If you’re a fan of PlayStation consoles, you might be wondering whether to buy the PS5 or wait for the PS5 Slim. Both consoles offer amazing gaming experiences, but they also have some differences that could affect your decision.
In this article, I’ll compare the PS5 and the PS5 Slim based on the latest rumors and information available, and help you decide which one is right for you.
What is the PS5?
The PS5 is Sony’s latest flagship console launched in November 2020. It features a powerful AMD Zen 2 CPU and a custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU that can deliver up to 10.28 teraflops of performance. It also has 16GB of GDDR6 memory and an ultra-fast 825GB SSD that can load games in seconds. The PS5 supports 4K resolution at up to 120Hz, as well as ray tracing, 3D audio, and backward compatibility with most PS4 games.
The PS5 comes in two versions:
the standard edition with a disc drive and the digital edition without one. The standard edition costs $499 / £449 / AU$749, while the digital edition costs $399 / £359 / AU$599. The only difference between them is the disc drive, which means you can play physical games and Blu-ray discs on the standard edition, but not on the digital edition.
The PS5 has a unique design that features a white and black color scheme and a curved shape. It also has a blue LED light that runs along the sides of the console. The PS5 is quite large and heavy, measuring 390 x 104 x 260 mm (15.4 x 4.1 x 10.2 inches) and weighing 4.5 kg (9.9 pounds) for the standard edition, and 390 x 92 x 260 mm (15.4 x 3.6 x 10.2 inches) and weighing 3.9 kg (8.6 pounds) for the digital edition.
The PS5 comes with a new DualSense controller that has adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, a built-in microphone, a speaker, a headphone jack, a USB-C port, and a Create button that replaces the Share button on the DualShock 4. The DualSense controller has a similar design to the PS5 console, with a white and black color scheme and a blue LED light.
What is the PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim is a rumored version of the PS5 that could be smaller, lighter, cheaper, and more energy-efficient than the original PS5. Sony has not officially announced or confirmed the existence of the PS5 Slim, but there are some clues and speculations that suggest it could be coming soon.
Sony has a history of releasing slim versions of its consoles about three years after their launch. For example, the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro both came out in September 2016, three years after the original PS4 launched in November 2013. The same was true for the PS3 Slim and the PS3 Super Slim, which came out in September 2009 and September 2012 respectively, three years after the original PS3 launched in November 2006.
Release Date
Based on this pattern, some analysts predict that the PS5 Slim could arrive sometime in late 2023 or early 2024. However, there are also some reports that suggest it could come sooner than that.
According to TheLeak.com, Sony is working on a redesigned PS5 model that could start production in Q2 2022 and go on sale in Q3 2022. The new model would be smaller and lighter than the original PS5, thanks to a die shrink of the CPU that would reduce power consumption and heat generation. The new model would also have a different chassis that would allow it to stand vertically without a stand.
TheLeak.com claims that the new model would not be called PS5 Slim, but rather just PS5. It would replace the original model as Sony’s main console offering, while keeping the same performance and features. The new model would also have a lower price than the original model, possibly around $399 / £349 for the standard edition and $299 / £259 for the digital edition.
Another source of information about the possible PS5 Slim is Sony itself. In August 2021, Sony released a new version of the PS5 Digital Edition that was 300 grams lighter than the launch model.
This new version also had a redesigned heatsink that resulted in a cooler system. However, some tests showed that the new version also ran louder than the original one.
These changes could be a sign that Sony is experimenting with different components and designs for the PS5 Slim. However, they could also be just minor adjustments to improve production efficiency and reduce the costs of the PS5 Digital Edition.
The PS5 Slim is expected to have the same specs and features as the original PS5, but with a smaller and lighter design. It could also have some minor improvements, such as a better cooling system, a quieter fan, or a more convenient stand. However, it could also lose some features, such as the optical port or the USB ports.
The PS5 Slim could also have a different design than the original PS5, with a more streamlined and sleek look. It could also have a different color scheme, such as black or silver, to match the DualSense controller.
PS5 vs PS5 Slim: Which One Should You Buy?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between the PS5 and the PS5 Slim:
- Size and weight: If you have limited space in your living room or you want to move your console around easily, the PS5 Slim could be a better option for you. The PS5 Slim could be significantly smaller and lighter than the original PS5, which is one of the largest and heaviest consoles ever made. However, if you don’t mind the size and weight of the PS5, or you actually like its unique design, then you might prefer the original model.
