Unlike most of us, the PS5 is getting slimmer for this Holiday Season.
Sony has finally peeled back the curtains and the long-rumoured PS5 Slim has finally broken cover with a confirmed release window and it would seem many of the rumours were true.
We’re somehow already three years into the PS5 lifecycle so it was only a matter of time before we saw the slimming treatment, as has been the case in previous console generations.
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Whilst it isn’t quite as Slim as the PlayStation 2, 3 or 4 revisions, it is indeed smaller than the original PS5 form factor. The main differences are in the functionality of the side plates and internal changes made to the cooling solution.
Perhaps most interestingly for the bargain hunters out there will be the eventual revelation of whether there are any big price cuts on the original PS5 model stock.
There’s plenty to be getting through, however, so keep reading to find out all you need to know about the new PS5 Slim, if you should upgrade or wait for a bargain.
When is PS5 Slim release date?
The release date window for the PS5 Slim is November 2023.
We don’t have a specific date yet but over on the PlayStation Blog, Sony tells us;
“The new PS5 model will be available starting this November in the U.S. at select local retailers and […] It will continue to roll out globally in the following months. Once inventory of the current PS5 model has sold out, the new PS5 will become the only model available.”
Beginning in early 2024, different colours of side plates will also become available meaning you should be able to get your new PS5 Slim looking just how you want it.
Once we have a solid date for both confirmed, we will be sure to update you as soon as we can.
Interestingly, we had various different rumours pointing towards an end-of-2023 release date for a while and the most convincing piece of evidence pointing towards it came from the unlikeliest of sources: Microsoft.
As part of the ongoing court battles regarding Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard, a court document was unveiled detailing how the company behind the Xbox believed a PS5 Slim was on the way soon.
The document (thanks, IGN) explains that Sony “is expected to release a PlayStation 5 Slim later this year”.
It also detailed that the cost of the Slim should be priced “at the same reduced price point” of the digital-only edition of Sony’s current-gen machine.
With the reveal, all of this has proven to be true making any future leaks from Microsoft seem all the more compelling.
How much does the PS5 Slim cost?
The PS5 Slim Digital Edition price will cost you the same £389.99 as the original version, while the slimmer Blu-Ray will set you back £479.99.
You can also buy a separate Blu-Ray side plate on its own, for £99.99, which is great for customers who maybe can’t quite afford the full package right now.
Mercifully, the disc drive cover isn’t fused to the drive itself, meaning you won’t have to shell out another £99.99 just to get a different colour.
There’s also a new vertical stand that works with all prior PS5 models that will set you back £24.99.
What’s different about the PS5 Slim?
The new PS5 Slim has different side plates – four instead of two – one of which can contain a detachable Blu-Ray disc drive, allowing for easier repairs or the ability to upgrade your Digital Edition.
The PS5 Slim is also slightly shorter, slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, owing to the smaller cooling system inside. It’s not a huge difference, but it is a welcome one for such a behemoth console.
There’s also a new horizontal stand that comes included, making it easier to tuck away your PS5 Slim in a television cabinet.
PS5 Slim rumours explained – is it officially confirmed?
Yes, Sony has officially confirmed the PS5 Slim.
There’s even an official reveal on YouTube that we’ve included below for your viewing pleasure.
Various rumours and leaks had suggested that the PS5 Slim could, in fact, come with a detachable disc drive which has turned out to be spot on.
Insider Gaming detailed how the upcoming mid-gen refresh of the PS5 could actually be very similar in size and design to the standard PlayStation 5, but with a detachable disc drive.
The end product is slightly smaller for sure and is lighter to boot.
Over on The Leak, a source explained that the new PS5 model underwent a die shrink process, which should allow the console to carry the same power and function as the standard model in a smaller, more power-efficient and cooler shell.
This is no doubt what happened and the smaller cooling system lends further credence to this theory. Once we know more about the PS5 Slim release date and pre-order situation, we’ll be sure to let you know!
Read more on PlayStation:
- The very best PS4 & PS5 games
- What is PS Plus? Price and perks explained
- Can you play PS4 games on PS5?
- PS5 controller charger – best ways to charge your DualSense
- PS Plus free games – full list and when the next ones come out
- PS5 stock – how to buy the new console
- PS Plus offers – the latest deals
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