Sony recently launched the most compact and updated version of its next-generation console, the PlayStation 5 Slim. This iteration, which maintains the capabilities of the original model, also brings some new features and changes to the design and features.
I thought it was the right time to throw myself headlong into the new generation of consoles, with a focus on this PlayStation Slim. After using it for some time, in this article I give you my opinion about the console and what makes it different compared to the original model launched in 2020.
Unboxing
In the PlayStation Slim box you will find everything you need to start using the console. In addition to the Slim, you will find the power cable, USB-C to USB-C charging cable for the controller and HDMI 2.1 cable. It also has two plastic feet to place the console and the DualSense controller horizontally.
For those who want to have the console vertically, this remains a possibility. But, either you have my confidence in storing it next to the TV without a stand, or you need to buy a separate stand that costs €29.99.
More compact design and greater customization
The PlayStation 5 Slim maintains the aesthetics of its predecessor, with white covers and a black center with a ventilation opening. But it stands out for its small size, approximately 30% smaller than the original model. This version with disc weighs 3.2 kg, whereas the original version weighed 4.5 kg.
This size reduction is accompanied by a renewed design, which includes four panels instead of the traditional two. This is particularly interesting for customization lovers, as we can divide customization into four covers, instead of two. It's a good opportunity for a better color combination.
The covers are quite simple to remove and replace, so the user can change them without any major problems. In addition to the white covers, PlayStation Direct already sells black, blue and red versions of the covers for this model in Portugal.
Disc reader is removable
A highlight of customization is the flexibility of the PS5 Slim's disc reader. This is because it can be added or removed easily. This feature allows users to transform their console into a digital version, keeping it even more compact for traveling, for example.
But it becomes even more interesting if we think about it the other way around. Let's imagine you bought the discless version. Later you can add the disc player without any problems, if you feel the need to play physical titles.
The PS5 Slim comes with two small feet that fit between the panels and provide support when you want to position the console horizontally. These are transparent and, as you can see in the images, they are a subtle way of keeping it tidy in that way.
However, for vertical orientation, you need to purchase a separate stand that you will have to purchase from PlayStation Direct. I have been using it vertically without this support which costs an additional €29.99 and I feel safe, simply because it is in a corner of the furniture, between it and the TV.
But as I said above, for those who have children or pets at home, it is a safety addition to buy this support to keep it vertical. However, I wish this support could already be included in the box.
More storage
One of Slim's most significant upgrades is the internal storage. The PS5 Slim comes with 1TB, of which around 850GB is usable. This is a considerable increase over the original which had 825GB with 667GB available for use.
This additional space is especially beneficial given the increasing storage space demands of modern games. With some of the newer games, it's quite common for each title to take up over 100GB of console storage.
This console also features a change to the front ports. We now have two USB-C ports, instead of the previous combination of one USB-C and one USB-A. However, you can count on two more USB-A ports, a LAN port, an HDMI input and the power input on the back.
This is particularly useful for connecting devices like the PSVR2 without compromising the availability of USB-C ports. This way, the second port is free so you can charge your controller, for example.
Performance remains
In terms of performance, the PS5 Slim is identical to the original model, with the same CPU, GPU and RAM specifications. This means that all games will be equally optimized for this model, as they were in the original.
Processor: AMD Zen 2 de 3,5 GHz
Graphics processor: AMD RDNA 2 de 10,3 teraflops e 2,23 GHz
RAM: 16GB GDDR6
Storage: 1TB SSD (expandable
Resolution: 4K up to 120 Hz and 8K
A command that is an experience
The DualSense controller is not new to this Slim. After all, it's the same controller we had on the original PS5. But we have to leave a few words for this control that wins in ergonomics, but mainly in functionalities.
If you've played with the DualSense in games that can take advantage of its vibration system and adaptive triggers, you know what I'm talking about. It is a control that elevates the player's experience and is a step forward both in this vibration system and in the quality of its triggers. And the touch sensitive part has also been well optimized.
The catalog is getting better and better
One of the games that shows you the full potential of the controller is Astro's Playroom, which comes pre-installed on the console. But there are others, like Marvel's Spider Man 2. The PS5 Slim catalog is vast and it goes without saying that there are no exclusive Slim games here. Everything you can play on PS5, you can play on Slim.
Frame of God of War: Ragnarok
I've already killed a few hours on remastered classics for the PS5 like The Last of Us (both parts), on God of War Ragnarök which is already one of my favorite games of recent times and on one of my favorite games in a new guise: Gran Turismo 7. And of course, it was good to find many of my acquisitions from my PS4 days 'on hand'.
Conclusion: an evolution compared to the original PlayStation
For current PS5 owners, upgrading to the Slim model is unlikely to be an option. However, for new buyers, the PS5 Slim presents itself as the option to go for, especially due to its greater storage capacity and potential for future customization.
If you are thinking about buying a new generation PlayStation, the PlayStation 5 Slim is the model to buy. The original model will even stop being sold as soon as the units on the market are sold. With this one you have a more compact model with surgical improvements that make it a meaningful option.
My version is the disc player, which costs €549 in Portugal. But you can perfectly opt for the discless version which costs €449 in our country. This is because, if you regret it, in the future you can upgrade and buy the disc player for €79.
For console gamers in Portugal who want to enter the current generation, the PS5 Slim is probably the choice to make in 2024.
PlayStation 5 Slim
Processor: AMD Zen 2 de 3,5 GHz
Graphics processor: AMD RDNA 2 de 10,3 teraflops e 2,23 GHz
RAM: 16GB GDDR6
Storage: 1TB SSD (expandable)
Resolution: 4K up to 120 Hz and 8K