- Price: If you want to save some money on your console purchase, the PS5 Slim could be a better option for you. The PS5 Slim could be cheaper than the original PS5 by around $100 / £90 / AU$150, depending on the region and the edition. However, if you don’t mind paying more for your console, or you want to get it as soon as possible, then you might prefer the original model.
- Performance and features: If you want to enjoy the best gaming experience possible on your console, the PS5 Slim could be a better option for you. The PS5 Slim could have some minor improvements over the original PS5, such as a better cooling system, a quieter fan, or a more convenient stand. However, if you don’t care about these minor differences, or you actually prefer some features of the original PS5, such as the optical port or the USB ports, then you might prefer the original model.
- Availability: If you want to get your console as soon as possible, the original PS5 could be a better option for you. The original PS5 is already available in most regions, although it’s still very hard to find due to high demand and low supply. The PS5 Slim is not yet available and it’s not clear when it will be released. It could take months or even years before it becomes widely available. However, if you’re willing to wait for your console, or you want to get the latest model possible, then you might prefer the PS5 Slim.
Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to which console is better. Both consoles offer amazing gaming experiences that will satisfy most gamers. The choice between them depends on your personal preferences and needs.
PS5 vs PS5 Slim: How They Compare to Other Consoles
The PS5 and the PS5 Slim are not the only consoles on the market. There are also two other major competitors: the Xbox Series X/S and the Nintendo Switch. How do these consoles compare to the PS5 and the PS5 Slim? Here are some brief comparisons based on their main features and strengths:
- Xbox Series X/S: The Xbox Series X/S are Microsoft’s latest consoles that launched in November 2020. They feature similar specs to the PS5, with the Xbox Series X being slightly more powerful and the Xbox Series S being slightly less powerful. The Xbox Series X/S support 4K resolution at up to 120Hz, ray tracing, 3D audio, and backward compatibility with most Xbox One games and some Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. The Xbox Series X costs $499 / £449 / AU$749, while the Xbox Series S costs $299 / £249 / AU$499. The main difference between them is the disc drive, which means you can play physical games and Blu-ray discs on the Xbox Series X, but not on the Xbox Series S.
The Xbox Series X/S have some advantages over the PS5 and the PS5 Slim, such as a more robust backward compatibility, a more user-friendly interface, a more ergonomic controller, and a more diverse lineup of exclusive games. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as a less attractive design, a less impressive SSD, a less immersive DualSense controller, and a less popular PlayStation brand.
The selling point of the Xbox Series X/S
The biggest selling point of the Xbox Series X/S is the Xbox Game Pass service, which lets you download or stream hundreds of games on your console, PC, or smartphone for a monthly fee. This service gives you access to many exclusive games from Microsoft-owned studios, such as Halo, Gears, Forza, and Bethesda. It also lets you play many third-party games on day one without paying extra. If you value quantity and variety over quality and exclusivity, then the Xbox Series X/S might be a better option for you than the PS5 or the PS5 Slim.
- Nintendo Switch: The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo’s hybrid console that launched in March 2017. It features a less powerful Nvidia Tegra X1 CPU and GPU that can deliver up to 0.4 teraflops of performance. It also has 4GB of LPDDR4 memory and a 32GB eMMC storage that can be expanded with microSD cards. The Nintendo Switch supports up to 1080p resolution when docked to a TV and up to 720p resolution when handheld. It does not support ray tracing or 3D audio, but it does support backward compatibility with most Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games via digital downloads.
The Nintendo Switch comes in two versions:
The standard edition with detachable Joy-Con controllers and a dock that connects to a TV, and the Lite edition without detachable Joy-Con controllers or a dock that can only be played handheld. The standard edition costs $299 / £279 / AU$469, while the Lite edition costs $199 / £199 / AU$329. There is also a new OLED edition that features a larger and brighter OLED screen, a wider kickstand, an improved audio system, and a LAN port on the dock. The OLED edition costs $349 / £309 / AU$539.
The Nintendo Switch has some advantages over the PS5 and the PS5 Slim, such as its portability, its versatility, its family-friendliness, its motion controls, its local multiplayer options, and its incredible lineup of exclusive games from Nintendo franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Smash Bros., and more. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as its lower performance, its lower resolution, its lower storage space, its lower battery life (except for the OLED edition), its higher game prices (the so-called “Nintendo tax”), and its lack of online features.
Selling point of the Nintendo Switch
The biggest selling point of the Nintendo Switch is its unique hybrid design that lets you play games anywhere you want: on your TV at home or on your handheld on the go. This design gives you more freedom and flexibility than any other console on the market. If you value convenience and creativity over power and realism, then the Nintendo Switch might be a better option for you than the PS5 or the PS5 Slim.
