10 October 2023 , 16:29
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The new PS5 model has been unveiled featuring an attachable disc drive, a larger 1TB storage capacity, and a slimmer, lighter profile. And it's coming this November.
Rumours of a new PS5 Slim have been doing the rounds since last year, and when reports that the console's attachable disc drive wouldn't be compatible with the current PS5 Digital Edition surfaced it seemed like Sony was planning on leaving the launch models behind. This theory was bolstered with the dawn of the PlayStation Summer Sale that saw the PS5 price drop to an all-time low. It certainly seemed like Sony was clearing out PS5 stock to make way for the rumoured new PS5 Slim models.
And now it's official. Sony dropped a surprise announcement – diverting our attention from the Prime Big Deals Day madness for a brief moment – and the blog post confirms pretty much everything we've heard about the new PS5 Slim so far. There are two models, echoing the current digital and disc drive editions, but you can buy the attachable disc drive separately. The panel redesign sees four separate cover panels, with the bottom segment on one side being the one you swap out for the disc drive should you opt for the new PS5 Slim Digital Edition initially.
Here's how the new PS5 Slim attachable disc drive works with the redesigned console cover panels (Sony)The form factor has been refined, with a reduction in volume by more than 30%, and – depending on which of the new PS5 Slim models you go for – a reduction in weight from 18-24% compared to the current PS5 standard and PS5 Digital Edition. The cover panels are not only in a new segmented design, but the top panels are glossy while the bottom are matte. And Sony is already lining up a range of PS5 Slim console covers in different colours including all-matte Black, as well as the colourways from the existing Deep Earth Collection: Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sterling Silver. They'll be available in early 2024.
Now onto the new PS5 Slim price; the PS5 Slim with the disc drive included comes in at £479.99 / $499.99, while the PS5 Slim Digital Edition is priced at £389.99 / $449.99. The PS5 Slim price in Australia hasn't been confirmed just yet but given these figures are in the same ballpark as the current PS5 pricing, we can the PS5 Slim Australian price will be AU$799.99 for the disc version, and AU$649.95 for the PS5 Slim Digital Edition. The PS5 Slim attachable disc drive can be picked up for £99.99 / $79.99 which converts to roughly AU$125.
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PS5 Slim pre-orders have already opened in the US via PlayStation Direct and will slowly be rolling out to other regions. It's worth noting that the new PS5 Slim is going to be the main version of the console going forward, with Sony warning that once the inventory of current PS5 models runs out, the new PS5 Slim will be the only one available. Bear in mind we're already seeing bundles and discounts in the Prime Big Deal Days PS5 deals and we expect to see more PS5 deals this coming Black Friday.
Upgrade or not to upgrade?
Weight and size aside, the new PS5 Slim specs are identical to that of the current PS5 console, which was to be expected since it was the same for the PS4 and PS4 Slim. So picking up the new model isn't going to be a major upgrade. However, the PS5 Slim does have an increased storage capacity of 1TB, up from the current console's 825GB so if you're struggling with how to install a PS5 SSD and have a few hundred quid lying around, you can postpone that process for a bit longer and get yourself an extra 200GB.
However, if you already own a PS5, then it's likely not worth parting with your current console to pick up the new PS5 Slim. The sensible and most cost effective option would be to get yourself a PS5 SSD to expand your storage. And it's really not that hard, we promise!