Ps5 Slim Vs Original Ps5 Is The Smaller Model Missing Key Features

When Sony unveiled the PS5 Slim in late 2023, many gamers welcomed the sleeker, more compact redesign with open arms. At first glance, the new model appears to be a natural evolution—smaller, lighter, and more living-room-friendly. But beneath its polished surface lies a critical question: has anything been lost in translation? Gamers are asking whether the PS5 Slim sacrifices essential functionality or performance for the sake of aesthetics. The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems.

The original PS5 launched in 2020 with bold design choices—a futuristic two-tone look, a hefty footprint, and cutting-edge hardware promising next-gen gaming. Fast forward three years, and consumer demand for smaller, quieter consoles has pushed Sony toward refinement. The PS5 Slim reduces volume by nearly 30% and weight by over 24%, but these changes come with subtle trade-offs that could affect long-term ownership, upgrade flexibility, and user experience.

Design and Physical Differences

The most immediate difference between the PS5 Slim and the original PS5 is physical. The Slim model measures approximately 390mm tall, 246mm deep, and 114mm wide—down from 390 x 260 x 104 mm on the launch model. That may not sound dramatic, but the visual impact is clear: the Slim looks more like a traditional console and less like a sci-fi prop.

Sony achieved this reduction through several engineering tweaks. The base stand now supports both vertical and horizontal orientations without requiring separate adapters—no more fiddling with screws depending on how you place your console. The detachable side panels remain, though they’re slightly redesigned for easier removal. And while the color scheme stays consistent (white outer panels with a black center), the finish feels subtly more matte, reducing fingerprint smudges.

Tip: If space is tight under your TV stand, the PS5 Slim’s reduced depth makes it far easier to fit into compact entertainment centers.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the modular disc drive. Unlike the original PS5, which came in two fixed versions (Disc Edition and Digital Edition), the Slim allows users to purchase the Digital Edition and add a removable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive later. This gives buyers more flexibility—start digital, upgrade later if needed.

Performance: Identical Under the Hood?

On paper, both consoles share the same core specifications:

• Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU (8-core, 3.5 GHz variable frequency)
• Custom RDNA 2 GPU (10.28 TFLOPs, 36 CUs at 2.23 GHz)
• 16GB GDDR6 RAM
• Custom 825GB SSD (with comparable read speeds)

This means no performance gap in frame rates, load times, or graphical fidelity. Games run identically across both models. However, there's one often-overlooked factor: thermal efficiency. Despite being smaller, Sony claims the Slim maintains the same cooling performance thanks to an improved heat sink design and airflow optimization. Real-world testing by multiple tech reviewers confirms this—the Slim runs just as cool and quiet as the original, even during extended gaming sessions.

“The PS5 Slim proves that size doesn’t have to compromise thermal design. Sony re-engineered the internal layout intelligently.” — Mark Rivera, Senior Hardware Analyst at GameTech Weekly

That said, some early adopters reported slightly higher fan noise during intensive titles like *Horizon Forbidden West* or *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II*. These differences are marginal and likely due to individual unit variance rather than a systemic flaw.

Storage Capacity and Expandability

Here’s where things get interesting. While both models use the same type of internal SSD, the PS5 Slim ships with **1TB** of storage—up from the original’s 825GB. That extra 175GB may seem minor, but it translates to roughly one additional AAA game, which matters when modern titles regularly exceed 100GB.

Both consoles support M.2 NVMe SSD expansion via the internal bay, and the process remains unchanged. Users can install compatible drives up to 8TB, making storage upgrades straightforward. However, the Slim introduces a slight change in accessibility: the cover for the M.2 slot is now secured with a screw, whereas the original used a twist-lock mechanism. It’s a small step backward in user-friendliness, but not a dealbreaker.

Feature	Original PS5	PS5 Slim
Internal Storage	825 GB	1 TB
Expandable Storage	Yes (M.2 NVMe)	Yes (M.2 NVMe)
Disc Drive Removable?	No	Yes (Digital Edition only)
Base Stand Flexibility	Screws required for orientation change	No tools needed
Console Weight (Disc Edition)	4.5 kg	3.2 kg

The increased base storage is a meaningful improvement, especially considering how quickly space fills up with game installations, patches, and downloadable content. For example, *Final Fantasy XVI* takes up around 150GB, while *Spider-Man: Miles Morales* clocks in at 107GB. With only 667GB usable on the original PS5, managing storage became a constant chore. The Slim’s 850GB of usable space offers breathing room, delaying the need for external or expanded storage.

What’s Missing? Evaluating Trade-Offs

The PS5 Slim does eliminate one feature present on the original: the ability to expand storage using USB-based extended storage for PS5 games. Wait—what?

Let’s clarify. Both consoles allow USB external drives to store and play PS4 games. But only the original PS5 allowed users to move PS5 games to USB drives for cold storage (not play). The PS5 Slim removes this option entirely. You can still back up PS5 titles to an external USB drive, but you must reinstall them onto the internal or M.2 SSD before playing.

