Microsoft insists that a cheaper PlayStation 5 Slim is coming later this year

Mind you, don't rush to put in a pre-order of the PS5 Slim just yet. Sony itself hasn't confirmed anything.

The actual source of the information is the documents filed as part of the ongoing FTC vs Microsoft trial, where the Xbox's manufacturer claims that it believes that Sony is on the brink of unveiling a PS5 Slim model that may hit the market later this year at a price point of $399.99.

This information, included in Microsoft's court filings, takes an educated guess at the plans of its competitor, though it does not cite any third-party sources for the timing or pricing of the slimmed-down PS5.

The rumored PS5 Slim model isn't the only potential hardware surprise from Sony that Microsoft is predicting to come out in a few months. The documents indicate that Sony could also release a portable device, reportedly able to stream PS5 games over Wi-Fi from a PS5 console, for under $300 soon.

The way that Microsoft is describing this handheld console is in line with Sony's previously announced console, the Project Q.

The possible existence of a PS5 Slim wouldn't come as a significant shock to most gaming enthusiasts. Sony has a history of releasing slimmed-down versions of its consoles, as seen with the PlayStation 3 Slim in 2009 and the PlayStation 4 Slim in 2016. Further corroborating these rumors, last year Insider Gaming suggested that Sony was preparing a PS5 model with a detachable disc drive for a September release. This console, it was reported, could be sold on its own or in a bundle with the detachable disc drive, providing an option for players to add a drive at a later date if they wished.

As a matter of fact, the imminent release of the PS5 Slim is partly the reason why many believe Sony held back at its recent PlayStation Showcase. The PS5 Slim would be a perfect headline for an unannounced Future of Gaming event ahead of its release. But, it has to happen soon to drum up hype and pre-orders if it's really coming out in two months.

Maybe we'll hear more about Sony's other big exclusives scheduled for Q1 2024 at the said event, including Rise of the Ronin, among several others.

This isn't the first time that industry secrets have leaked during the FTC vs Microsoft trial. Just last week, a confidential Sony document inadvertently revealed details about the margins Sony shares with publishers, revenues from Call of Duty, and even the cost of developing some of its games.

In response to these revelations, some observers have speculated that Sony could be gearing up to replace the original PS5 model with this new version by the end of the year. It's also worth noting that recent price promotions of the PS5 in several European countries have led some to speculate that Sony could be clearing out old stock in anticipation of introducing the new model.

However, it's important to bear in mind that, despite Microsoft's predictions, Sony has not yet confirmed any official plans for a hardware revision of the PlayStation 5 this year. Given Sony's past practice and current market conditions, a slimmer, cheaper PS5 variant does make sense. Yet, the ongoing effects of the pandemic, including persistent chip shortages that plagued the original PS5's availability, might still impact the timing of such a launch.

Meanwhile, Microsoft appears content with its current hardware lineup. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has stated that he doesn't see an immediate need to release a mid-cycle Xbox console upgrade, just three years after the release of the Xbox Series X/S consoles.

Ultimately, whether or not Sony is preparing to announce something, the rest of the gaming industry will be waiting.