In October 2023, Sony unveiled a "new PS5" without warning. Behind this enigmatic name, a PS5 Slim.Unlike the previous generation (PS4/Xbox One), Sony got ahead of its competitor Microsoft by releasing its slimmed-down version of the PS5. At the Redmond company, at the same time, it still had to deal with the original Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X.
What's gotten into Sony? Despite the release of a revision in 2022 (the PS5-1200), Sony is still struggling. The PS5 Slim will streamline the manufacturing process and reduce shipping costs. It is therefore not made directly for gamers, but to stop PlayStation's financial hemorrhage.
Despite everything, heir to a long line of slimmed-down consoles, this new PS5 Slim is both interesting and questionable. The modularity of its optical drive seems to be a good solution, as do its reduced dimensions. On the other hand, its design shows some questionable biases. Here is our opinion on the PS5 Slim after more than a year of testing.
The advantages of the PS5 Slim
Finally a PS5 of reasonable size
Including its disc drive, the PS5 Slim measures 35.8 x 9.6 x 21.6 cm, compared to 39 x 10.4 x 26 cm for the standard version. That's a significant reduction, although comparing it to a PS4 Pro would make it feel more like a PS4 Slim. The PlayStation 5 Slim remains bulky, and this is due to the fact that Sony started from a very long way behind the PS5, the largest home console ever created.
The weight also changes. It loses a little less than a kilo. But that's not a very relevant figure for a home console. On the other hand, it's the thickness that we could have expected a little better. We gain less than a centimeter. The PS5 Slim won't fit any more flat in the tightest TV cabinets. Let's not spoil our pleasure just yet. While it's not as "Slim" as its ancestors, the new PS5 is still more spacious than the original. An excellent point.
And above all, this trick is achieved by managing to reduce the noise emitted by the machine. At rest or under load, there may only be a 4 or 5 decibel difference between a PS5 and a PS5 Slim, but the PS5 Slim produces a higher-pitched, less prominent, and therefore more discreet noise.
The PS5 Slim's lower noise level is due to a change in the fan. Even though it's smaller, it has reworked blades that dissipate heat more efficiently and more quietly. It's also worth noting that this PS5 Slim is, of course, built with the same processor as the PS5-1200. This 2022 revision features a 6nm CPU, compared to 7nm for the original PS5. In fact, it consumes less and emits less heat.
Two USB-C ports are better than one
The PS5 was released in 2020, a year when USB-A was still widely used. USB-C is increasingly taking over from its predecessor, even Apple has already started using it with its iPhone 15. In fact, we can only praise Sony's choice to replace the USB-A on the front of the PS5 Slim with a USB-C that is much more in line with 2023 usage. But owners of USB-A accessories (hard drives, headphones, charging docks, etc.) can rest assured, two of these connectors remain positioned on the back of the console. src="https://www.01net.com/app/uploads/2023/12/PXL_20231206_144950182.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg"> This is a component that has caused quite a stir. It's undoubtedly the biggest innovation of this PS5 Slim.The Blu-ray drive on this console is optional. You can buy the machine with or without it, even if you want to acquire it later. No need to choose between a Standard or Digital PS5. Here, going back is allowed, which is great. Especially since its retractable design makes it easy to work on it in the event of a breakdown. It will then be enough to replace only this part, without having to go to a repairer. Moreover, handling is very simple and can be done without tools. Simply remove the faceplate that covers it. This gives access to the reader unit. It is only attached by a proprietary plug that automatically releases. In reality, is the PS5 Slim's drive completely plug'n play? Yes and no. While tools aren't required, an internet connection is required to activate the PS5 Slim's drive. So much for serialization, which makes the hardware dependent on the software. Sony probably doesn't want its drive to be tinkered with or for an unapproved drive to be installed in its console. A restriction is therefore required. After installation, the drive must be validated online and then attached to the console via software. Despite everything, we're happy to be able to upgrade our console without having to break the bank from the first purchase. Additionally, this decision allows Sony to increase the repairability index of its PS5 Slim. It's impossible to talk about the PS5 Slim's optical drive without