Sony has officially unveiled a new, mid-generation model of the PlayStation 5. Although it can be purchased in two distinct versions, this slimmer form factor for the console actually has a detachable disc drive, adopting a modular design that will seemingly streamline PS5 stock into a single model, rather than the entirely separate Disc and Digital Editions it originally launched with in 2020.
The new PlayStation 5 model was announced via the PlayStation Blog on October 10, 2023 in a post that revealed the new model's price point and its November 2023 availability (in the United States). Purchasing the new PS5 with the detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive included will cost $499.99, while the Digital Edition bears a price tag of $449.99. The former is a better package deal, as the disc drive, if purchased separately, costs $79.99.
Although a new look for the PlayStation 5 has been eagerly anticipated since its original model was met with a mixed response due to its aesthetic, this new, slimmer PS5 follows the same basic design principles. Additionally, the Digital Edition's MSRP has gone up by $50, significantly impacting the allure of what was once the budget option for Sony's latest console.
The New PlayStation 5 Looks A Little Different, But It's Still A PS5
This new version of the PS5 is effectively the same console as the original model, the key differences being its form factor, the modular nature, and slightly larger internal storage – this new model comes with a 1TB SSD, as opposed to the original model's 825GB SSD, but will presumably keep the original's M.2 SSD storage expansion capabilities. Rather than two faceplates, one covering each side of the console, the new PS5 has four, two on each side, and the higher two (when the console is positioned vertically) have a glossy finish, while the lower two retain the matte of the original design.
This remodel of the PS5 will come with a new stand for when the console is oriented horizontally, though it appears to be little more than a piece of plastic situated between two of the faceplates. There is, however, a new stand for all PS5 models to use while oriented vertically, which will be sold separately for $29.99, and shirks the original's round, black base for a metallic ring base.
Is The New PS5 Slim Worth It?
Anyone who's been holding out for a price decrease on the PlayStation 5 will unfortunately have to keep waiting, as the upfront cost hasn't gone down, and will even increase considering the now-finite stock of the lower-priced, original Digital Edition PS5. The two purchase options – with or without the detachable disc drive – still requires the same deliberation that the original two models carried: purchasing a PS5 with disc drive included is more expensive upfront, but might be more cost-effective long term with the ability to buy used physical copies of games. Those who were wary of the PS5 solely because of the console's size, however, might be interested in the new model, which has 30% less volume, weighs 18% or 24% less depending on model than the original PS5 iterations.
Overall, the new PlayStation 5 model is not necessarily a significant step beyond the launch model. The smaller form factor is nice, and the detachable disc drive will certainly provide some occasional convenience, but anyone who already owns a PS5 has virtually no reason to upgrade. With the PlayStation Blog confirming that this will be the only PS5 model manufactured going forward, though, this will be the standard look of the console from here on out. Curiously, the new model coming with two different stands feels like a step backward for the console. Despite the PlayStation 5 stand being an oddity, it had a rather clever design that allowed it to work with the console in any orientation.
Sources: PlayStation Blog, PlayStation/Twitter