PS5 vs PS5 Slim: Benefits and Drawbacks
The PS5 and the PS5 Slim are both great consoles that offer many benefits to gamers. However, they also have some drawbacks that could affect your gaming experience. Here are some of the pros and cons of each console based on original research:
PS5
Pros:
- The PS5 is the most powerful console on the market, with a 10.28 teraflop GPU that can deliver stunning graphics and smooth performance. It can run games at up to 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, as well as support ray tracing and 3D audio for more immersive gameplay.
- The PS5 has an ultra-fast 825GB SSD that can load games in seconds and reduce loading times significantly. It also has a custom I/O system that can stream data directly from the SSD to the GPU, bypassing the CPU and RAM and improving performance and efficiency.
- The PS5 has a new DualSense controller that features adaptive triggers and haptic feedback that can simulate different sensations and effects depending on the game. It also has a built-in microphone, a speaker, a headphone jack, a USB-C port, and a Create button that lets you capture and share your gameplay easily.
- The PS5 has a strong lineup of exclusive games that showcase its capabilities and appeal to different tastes. Some of the most popular PS5 exclusives include Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Demon’s Souls, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Returnal, Horizon Forbidden West, God of War: Ragnarok, and Gran Turismo 7.
- The PS5 has a sleek and futuristic design that stands out from other consoles. It has a white and black color scheme and a curved shape that resembles a spaceship or a building. It also has a blue LED light that runs along the sides of the console and matches the DualSense controller.
Cons:
- The PS5 is very large and heavy, making it hard to fit in some spaces or move around easily. It measures 390 x 104 x 260 mm (15.4 x 4.1 x 10.2 inches) and weighs 4.5 kg (9.9 pounds) for the standard edition, and 390 x 92 x 260 mm (15.4 x 3.6 x 10.2 inches) and weighs 3.9 kg (8.6 pounds) for the digital edition.
- The PS5 is very expensive, costing $499 / £449 / AU$749 for the standard edition and $399 / £359 / AU$599 for the digital edition. It also has higher game prices than other consoles, with some games costing up to $70 / £70 / AU$125.
- The PS5 has a limited storage space of 825GB, which is actually less than that due to the system software and updates. This means you can only store a few games on your console at a time, and you have to delete or transfer them to an external drive if you want to play more games.
- The PS5 has a limited backward compatibility with only most PS4 games and no PS3 or older games. This means you can’t play some of your favorite games from previous generations on your new console, unless you use PlayStation Now or PlayStation Plus services.
- The PS5 has a noisy fan that can get loud when playing demanding games or running for long periods of time. This can be annoying or distracting for some gamers who prefer a quieter gaming environment.
PS5 Slim
Pros:
- The PS5 Slim is expected to be smaller and lighter than the original PS5, making it easier to fit in any space or move around freely. It could also have a different chassis that would allow it to stand vertically without a stand.
- The PS5 Slim is expected to be cheaper than the original PS5 by around $100 / £90 / AU$150, depending on the region and the edition. This could make it more affordable and accessible for more gamers who want to enjoy next-gen gaming.
- The PS5 Slim is expected to have the same specs and features as the original PS5, meaning it would offer the same gaming experience with stunning graphics, fast loading times, immersive features, and exclusive games.
- The PS5 Slim could have some minor improvements over the original PS5, such as a better cooling system, a quieter fan, or a more convenient stand. These could enhance your gaming experience and comfort level.
- The PS5 Slim could have a different design than the original PS5, such as a more streamlined and sleek look. It could also have a different color scheme, such as black or silver, to match the DualSense controller.
Cons:
- The PS5 Slim is not yet available and it’s not clear when it will be released. It could take months or even years before it becomes widely available. This means you would have to wait for a long time to get your hands on it, while missing out on some of the best games and features of the current generation.
- The PS5 Slim could lose some features of the original PS5, such as the optical port or the USB ports. This could limit your options for playing physical games, Blu-ray discs, or connecting external devices to your console.
- The PS5 Slim could feel cheaper than the original PS5, as Sony might use less expensive materials or components to reduce the production costs. This could affect the durability or quality of your console over time.
- The PS5 Slim could have some performance issues or bugs that might not be present in the original PS5. This could happen if Sony makes some changes to the hardware or software that might not be fully tested or optimized for the new model.
- The PS5 Slim could have some compatibility issues with some accessories or peripherals that might be designed for the original PS5. This could happen if Sony changes the shape or size of the console or the ports that might affect how they fit or work with your devices.
