Julio Neves
The PlayStation 5 Slim is Sony’s latest compact version of its popular gaming console, and it builds on the success of the original PS5 with a design that’s more space-efficient and sleek, while promising to maintain the powerful performance that gamers have come to love. This review will take a deep dive into the PlayStation 5 Slim, covering its design, features, performance, compatibility, and overall value to help you decide if this streamlined version is worth the upgrade or purchase.
1. Design and Build Quality
One of the most noticeable changes in the PlayStation 5 Slim is, of course, its size. Compared to the standard PS5, this Slim model is significantly more compact, making it ideal for those with limited space or those who found the original PS5’s massive footprint challenging to accommodate. The PS5 Slim retains the iconic two-tone design and the futuristic curves of the original but has shaved down the proportions. This Slim variant is around 30% smaller in volume, making it a much more manageable size for modern living spaces.
The new version also feels lighter, which is a welcome change for users who might need to move their console between rooms or who had concerns about setting up the original due to its heft. Despite the reduction in size and weight, the PS5 Slim has a solid build quality, with durable materials that give it a premium feel, and the matte finish helps reduce visible fingerprints and scratches.
Sony has also made some thoughtful tweaks, like adjusting the disc drive’s layout for a more streamlined look. The airflow design has also been improved, which could help keep the console cooler and potentially quieter during intense gaming sessions.
2. Hardware and Specifications
Under the hood, the PlayStation 5 Slim is essentially similar to its predecessor, ensuring it remains a powerhouse in terms of gaming performance. It boasts the same custom AMD RDNA 2-based GPU and Zen 2 CPU, allowing for incredible graphics, ray tracing, and high frame rates. The PS5 Slim offers 4K gaming at up to 120Hz, as well as support for HDR10, making it a solid choice for users with compatible 4K TVs looking to maximize visual fidelity and responsiveness.
Key specifications include:
- CPU: Custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 at 3.5 GHz
- GPU: Custom AMD RDNA 2, 10.28 TFLOPS, 36 CUs at 2.23 GHz
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6 with a 256-bit interface
- Storage: 825GB SSD (expandable)
- Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray (for the standard version)
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
The standout feature of the PS5 Slim, like the original PS5, is the SSD. Sony’s ultra-high-speed SSD allows for extremely fast loading times, which has been a game-changer for many players. Games load quickly, and the console can handle transitions in open-world games with ease. This storage solution contributes to the seamlessness of the PS5 experience, allowing players to spend more time playing and less time waiting.
However, the 825GB storage capacity, while great, can feel limited if you’re a fan of AAA games, many of which can consume over 100GB each. Fortunately, the PS5 Slim still supports SSD expansion, and the setup is relatively easy. Adding more storage will be necessary for users with a large library, especially if they enjoy high-resolution textures and extensive DLC packs.
3. DualSense Controller and Gaming Experience
The PS5 Slim ships with Sony’s highly-praised DualSense controller, which remains one of the most innovative aspects of the PS5 experience. The controller features adaptive triggers and haptic feedback that add a new level of immersion to gaming. The adaptive triggers adjust the resistance to match on-screen actions, while haptic feedback provides precise vibrations that mimic in-game events.
The DualSense controller is compatible with many PS5 games and brings a physicality to gameplay that hasn’t been seen before. The improved battery life in the PS5 Slim version also addresses one of the main complaints from the original PS5 controllers. Sony has fine-tuned the DualSense to balance battery longevity without sacrificing the immersive feedback that players love.
For example, in games like Astro’s Playroom, the controller’s features shine, with every jump, skid, and fall represented by the haptic feedback. In shooters, adaptive triggers make the experience more intense by varying resistance, while racing games benefit from triggers that simulate acceleration and braking.
4. Game Library and Backward Compatibility
The PlayStation 5 Slim has full access to the same library as the original PS5, including all PlayStation exclusives, third-party titles, and remastered classics. Some of the most anticipated games available include Horizon Forbidden West, Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy XVI, and Demon’s Souls. The Slim also supports backward compatibility with a vast selection of PlayStation 4 games, allowing players to revisit their favorites or catch up on titles they might have missed.
Sony has also made strides in making more PS3 and PS2 games available via PlayStation Plus, although they’re not natively backward compatible. The PlayStation Plus subscription service continues to evolve, offering users access to a wide range of games for a monthly fee. For fans of retro gaming or those with large PS4 libraries, backward compatibility remains a valuable feature.
5. User Interface and Software
The PS5 Slim retains the refined, user-friendly interface that the original PS5 introduced. Its UI is visually engaging and offers smooth navigation, quick access to games and apps, and easy-to-use options for organizing and customizing the home screen. Sony has improved the user interface since the PS5 launch, and the PS5 Slim benefits from these quality-of-life enhancements, making it easier to keep track of installed games, storage, and friends.
An excellent addition is the Game Help feature, a unique built-in assistant that provides hints and tips for games that support it. It’s ideal for players who want a nudge in the right direction without the need to exit the game or use an external device to look up guides.
The PS5 Slim also supports all the latest streaming apps, such as Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, allowing the console to double as a multimedia hub. And with the integration of 3D audio, players using compatible headphones can experience a surround sound effect that further enhances immersion.
6. Performance and Cooling
The PS5 Slim maintains performance parity with the standard PS5, running games at the same graphical fidelity and frame rates. Whether you’re diving into a vast open world or engaging in competitive multiplayer, the console performs admirably, with minimal load times and stunning visuals.
Sony has managed to achieve a smaller size without compromising cooling. The PS5 Slim remains relatively quiet, even during resource-intensive games. The airflow design has been improved in this model to reduce fan noise and keep temperatures stable. While it’s quieter than the original, it’s worth noting that the PS5 Slim can still produce some audible fan noise during prolonged gaming sessions, though it’s generally unobtrusive.
7. Price and Value
One of the biggest questions surrounding the PlayStation 5 Slim is whether it offers better value than the original. Priced competitively, the PS5 Slim represents a solid investment for those who want next-gen gaming without the bulk. It’s a particularly appealing option for newcomers or PS4 owners considering an upgrade, as it offers the same gaming experience as the original PS5 in a more convenient, space-saving package.
The Slim version does not bring revolutionary new features or performance enhancements beyond its size reduction, so users who already own a standard PS5 may not find the Slim compelling enough to upgrade. However, for those who haven’t purchased a PS5 yet, the Slim is a great entry point into the PlayStation ecosystem.
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim: Price Comparison
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim with the best price and discount was update for November 14, 2024
Final Verdict
The PlayStation 5 Slim is a commendable update to the PS5 lineup, providing a more compact option with the same powerhouse performance. It caters to those who want a high-quality gaming experience in a more space-efficient form factor. With top-tier graphics, fast load times, an impressive game library, and continued support for innovations like the DualSense controller, the PS5 Slim is a worthy choice for both new and existing PlayStation fans.
While not a revolutionary upgrade, the PS5 Slim’s design, performance, and versatility make it a compelling addition to Sony’s lineup. Whether you’re looking for a console that fits more comfortably in a smaller entertainment setup or you’re a newcomer to PlayStation, the PS5 Slim is a great way to enjoy the latest in gaming technology.
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