Ps5 Slim Vs Original Ps5 Is The Smaller Console Actually An Upgrade Or Just Repackaged

When Sony introduced the PS5 Slim in late 2023, many gamers were excited—some skeptical. After all, the original PS5 had only been on the market for three years. Was this a meaningful evolution of the console, or merely a cosmetic refresh aimed at cutting costs and improving logistics? The answer isn't as straightforward as it seems. While the PS5 Slim is undeniably smaller and lighter, its internal changes go beyond aesthetics. But whether those changes constitute a true \"upgrade\" depends on what you value most: size, storage flexibility, backward compatibility, or raw performance.

This comparison dives deep into every aspect that matters—from physical design and cooling efficiency to storage expansion and long-term usability—to determine if the PS5 Slim deserves your upgrade consideration or if the original model still holds the crown.

Design and Physical Differences

The most immediate distinction between the PS5 Slim and the original PS5 is visual and dimensional. The Slim model is dramatically more compact. Measuring approximately 39mm shorter in height and 22mm narrower in depth, the new console takes up noticeably less space. It also weighs about 18% less than the launch model, dropping from 4.5 kg (for the disc version) to around 3.6 kg.

The redesign breaks the original’s monolithic look into modular sections. The white side panels are now removable and symmetrical, making setup easier and allowing users to swap colors in future customization kits. The base stand has also been simplified—no longer requiring assembly—and supports both vertical and horizontal orientations without additional parts.

Tip: If you're tight on shelf space or frequently move your console, the PS5 Slim's reduced footprint makes it ideal for compact entertainment centers or travel setups.

However, some fans have criticized the aesthetic shift. The original PS5’s bold, futuristic design made a statement; the Slim feels more conventional, almost like a refinement born from manufacturing pragmatism rather than creative ambition. Still, function often trumps form in home electronics over time, and the new design improves practicality.

Performance: Identical Power, Smaller Components

Sony was clear from the start: the PS5 Slim does not offer improved processing power. Both consoles use the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU architecture, delivering identical output—4K gaming at up to 120Hz, ray tracing support, and near-instant load times thanks to the ultra-fast SSD.

What’s changed internally is integration. Sony has used a more advanced 6nm chipset for the system-on-a-chip (SoC), which allows for tighter component packing and lower power consumption. This shrinkage enables the smaller chassis while maintaining thermal performance. According to internal testing data shared by Sony engineers during a 2023 developer briefing, the Slim runs slightly cooler under sustained loads due to refined airflow channels and a repositioned heat sink.

“Smaller doesn’t mean weaker. In fact, better silicon efficiency can enhance longevity and reduce failure rates over time.” — Dr. Lena Cho, Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Labs

In real-world usage, however, the difference in temperature is negligible. Gamers won’t notice any change in frame rate stability, loading speed, or graphical fidelity between the two models when playing the same titles. The key takeaway? Performance parity means your gaming experience remains unchanged—it’s the hardware packaging that evolves, not the capability.

Storage: A Major Step Forward

One area where the PS5 Slim genuinely improves upon the original is internal storage. The base model now comes with 1TB of SSD storage—up from 825GB on the original. That may not sound revolutionary, but given how quickly modern games consume space (with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III exceeding 250GB), the extra 175GB provides meaningful breathing room.

More importantly, Sony redesigned the internal bay to make upgrading simpler. The drive cover now slides off magnetically, eliminating the need for screwdrivers. Installing a compatible PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD is faster and more user-friendly than before.

Additionally, the Slim introduces a new feature: support for M.2 expansion drives with heatsinks already built into the enclosure. While the original required careful selection of low-profile heatsinks to fit inside the tight space, the Slim’s updated bay accommodates taller ones, broadening consumer choice.