This might not affect casual players, but power users who frequently juggle large libraries will feel the pinch. Imagine rotating between five major PS5 titles—you’d need to constantly reinstall games instead of swapping them instantly from USB. It’s a step back in convenience, likely made to streamline firmware or reduce compatibility testing.

Another subtle omission: the Slim lacks the original’s subtle ambient light pulse effect when in rest mode. It’s purely cosmetic, but fans appreciated the soft glow as a status indicator. Now, the power LED is the only visual cue.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a longtime PlayStation fan from Austin, TX, owned the original PS5 Disc Edition since launch. By mid-2023, she was frustrated with storage limits and the console’s bulk. When the Slim released, she saw it as a perfect upgrade—smaller size, more storage, and the option to keep her disc collection.

She bought the Digital Edition Slim and added the standalone disc drive. Initially thrilled, she later realized she could no longer archive PS5 games to her 2TB USB drive. Her workflow—backing up *God of War Ragnarök* while playing *Resident Evil Village*—now required re-downloading 120GB each time. “It felt like a downgrade,” she said. “I didn’t expect Sony to remove a feature I relied on.”

Eventually, she invested in a 2TB M.2 SSD, solving the problem—but at extra cost and effort. Her experience highlights a broader trend: convenience improvements sometimes come at the expense of advanced user flexibility.

Step-by-Step: Upgrading Your PS5 Slim Storage

If you own a PS5 Slim and want to expand beyond the 1TB limit, follow this proven process:

1. Check compatibility: Ensure your M.2 NVMe SSD supports PCIe Gen4 x4 and has a heatsink (or buy one separately).
2. Format requirements: Drives must be between 250GB and 8TB and use an M.2 2280 form factor.
3. Power down: Turn off the console completely—don’t use rest mode.
4. Remove the cover: Unscrew the single screw on the side panel near the rear ports and slide the cover off.
5. Insert the SSD: Align the drive at a 30-degree angle into the slot and press down until it clicks.
6. Reattach the cover: Slide it back and secure with the screw.
7. Initialize in settings: Go to Settings > Storage > Internal Storage (M.2) and format the drive.
8. Migrate games: Use the built-in transfer tool to move titles from the internal SSD.

This process takes about 15 minutes and dramatically increases usable space. Many users report seamless performance after installation, with no throttling or instability when using high-quality drives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play PS5 games directly from a USB drive on the Slim?

No. Unlike PS4 games, PS5 titles cannot be played from USB extended storage on any PS5 model. They must be installed on the internal SSD or an M.2 NVMe drive. The Slim also removes the ability to store (but not play) PS5 games on USB, which was possible on the original.

Is the PS5 Slim quieter than the original?

Not significantly. Both models operate at similar noise levels under load. The Slim’s re-engineered airflow helps maintain temperatures efficiently, but subjective differences are minimal. Some users report slightly lower idle noise, but this varies by unit.

Does the removable disc drive affect performance?

No. The external Ultra HD Blu-ray Drive connects via a proprietary port on the back and functions identically to the built-in drive on the original PS5. There’s no latency, bandwidth limitation, or game compatibility issue.

Expert Insight: Balancing Form and Function

“Sony’s shift to a modular disc drive suggests a long-term strategy: standardizing the base console and monetizing accessories. It’s smart business, but it shifts costs to consumers who want full functionality.” — Lena Park, Console Industry Analyst at TechInsider Reports

Park notes that while the Slim offers better ergonomics and slightly improved specs, the removal of USB archival for PS5 games reflects a broader industry trend—pushing users toward cloud solutions and internal storage expansion, both of which benefit hardware and service revenue streams.

Final Verdict: Is Anything Truly Missing?

The PS5 Slim isn’t missing *critical* features like performance, graphics capability, or backward compatibility. In fact, it improves upon the original in key areas: size, weight, base storage, and disc drive flexibility. However, it does sacrifice niche but valuable functionalities—most notably, the ability to archive PS5 games to USB storage.

For the average gamer, this loss won’t matter. Most prefer simplicity and don’t rotate large game libraries frequently. But for enthusiasts, collectors, or those with limited internet bandwidth, the inability to cold-store PS5 titles externally is a legitimate drawback.

Ultimately, the PS5 Slim represents refinement, not revolution. It’s a more mature version of the same powerful machine, optimized for mass appeal and compact living spaces. If you’re buying your first PS5, the Slim is the better choice. If you already own the original and aren’t constrained by space or storage, upgrading may not be worth the cost—unless you value the aesthetic and ergonomic improvements.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Assess your gaming habits: Do you prioritize convenience or customization? Need maximum storage flexibility or a cleaner setup? Weigh these factors, and choose the PS5 that fits your lifestyle—not just the one that fits your shelf.