Switch Oled Vs Ps5 Slim Which Console Design Actually Fits Better In Small Spaces

As more people embrace urban living, dorm rooms, studio apartments, or minimalist home setups, space efficiency has become a top priority when choosing electronics—even gaming consoles. The battle between portability, performance, and footprint is real. Two of the most popular current-gen systems—the Nintendo Switch OLED and the PlayStation 5 Slim—represent vastly different philosophies in design and usability. One is built around mobility; the other aims to refine a powerful home entertainment centerpiece. But when it comes to fitting into tight shelves, cramped entertainment centers, or portable travel bags, which one actually wins?

This isn’t just about dimensions on paper. It’s about how each console integrates into daily life when square footage matters. From physical size and orientation options to peripheral clutter and ventilation needs, we’ll break down every factor that determines which system truly belongs in a small-space environment.

Physical Dimensions: A Clear Size Disparity

The most obvious place to start is with raw measurements. When every inch counts, especially on narrow TV stands or floating shelves, the actual footprint of a console can be decisive.

Console	Length	Width	Height	Volume (approx.)
Nintendo Switch OLED (base only)	4.0 inches (102 mm)	0.5 inches (13.5 mm)	2.6 inches (66 mm)	~5.3 in³
PS5 Slim (horizontal, disc version)	15.4 inches (390 mm)	10.5 inches (260 mm)	4.1 inches (104 mm)	~647 in³
PS5 Slim (vertical stand attached)	—	10.5 inches	15.7 inches	~660 in³

The difference is staggering. The Switch OLED base alone takes up less than 1% of the volume occupied by the PS5 Slim. Even if you include the dock and Joy-Con controllers attached, the entire setup still doesn’t approach the bulk of Sony’s slimmer next-gen machine. This makes the Switch OLED inherently more adaptable to confined areas like bookshelves, nightstands, or even repurposed kitchen cabinets used as media storage.

Tip: If shelf depth is limited (under 12 inches), the PS5 Slim may overhang visibly, while the Switch OLED will sit flush against the wall.

Design Flexibility: Orientation and Mounting Options

Size alone doesn’t tell the full story. How a device can be positioned also affects its spatial impact. Both consoles offer multiple placement options—but with very different practical outcomes.

The **Nintendo Switch OLED** excels here. It’s designed for flexibility:

• Lays flat horizontally on any surface
• Stands upright using its built-in kickstand (ideal for tabletop play)
• Docks vertically or horizontally in third-party or official docks
• Can be stored undocked and used wirelessly elsewhere

In contrast, the **PS5 Slim** supports both horizontal and vertical orientations—but requires a separate screw-on stand for vertical positioning. While this gives users some freedom, the console remains large regardless of direction. In vertical mode, it gains height but saves floor space; horizontally, it spreads wide but stays low-profile.

“Small-space living demands multi-functional furniture and minimal visual noise. Devices should disappear when not in use.” — Lena Tran, Urban Interior Designer

For renters or those using shared surfaces (like a desk doubling as a dining table), the ability to remove the Switch OLED from view entirely—and play on a handheld screen—is unmatched. The PS5 Slim, meanwhile, must remain connected to power, display, and often internet to maintain updates and remote features.

Ventilation and Clearance Requirements

A common oversight in compact setups is airflow. Overheating risks increase when consoles are crammed into enclosed shelves or placed near walls. Both systems have specific ventilation needs, but they differ significantly in tolerance.

The **Switch OLED**, thanks to its modest hardware and passive cooling design, generates little heat. It doesn’t require substantial clearance around it. You can safely place it inside a closed cabinet or behind glass doors—as long as the vents near the ports and top edge aren’t blocked. However, prolonged gameplay in poorly ventilated enclosures may lead to throttling.

The **PS5 Slim**, despite being smaller than the original model, still houses high-performance components that generate considerable heat. Sony recommends at least 4 inches (10 cm) of clearance on all sides, especially at the exhaust vents located on the side panels. Placing it in an enclosed entertainment center without proper cutouts or fans increases the risk of thermal throttling and long-term wear.

Tip: Use mesh-front shelves or open racks instead of glass cabinets when housing the PS5 Slim to ensure adequate airflow.

Peripheral Clutter and Cable Management

In small spaces, cables and accessories contribute heavily to visual congestion. A clean setup enhances both usability and aesthetics.

The **Switch OLED** shines again in this category. When used in handheld or tabletop mode, no external cables are needed beyond charging. Even when docked, the system typically connects via a single HDMI cable and power adapter. Many users opt for wireless audio and controllers, minimizing additional wires.

The PS5 Slim, however, tends to accumulate more peripherals: DualSense controllers requiring frequent charging, Pulse headphones, HD cameras, USB hubs, and external SSDs for game storage. Each adds another cable or device footprint. Managing these neatly requires dedicated organizers, under-shelf mounts, or hidden compartments.

Additionally, the PS5 Slim retains the same proprietary power supply as the original PS5—bulky and non-standard—making it harder to integrate into sleek power strips or surge protectors.

