (9.9 lbs)	3.2 kg (7.1 lbs)
Base Storage (Usable)	825GB (~667GB)	1.2TB (~1020GB)
M.2 Expansion	Single user-upgradable slot	Dual internal slots; only one user-accessible post-purchase
External Drive Support	Yes (USB)	Yes (USB)
Disc Drive	Built-in (Disc Edition)	Removable add-on (sold separately for digital model)
Base Included	One piece, multi-position	Separate pieces per orientation (may require purchase)
Price at Launch	$499 (Disc), $399 (Digital)	$499 (Disc), $449 (Digital w/ optional drive)

Real-World Example: Upgrading Mid-Cycle

Consider Sarah, a long-time PS5 owner who purchased the original disc edition at launch. Her console lives in a tight media cabinet beneath her TV. Over time, she found the size awkward — it barely fit, blocked airflow, and made cable management difficult.

When the PS5 Slim launched, she considered upgrading. She wasn’t after more power — her current setup runs games flawlessly. But the Slim’s smaller form factor promised better fit, improved ventilation, and an extra 350GB of built-in storage.

She decided to transfer her data using Wi-Fi migration (a process taking about 45 minutes for 500GB of saved games and apps). After setup, she noticed immediate improvements in how the console sat on her shelf. The lighter weight reduced strain on the cabinet, and the new hinge-style disc tray felt sturdier.

Was it revolutionary? No. But for her specific situation, the upgrade solved real spatial issues and extended the life of her entertainment center. She views the cost — around $100 after selling her old unit — as a reasonable trade for long-term convenience.

Tip: Use direct Wi-Fi or LAN transfer when moving data between consoles. External drive backup is useful, but full restoration takes longer than network migration.

Is Upgrading Worth It? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

If you already own an original PS5, deciding whether to upgrade requires evaluating your priorities. Follow this step-by-step assessment:

1. Evaluate Your Current Setup: Does your original PS5 fit comfortably in your entertainment center? Is it blocking vents, leaning forward, or causing clutter?
2. Assess Storage Needs: Are you constantly managing game deletions due to low space? The Slim’s larger base storage could reduce friction.
3. Consider Long-Term Plans: Do you plan to keep your PS5 for another 3–5 years? If so, investing in a more compact, modernized version might make sense.
4. Check Resale Value: Original PS5 units still hold decent resale value. Selling yours can offset the cost of a new Slim.
5. Weigh the Cost: The PS5 Slim Digital Edition starts at $449, plus $80 for the disc drive add-on. The disc version is $499. Compare that to what you’d gain.
6. Decide Based on Utility, Not Novelty: Avoid upgrading just because it’s new. Focus on whether the changes improve your daily experience.

When You Should Upgrade

• You’re constrained by space and struggle to place the original PS5 safely.
• You frequently run out of storage and want more room without relying on external drives.
• You prefer the updated design and sturdier-feeling disc mechanism.
• You’re replacing a failing unit and want the latest standard model.

When You Shouldn’t Upgrade

• Your current PS5 works well and fits your setup.
• You’re waiting for a more powerful \"Pro\" model — the Slim doesn’t offer performance gains.
• You rely heavily on M.2 expansion and want maximum flexibility (original model is simpler to upgrade).
• Budget is tight — spending $450+ for size reduction alone may not justify the expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a disc drive to the PS5 Slim Digital Edition later?

Yes. Unlike the original, the PS5 Slim Digital Edition allows you to purchase and attach a proprietary Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive separately. This gives flexibility, but costs extra ($79.99 MSRP).

Does the PS5 Slim support the same games and accessories?

Absolutely. All PS5 and backward-compatible PS4 games work identically. DualSense controllers, Pulse 3D headset, and other peripherals are fully compatible.

Is the cooling worse in the smaller chassis?

No major thermal issues have been reported. While the internals are denser, Sony redesigned the heat sink and airflow path. Real-world tests show comparable temperatures and fan noise to the original model under load.

Final Verdict: Practicality Over Power

The PS5 Slim isn’t a technical upgrade — it’s a refinement. It addresses legitimate criticisms of the original: excessive size, limited base storage, and rigid design. For new buyers, the Slim is clearly the better choice — more storage, smaller footprint, and modernized build.

For existing owners, the decision hinges on practical needs, not performance. If your original PS5 causes space issues, runs out of storage too quickly, or you simply prefer the updated aesthetics and modularity, upgrading makes sense.

But if your console fits well and performs reliably, holding off is perfectly rational. There’s no urgency to upgrade solely for the sake of having the newest model. The gaming experience remains unchanged.

Sony’s move reflects a maturing product lifecycle — streamlining design after proving the technology. Future revisions may bring performance boosts, but the Slim’s role is clear: to make the PS5 more accessible, manageable, and sustainable in the long term.

💬 Have you upgraded to the PS5 Slim? Share your experience — was the smaller size worth it for your setup? Join the conversation and help fellow gamers decide.