mentioning its eject button. On the PS5 Standard, it's located next to the power button. In practice, there's nothing more annoying than turning off your console when you only want to eject a disc, and vice versa. With its removable drive, Sony was forced to move this button. It is now next to the disk hatch and that changes the whole ergonomics, for the better. The PS5 initially comes with 825GB of storage space. At least, that's what's stated on the box. In reality, only 667GB is available, with the rest being automatically allocated to the system. And from this capacity, you still have to subtract the space occupied by functions "reserved for the proper functioning of games and applications." This capacity is likely to evolve depending on how the console is used. After 3 years of operation, ours has been encroached by 75 GB. This is where the PS5 Slim comes in, a lifesaver, riding high on its white horse. It launches with an announced storage space of 1 TB, or 1000 GB. Sony is proud of this, as this capacity is mentioned everywhere on the box. But here we go again, we don't get all of it. 832 GB are allocated to the user. This is still better than before since we gain 165 GB here. This is not insignificant when you consider that Baldur's Gates 3 takes up nearly 110 GB, for example. It should be noted in passing that the internal SSD of the PS5 Slim seems less efficient in copy than that of the original PS5. Upon installation, Shadow of the Colossus (PS4, Blu-ray) took 7 minutes 14 seconds on the first one compared to 7 minutes 40 seconds on the new one. When reading, however, there is no difference; both are equally fast. This was a feature of the PS5 that we would have liked to see on the PS5 Slim. Sandwiched between two faceplates, it featured vents cut out with small grooves. Enough to effectively hide part of its anatomy. Sony has removed this gut cover on the PS5 Slim. It's only aesthetic of course, but we can now see metal parts, previously hidden. It's pretty mean, but Sony is charging for the dock for its PS5 Slim. Sold separately, it's listed at €30, whereas it was previously included with the standard version of the console. In practice, it would be dishonest to say that it's essential. The console stands up very well in a vertical position, just like the PS5 Standard. When lying down, you have to make do with the two small standees provided in the box. Two transparent plastic pieces that fit into the black groove that separates the faceplates of the PS5 Slim. It holds up pretty well, as long as you don't jostle the console too much. Aside from the dimensions, Sony has barely changed the overall design of its console. It retains its characteristic lines. However, its faceplates have been redesigned in terms of materials. There are four plates, compared to two previously. And two of them are made of glossy plastic. A texture that tends to scratch very easily, even without touching it. Those who have owned a Standard PS3 or Standard PS4 can attest to this. The advantage of the PS5 is that these parts can be replaced. Shortages, inflation... In August 2022, Sony increased the price of its classic PS5. The new home console saw its price increase by 50 euros, whether it was the classic version or the Digital Edition. In April 2025, Sony announced a new price increase for its PS5, but only for its Digital Edition. The new prices of the Sony PS5 are therefore €499.99 and €549.99. PS5 Slim price: Thus, the PS5 Standard remains a good alternative for those who are not yet equipped. With retailers clearing their stocks, you can find good deals on this machine. In its 2022 version, it also benefits from a more finely engraved chip, reducing the risk of overheating. The PS5 Slim is a sensible choice for Sony. After more than a year of testing, are we getting it right? The answer is still positive. We would have liked an even more compact console, but the PS5 Slim has nevertheless reworked the dimensions of the PS5 Standard, since dubbed the PS5 "Fat." Its removable optical drive makes it an upgradeable machine, practical for not spending too much. The additional 165 GB of internal memory is not too much either. So yes, its price hasn't changed one iota, and that's debatable, compared to the PS5 Standard. However, for the asking price, we are entitled to some nice developments.
Our opinion on the removable drive: an excellent idea
A well-placed eject button
Storage increases
The disadvantages of the PS5 Slim
The PS5 Slim no longer hides its vents
The dock is optional
Glossy plastic ages
The price increases of the PS5 Slim
Our opinion on the PS5 Slim: should you buy it?
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim
€449.99 Rating
8.0/10
Pros
Cons
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