The recent teardown videos of the PlayStation 5 Slim have been uploaded, providing an in-depth look at Sony’s latest iteration of their flagship console, offering good news for fans and potential buyers. As the enthusiasts took their time dissecting the PS5 Slim, comparisons with its predecessor, the original PlayStation 5, highlighted both expected and surprising findings.
One of the most notable observations came from popular content creator Dave2D, who pointed out that the PS5 Slim, despite its name, is “not that much smaller” compared to the original model. However, it features a sleek new design, sporting a combination of glossy and matte finishes that sets it apart aesthetically. The revised design has also led to a reduction in weight, with the digital version of the PS5 Slim coming in at 2.6kg, down from 3.4kg, and the disc version at 3.2kg, down from 3.9kg.
A significant functional improvement in the PS5 Slim is the ease of removing the disc drive. Users can detach it without tools, thanks to a single connector that links it to the motherboard. This design innovation not only enhances user-friendliness but also opens up the possibility for users to add a Blu-ray disc drive later on, a flexibility not present in the original PS5.
Despite these improvements, the teardown revealed some areas where the PS5 Slim fell short of expectations. The new horizontal stand, which comes included, faced criticism for its simplicity and lack of stability compared to the separately sold vertical stand. Additionally, the power consumption of the PS5 Slim is slightly higher than its predecessor, a fact that surprised many, considering the advancements in technology and the push for more energy-efficient electronics.
In terms of internal components, the PS5 Slim maintains many of the robust features found in the original PS5. It boasts a 6 NM chip, which ensures high-performance gaming capabilities, and a well-designed cooling system comprised of a 19-blade fan, heat sink, radiators, and heat pipes. The SSD controller, storage chips, and RAM continue to provide ample storage and smooth operation. Notably, the PS5 Slim offers an expanded storage capacity of one terabyte, a bump up from the original’s 825 gigabytes.
Unfortunately, the PS5 Slim is drawing mixed reactions for its noise and dust. The gap between the plates and the body of the PS5 Slim could potentially make dust cleaning more challenging. Moreover, the console isn’t significantly quieter or cooler than the original PS5, despite having more heatsinks. However, given the reduced space, it’s still a more efficient console, all things considered.
User experience has been a focus in the design of the PS5 Slim, with Sony adjusting the placement of power and reset buttons to avoid accidental presses, a change that has been welcomed by many users, including Linus Tech Tips. Not to mention, the removable disc drive simplifies the replacement process, ensuring that if disc drives start failing years down the line, users can easily swap them out with OEM parts.
Unfortunately, it’s unclear when the PS5 Slim is coming out, but it’s confirmed that it’s launching in the United States on or before November 10 as it’s bundled with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. It’s positioned as the successor the original model, which Sony will phase out. Despite its improvements and additional features, the PS5 Slim maintains the same chip as the original and doesn’t present a significant power efficiency enhancement. For current PS5 owners, upgrading might not be compelling. However, for those yet to join the PS5 family, the Slim offers a modern, compact design with slight improvements at a price point that’s on par with the original model, making it an attractive option for new buyers.
Sony is reportedly working on the PlayStation 5 Pro, which might be released in late 2024. The latest leaks suggest that the PS5 Pro will be a “powerhouse”.