PS5 vs PS5 Slim: Important Decision-Making Factors and Key Design Choices
The PS5 and the PS5 Slim are both excellent consoles that offer a similar gaming experience with stunning graphics, fast loading times, immersive features, and exclusive games. However, there are some important decision-making factors and key design choices that could affect your gaming experience and satisfaction. Here are some of them:
- Size and weight: The PS5 is very large and heavy, making it hard to fit in some spaces or move around easily. It measures 390 x 104 x 260 mm (15.4 x 4.1 x 10.2 inches) and weighs 4.5 kg (9.9 pounds) for the standard edition, and 390 x 92 x 260 mm (15.4 x 3.6 x 10.2 inches) and weighs 3.9 kg (8.6 pounds) for the digital edition. The PS5 Slim is expected to be smaller and lighter than the original PS5, making it easier to fit in any space or move around freely. It could also have a different chassis that would allow it to stand vertically without a stand. The size and weight of the console could affect your comfort level, convenience, and aesthetics.
- Price: The PS5 is very expensive, costing $499 / £449 / AU$749 for the standard edition and $399 / £359 / AU$599 for the digital edition. It also has higher game prices than other consoles, with some games costing up to $70 / £70 / AU$125. The PS5 Slim is expected to be cheaper than the original PS5 by around $100 / £90 / AU$150, depending on the region and the edition. This could make it more affordable and accessible for more gamers who want to enjoy next-gen gaming. The price of the console could affect your budget, value, and availability.
- Performance and features: The PS5 and the PS5 Slim are expected to have the same specs and features, meaning they would offer the same gaming experience with stunning graphics, fast loading times, immersive features, and exclusive games. However, the PS5 Slim could have some minor improvements over the original PS5, such as a better cooling system, a quieter fan, or a more convenient stand. These could enhance your gaming experience and comfort level. However, the PS5 Slim could also lose some features of the original PS5, such as the optical port or the USB ports. This could limit your options for playing physical games, Blu-ray discs, or connecting external devices to your console.
- Design: The PS5 has a sleek and futuristic design that stands out from other consoles. It has a white and black color scheme and a curved shape that resembles a spaceship or a building. It also has a blue LED light that runs along the sides of the console and matches the DualSense controller. The PS5 Slim could have a different design than the original PS5, such as a more streamlined and sleek look. It could also have a different color scheme, such as black or silver, to match the DualSense controller. The design of the console could affect your personal taste, style, and mood.
These are some of the important decision-making factors and key design choices that you should consider when choosing between the PS5 and the PS5 Slim. They could have different effects on different users depending on their preferences and needs. You should weigh them carefully before making your final decision.
Conclusion
As you can see, each console has its own strengths and weaknesses that appeal to different types of gamers. There is no definitive answer to which console is better;
it all depends on your personal preferences and needs. The PS5 and the PS5 Slim offer the best gaming experience possible on a console, with stunning graphics, fast loading times, immersive features, and popular exclusive games. The Xbox Series X/S offer a similar gaming experience, with some advantages in backward compatibility, interface, controller, and game variety. The Nintendo Switch offers a unique gaming experience, with portability, versatility, family-friendliness, motion controls, local multiplayer options, and incredible exclusive games.
The best way to decide which console is right for you is to try them out yourself and see which one you enjoy the most. You can also read more reviews and watch more videos online to get a better idea of what each console can do. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of these consoles. They are all amazing machines that will provide you with hours of fun and entertainment.
I hope this article has helped you compare the PS5 and the PS5 Slim to other consoles and make an informed decision. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
Useful Resources
PS5 vs PS4: should you buy a PlayStation 5 in 2022?
This link takes you to an article that compares the PS5 and the PS4 in terms of price, specs, design, games, and verdict. It can help you decide whether you should upgrade from a PS4 to a PS5 or not.
PS5 vs PS4 Pro: should you upgrade?
This link takes you to an article that compares the PS5 and the PS4 Pro in terms of price, specs, design, games, and verdict. It can help you decide whether you should upgrade from a PS4 Pro to a PS5 or not.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X vs Nintendo Switch: which console should you buy?
This link takes you to a video that compares the PS5, the Xbox Series X, and the Nintendo Switch in terms of performance, features, games, and value. It can help you decide which console is best for you based on your preferences and needs.
Where to buy PS5: all the latest restock updates
This link takes you to a page that provides all the latest updates on where and when you can buy a PS5 online or in-store. It can help you find the best deals and offers on the PS5 and avoid missing out on stock.
Where to buy PS4: all the latest restock updates
This link takes you to a page that provides all the latest updates on where and when you can buy a PS4 online or in-store. It can help you find the best deals and offers on the PS4 and avoid missing out on stock.
