It’s official – the next PlayStation 5 is finally here. And while it isn’t quite like a massive upgrade – the PlayStation 5 Pro is, as of the time of writing, scheduled for next year – the new PlayStation 5 Slim bundle is just as enticing. Far slimmer and more compact as well as streamlined compared to the original PS5, the latest PS5 variation is making a significant splash in the United States market with its launch coinciding with the release of several high-profile games.
Retailers in the US, including giants like Walmart and Best Buy, are the first to offer the new console bundled with either Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 or Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for an attractive price of $499.99. This pricing strategy gives buyers a free copy of one of these anticipated titles, adding considerable $70 value to the purchase.
It’s worth noting that the first PS5 Slim bundle is likely going to be the last time that a Call of Duty installment will be in a PS5 bundle. Technically, Call of Duty is now a first-party Xbox title. We’re expecting to see Microsoft leverage this more for next year’s Call of Duty entry, which will be spearheaded by Treyarch.
The launch of the PS5 Slim is part of Sony’s plans to reduce the footprint of its massive flagship console. After the initial concerns about its relative lack of changes, the latest teardown videos ahead of its launch confirmed that the new PS5 is noticeably slimmer without sacrificing performance or power. It comes equipped with a 1TB SSD and comes packed with a DualSense controller, mirroring the features of the launch model with an optical drive.
Despite its slimmed-down profile, the new console maintains the performance capabilities of its predecessor, making it an appealing option for new buyers.
In contrast to the US market, the UK is yet to see the launch of the updated PS5 model. To manage this transition and to help clear out inventory in anticipation of the new hardware, Sony has discounted the launch model significantly in the UK. This approach indicates a clear strategy to phase out the original model in favor of the Slim version. This follows a series of earlier discounts and price cuts in several regions, which have been instrumental in helping Sony post a banner year. The aforementioned bundles are expected to contribute significantly to Sony’s ambitious target of selling 25 million consoles by the end of March 2024 – a figure that it might surpass before the holiday season ends.
Moreover, the bundle’s timing, coinciding with Black Friday and the holiday shopping season, positions the PS5 Slim as a competitive offering in the market. The inclusion of popular titles such as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which is a legitimate GOTY contender, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, which is selling extremely well despite criticisms of being DLC-like in its content, not only sweetens the deal for potential buyers but also leverages the popularity of these franchises to drive console sales.
Sony’s innovative approach to the new PS5 Slim, including its smaller form factor and the ability to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive later, reflects a commitment to evolving with player needs and market trends. This strategy, coupled with compelling bundle offers, illustrates Sony’s agility in navigating the competitive console market and its ability to create attractive propositions for gamers.
With its reduced size, enhanced features, and strategic bundle offers, the PS5 Slim is poised to make a massive impact over the next few months, especially with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth coming out in February.