Real-World Scenario: Apartment Living Room Setup

Consider Maya, a graphic designer living in a 450-square-foot studio apartment in downtown Seattle. Her living area doubles as her workspace and entertainment zone. She owns both a Switch OLED and a PS5 Slim but only has space for one console on her wall-mounted TV stand, which measures just 18 inches wide.

Initially, she placed the PS5 Slim horizontally beneath her TV. While functional, it consumed nearly the entire width of the stand, leaving no room for a soundbar, streaming stick, or decorative items. After two months, she moved the PS5 Slim to a closet shelf with ventilation fans and replaced it with the Switch OLED dock.

Now, she uses the Switch primarily through HDMI output for casual games and Netflix, reserving the PS5 Slim for weekend deep dives into titles like *Final Fantasy XVI* or *Spider-Man 2*. On those occasions, she reconnects the PS5 temporarily. This hybrid approach maximizes space without sacrificing access to either platform.

Her experience highlights a growing trend: treating consoles not as permanent fixtures, but as modular tools adapted to lifestyle rhythms.

Portability Factor: Beyond the Living Room

One aspect unique to the Switch OLED is true portability. While the PS5 Slim is “slimmer,” it’s still a full home console. Moving it regularly risks damage, disconnects services, and interrupts downloads.

The Switch OLED, by design, transitions seamlessly between environments:

• From bedside table to coffee table
• To backpack for travel or visits
• Even to outdoor settings with battery-powered monitors

This fluidity means the device doesn’t need a dedicated “home” at all. It can exist transiently, appearing only when needed. For someone sharing space with a partner, family, or roommates, this reduces friction over shared surfaces.

In contrast, the PS5 Slim assumes a fixed role. Its presence signals permanence. That’s ideal for dedicated gaming rooms—but problematic where space is contested or multifunctional.

Storage and Expandability Trade-offs

Both systems support external storage, but their internal capacities and usage patterns affect how much extra gear you’ll need nearby.

Storage Comparison: Switch OLED vs PS5 Slim

Feature	Switch OLED	PS5 Slim
Internal Storage	64 GB (usable ~50 GB)	1 TB (usable ~850 GB)
Expandable Via	microSDXC card (up to 2TB)	M.2 NVMe SSD slot + USB extended storage
Typical Add-on Needed?	Yes – most users add microSD	Sometimes – depends on game library size
Extra Device Footprint	Negligible (card fits inside)	External drive adds shelf space need

While the PS5 Slim offers far more internal storage, many players eventually add external drives due to the large file sizes of modern AAA games (often 80–120 GB each). These drives occupy additional space and require power and USB connections, increasing clutter.

The Switch’s reliance on microSD cards introduces no spatial cost—once installed, they’re invisible. Game cartridges also eliminate the need for constant downloads, freeing up both storage and bandwidth.

Actionable Checklist: Choosing Based on Space Constraints

Use this checklist to determine which console aligns best with your spatial reality:

1. Measure your available surface area – Is there less than 12 inches of depth? Switch wins.
2. Assess ventilation options – Can you provide 4+ inches of clearance on all sides? Required for PS5 Slim.
3. Evaluate multi-use zones – Do you share space or repurpose furniture? Switch’s portability helps.
4. Count existing devices – Already using a soundbar, Apple TV, or PC? The Switch adds less strain.
5. Consider usage frequency – Playing AAA titles weekly? PS5 delivers performance. Preferring quick sessions? Switch suffices.
6. Think about travel needs – Going on trips or visiting family? Only the Switch travels easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the PS5 Slim fit in a standard entertainment center?

Yes, but barely. Most standard shelves are 16–18 inches deep. The PS5 Slim measures 15.4 inches long, so it will fit—but with little room to spare. Ensure side vents aren’t obstructed, and avoid stacking items beside it.

Does the Switch OLED need to stay docked all the time?

No. Unlike traditional home consoles, the Switch OLED functions fully off-dock. You can play anywhere, then return it to the dock later for charging and TV output. This intermittent use reduces its spatial demand.

Is vertical placement better for saving space?

It depends. Vertical orientation reduces footprint but increases height. In a tall, narrow cabinet, it works well. On a short shelf with overhead constraints (like a drop-down bed or bunk), horizontal may be safer.

Final Verdict: Which Console Fits Better in Small Spaces?

If pure physical footprint, adaptability, and low environmental impact are priorities, the **Nintendo Switch OLED** is the clear winner for small spaces. Its compact form, flexible usage modes, minimal cabling, and true portability make it ideal for studios, dorms, RVs, or any environment where space is at a premium.

The **PS5 Slim**, while significantly smaller than its predecessor, remains a substantial piece of hardware. It performs admirably as a centerpiece in a dedicated entertainment setup, but struggles in constrained or shared areas. Its need for consistent ventilation, fixed connectivity, and peripheral ecosystem limits its spatial agility.

That said, the choice ultimately hinges on gaming preferences. Someone who values immersive, graphically intense experiences may accept the spatial trade-off for the PS5’s capabilities. But for those seeking seamless integration into compact lifestyles—with zero wasted space—the Switch OLED isn’t just convenient. It’s essential.

🚀 Ready to optimize your setup? Measure your space today, test mock placements, and consider whether your console should work for you—or force you to work around it.