The PlayStation 5 has been on the market for a few years, so rumors are starting to surface of a possible slim (thinner) version that would continue the trend set by all the PlayStations that came before it.
With the PS5 being the biggest console Sony has ever released, the PlayStation 5 Slim might not be arriving anytime soon. This is what we know so far.
If you want to know more about the current PlayStation 5, we have an in-depth review.
When will the PS5 Slim be released?
As of this writing, no official release date has been announced, in fact Sony hasn’t even confirmed that it will be releasing a PS5 Slim. But, as it has been since the launch of the first PlayStation, we think it’s very likely.
In recent generations, Sony has tended to introduce the Slim Edition around 3-4 years after the initial console release. We also saw the introduction of a Pro model with the PS4, which launched around the same time as the PS4 Slim.
Rumors have already surfaced of a PlayStation 5 Pro coming in 2023 or 2024, so it seems likely we’ll see the PlayStation 5 Slim make an appearance then.
Sony usually releases consoles in the second half of the year, so our forecast for new models would be November 2023, but that’s just a prediction.
How much will the PS5 Slim cost?
Along with smaller dimensions, Slim models also tend to be cheaper. With the PlayStation 4, we saw these prices:
- PlayStation 4 – $399 (launch price)
- PlayStation 4 Pro – $399
- PlayStation 4 Slim – $299
So when the Pro model arrived, the prices of the original PS4 were brought down, with the PS4 Slim getting an effective price cut of $100.
If Sony repeats this with the PS5 Pro and Slim models, then they might look like this:
- PlayStation 5 – $499
- PlayStation 5 Pro – $499
- PlayStation 5 Slim – $399
However, there is another model in the PS5 range, in the form of the PlayStation 5 Digital consoles which omit a physical drive for game discs, but are cheaper at $399.
Sony hasn’t released a digital edition of the PS4, but since digital downloads are much more prevalent this generation, it seems more likely that it could appear. It’s unclear if the digital model will have the same type of lowering, but we’d definitely like to see it.
What kind of specs and features will we see on the PS5 Slim?
As with the PS4 and PS4 Slim, chances are the PS5 Slim will be much the same as its big brother when it comes to features and specs.
In the previous generation we saw the smaller variant get rid of a few ports due to size limitations (AUX and optical), but other than that they were basically the same.
Sony has found ways to increase the power efficiency of the new version, allowing for a smaller power supply and therefore a more compact body, so we can see that on the PS5 Slim.
Obviously, the main change will be the design. As mentioned, the PS5 is a bit monstrous in size, and its design is somewhat divisive, as the modern white aesthetic doesn’t fit well in every home, especially when it comes to a si great device.
So smaller and cheaper is the order of the day. Which is a win in our books.
A YouTuber recently decided he didn’t want to wait for Sony to redesign his console, so he did it himself, with some pretty impressive results.
We doubt Sony is going the steampunk route of copper and water cooling, but if it is, DIYPerks’ Matt deserves a few pints for his problem.
In the meantime, here’s our pick of the best PlayStation 5 games, along with a roundup of the best consoles currently available.
We have a buying guide on where you can buy the PlayStation 5.