Sony Reveals PS5 Slim: Enhanced Storage, Mixed Reactions And Price Debate

Sony Group Corp. SONY has confirmed the release of a PlayStation 5 Slim for the upcoming holiday season.

This new model features a 1TB storage capacity, an increase from the original 825GB, and offers the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive to the PS5 Digital Edition.

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Introducing a new look for PlayStation 5

Smaller design with a full-power PS5 experience. Full details on model options at PS Blog: https://t.co/zy8XBuewQd pic.twitter.com/BU26zzBwXq

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) October 10, 2023

The redesigned PS5 is smaller, with a volume reduction of more than 30% and a weight decrease of 18% to 24% compared to previous models.

The pricing structure for the new models is as follows:

In the U.S.:

• PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive: $499.99
• PS5 Digital Edition: $449.99

In Europe:

• PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive: 549.99 EUR
• PS5 Digital Edition: 449.99 EUR

In the UK:

• PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive: £479.99
• PS5 Digital Edition: £389.99

In Japan:

• PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive: 66,980 JPY (includes tax)
• PS5 Digital Edition: 59,980 JPY (includes tax)

Notably, the price of the PS5 Digital Edition has increased to $449.99, up from the original $399.99, while the version with a disc drive costs $50 more.

The new PS5 comes with an included horizontal stand, and a vertical stand compatible with all PS5 models is available separately for $29.99.

Sony Confirms PS5 Slim To Maintain Expandable Storage Capability

It's worth noting that Sony has confirmed that the PS5 Slim will maintain its expandable storage capabilities, allowing players to add extra storage to their console as needed. This means the process of removing the back cover panel and manually installing an additional SSD remains unchanged.

Notably, the PS5 Slim will come with 1TB of internal SSD storage, an upgrade from the original 825GB in the launch model.

This enhanced storage capacity is beneficial, as many games for Sony's ninth-generation home console have substantial file sizes. Furthermore, a recent software update enabled support for up to 8TB of additional SSD storage.

Sony's PS5 Slim Redesign Sparks Online Buzz: Mixed Reactions Abound

The reveal of this new gaming hardware prompted user reactions on various platforms, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter).

Some users expressed excitement, while others couldn't help but notice the design similarities between the new model and its predecessor, resulting in a flurry of humorous memes and comments.

"New PS5 Slim. Looks the same," user PlayCODNews wrote. 

PS5 owners picking up the PS5 Slim be like https://t.co/M2O5fEkRhE pic.twitter.com/kZOnB9JbVv

— Oliver Jia (オリバー・ジア) (@OliverJia1014) October 10, 2023

Moreover, Sony's new horizontal stand for the PS5 Slim also garnered attention, with questions about its functionality and appearance. 

For example, content creator Genki said: "The new smaller PS5 has a cute little kickstand for horizontal orientation!," while Tom Warren, senior editor at The Verge, observed: "Sony's new PS5 horizontal stand is... interesting."

Sony's new PS5 horizontal stand is... interesting https://t.co/1GavbC2XbS pic.twitter.com/twRfIdZYGX

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) October 10, 2023

Additionally, the PS5 Digital Edition has seen a price increase from $399.99 to $449.99, leading to confusion and debate among consumers who question whether the enhanced internal storage justifies the price hike.

"Look... I like the design, & the idea that you can add a Blu-ray drive at a later date. But they've essentially increased the price of the PS5 Digital & decided to sell the stand separately. Nope a slight increase in SSD does not justify the price increase," user Prince Tybalt expressed.

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Image Courtesy: Sony