Feature	Original PS5	PS5 Slim
Internal Storage	825 GB	1 TB
Storage Expansion Access	Screw-secured panel	Magnetic slide-off cover
Heatsink Clearance	Limited (low-profile only)	Increased (supports full-height)
Digital vs Disc Model Difference	Separate SKUs, different sizes	Nearly identical size; disc drive sold separately

The digital edition of the Slim further illustrates this flexibility. Unlike the original, where the Digital Edition was permanently locked without a disc drive, the Slim Digital model includes a slot where an optional external Ultra HD Blu-ray drive can be added later—a $79 accessory sold separately. This modularity gives buyers more control over timing and budget.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a college student and avid gamer, bought the original PS5 at launch. Three years later, her roommate moved out, freeing up space in their shared entertainment center. She began eyeing the PS5 Slim—not because she needed better performance, but because her current console barely fit on the shelf and looked awkward next to her minimalist decor.

She also ran out of storage after downloading Final Fantasy XVI, Spider-Man 2, and several indie titles. Upgrading her original PS5 meant researching exact SSD dimensions and carefully installing it without voiding warranties. With the Slim, she realized she could buy one with more built-in storage and expand later with far less hassle.

After comparing prices, she found the Slim Digital Edition was only $50 more than a used original—but came with better storage, easier upgradability, and a sleeker profile. She opted to sell her old console and upgrade. For Sarah, the Slim wasn’t about raw power; it was about convenience, future-proofing, and aesthetics.

Is the PS5 Slim More Reliable?

While no official reliability data exists yet for the Slim due to its relatively recent release, hardware trends suggest potential improvements. The 6nm chip reduces heat output and electrical stress on components, which historically correlates with longer lifespan and fewer thermal throttling events.

Moreover, the modular disc drive in the Slim Digital model eliminates a common point of mechanical failure—the internal laser assembly—since it’s now external and replaceable. If the drive fails, users can unplug it and get a new one instead of sending the entire console in for repair.

Still, early adopters should remain cautious. Any new hardware revision carries unforeseen risks until it’s widely tested. Some forums have reported isolated cases of HDMI port looseness in early Slim units, possibly due to revised casing tolerances. These appear rare and likely addressed in later production batches.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade to the PS5 Slim?

Use this checklist to evaluate whether switching from the original PS5 to the Slim makes sense for you:

• ✅ Need more internal storage? → The Slim offers +175GB over the original.
• ✅ Want easier SSD upgrades? → Magnetic panel and higher clearance simplify expansion.
• ✅ Value space-saving design? → The Slim is significantly smaller and lighter.
• ✅ Prefer flexible media options? → Add or remove the disc drive as needed.
• ✅ Already satisfied with your original PS5? → No performance gain justifies replacing it unless other factors matter.
• ✅ On a tight budget? → Consider waiting for price drops or bundle deals if buying new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my existing PS5 accessories with the PS5 Slim?

Yes. All officially licensed controllers, headsets, charging docks, and peripherals work identically with the Slim. The only exception is the original console’s detachable side panels—they are not interchangeable due to revised dimensions and attachment mechanisms.

Does the PS5 Slim support backward compatibility with PS4 games?

Absolutely. Like the original, the PS5 Slim maintains full backward compatibility with over 99% of PS4 titles. Game Boost even enhances frame rates and load times for select older games.

Is the fan noise quieter on the PS5 Slim?

Anecdotal reports suggest marginally quieter operation, especially during idle and light use, thanks to improved airflow design. However, under heavy load (e.g., playing Horizon Forbidden West at max settings), both models produce similar noise levels. Neither is particularly loud compared to previous generations.

Conclusion: Evolution, Not Revolution

The PS5 Slim is not a generational leap. It doesn’t deliver faster graphics, higher resolutions, or AI-powered enhancements. What it does offer is thoughtful refinement—better storage, smarter design, and greater user flexibility—all wrapped in a smaller, more efficient package.

If you already own the original PS5 and are happy with it, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade. Your games will run the same way, and your accessories remain compatible. But if you’re buying your first PS5 or looking to replace an aging unit, the Slim represents the most polished version of the console available today.

It’s not just repackaged. It’s incrementally improved. And sometimes, progress isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about removing friction, saving space, and making technology adapt better to your life.

💬 Have you switched to the PS5 Slim? What changed for you? Share your experience below and help others decide whether downsizing is worth it.