The images of what appears to be Sony’s PlayStation 5 Slim has emerged online, capturing the attention of the gaming industry over the past few days.
The PS5 Slim, a well-kept secret, has been the talk of online discussion boards and social media for almost a year. But, it wasn’t until the court hearing between Microsoft and the FTC that official word about its existence came to light. Court documents suggested the possible release of a sleeker, less bulky PS5 variant, with an enticing price tag of $400, slated for a launch later this year.
Earlier this week, the A9VG forums, as spotted by The Verge, lit up when an image, purportedly showcasing the slimmer PS5, made an appearance. The leak was quickly amplified across X (formerly Twitter), turning many heads. But the story took a more substantial turn when Better Way Electronics, an Australian PlayStation repair specialist, posted a video of a more in-depth look at this mysterious console. If these glimpses are to be believed, the PS5 Slim isn’t just leaner but it also has a detachable disc drive – confirming the earlier rumors.
CFI-2016 PS5 Case pic.twitter.com/udFyQbVpz8
— BetterWayElectronics.com.au (@BwE_Dev) August 11, 2023
The visible cosmetic differences are not just about size, though. The supposed Slim boasts two prominent slits running down each side, a departure from the base PS5 model. Plus, the new model seems to sport dual USB-C ports in front of it, offering a deviation from the single USB-C and USB-A port configuration of the current version.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing design aspects is the mention of the embossed PlayStation controller symbols at the back of the console. While some might find this addition lackluster, it’s a nod to PlayStation’s iconic history.
Currently, Sony offers two variants of the PS5: The Digital Edition at $399 and its beefier cousin, priced at $499, with a disc drive. The speculated $400 price point for the Slim suggests a strategic move by Sony, potentially making the Slim the primary PS5 model, offering gamers the choice of an optional disc drive.
It’s worth noting that while Sony has remained tight-lipped, there have been some movements on the PS5 front. Recent promotional price drops in markets such as the UK, Germany, and India might be subtle indications of things to come.
Some even believe that the recent rise in the number of themed PS5 consoles – we got one for Final Fantasy 16, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and a partnership with Lebron James this year – has something to do with Sony trying to clear existing inventory as fast as possible.
As previously mentioned, Microsoft agrees with these speculations. The tech giant made references in the recent FTC documents, hinting at the impending arrival of the PS5 Slim, and pegged it at the familiar $399.99 mark, mirroring the cost of the PS5 Digital Edition.
If these speculations hold water, the PS5 Slim could soon become the default choice for gamers, introducing a new era of flexibility with the detachable disc drive.
Detachable disc drives aren’t new to the tech industry, but a console sporting one, especially if it’s a flagship platform, is relatively unheard of.
It’s clear Sony and Microsoft are at odds with their respective plans for their consoles this generation. Where Microsoft is eschewing a mid-cycle upgrade completely, Sony is doubling down on it. However, Microsoft is said to be taking notes from Sony, with plans to release a new Xbox variant two years from now.
In any case, we’ll find out soon enough if these whispers hold a grain of truth as Sony is believed to be planning a huge announcement later this month.
With Gamescom 2023 scheduled for August 23-28, we’re half-expecting Sony to try and steal some of its thunder by holding its event days before the annual showcase starts.
