Microsoft court documents from the FTC hearing flagged the industry’s attention earlier this month, indicating the launch of a potential PlayStation 5 Slim later this year with a competitive price tag of $399.99. Notably, this price point is the same as the digital version of the PS5, suggesting Sony’s aggressive strategy for its new model.
The rumor mill churned further with comments from XboxEra co-founder Shpeshal Nick, who stated that Sony might reveal the PS5 Slim at a PlayStation Showcase in August. Nick was quick to temper expectations, however, telling audiences that Sony traditionally hosts their show in September. It seems that this year, Sony might deviate from its regular schedule to possibly maintain momentum amid Microsoft’s merger news with Activision Blizzard.
While Sony remains tight-lipped about these speculations, the timeline suggested aligns well with the October release of Sony’s blockbuster Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Launching a more affordable console remodel concurrently could sway gamers and set the stage for a successful holiday sales season.
I had heard a little while back that there would most likely be an August show for PlayStation and the plan was to reveal the Slim there. Maybe they're going earlier to combat the Xbox/ABK news? https://t.co/8sqyO8gnyx
— King Gronk Nick (@Shpeshal_Nick) July 17, 2023
Historically, Sony has released slim versions of the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4 years into their respective console lifespans. The PS3 Slim and PS4 Slim, in particular, came exactly three years later. As November marks the three-year anniversary of the PS5, there’s an existing precedent. It would also explain why the showcase would come earlier. If the pre-orders start as early as August, Sony can post the sales figures of the upcoming still-unconfirmed console for its second financial quarter, which stretches from July to September, and the third financial quarter, encompassing the entirety of the holiday season until the year ends.
Unfortunately, it’s still unclear what the said console could look like. Technically, the PS5 Digital Edition is already a slimmer version of the standard PS5.
The best-case scenario is that Sony will take everything that it has learned from slimming down and making existing PS5 units lighter without compromising thermals and performance – Final Fantasy 16 fans would love to have a word with Sony about this – and come up with a radical redesign that’s slimmer and just as powerful.
If this happens, it would be a win-win situation for all parties involved. Even though it’s known that manufacturers sell their consoles at a loss, Sony would like to keep their margins higher. Hence, the slimmer PS5 consoles. By making them weigh less and consume less space, they’ll be able to ship out more PS5 Slim units at the same cost. Not to mention, there’s the marketing draw of selling an “ultra-thin” version of an admittedly bulky console that will likely be packaged as cooler, lighter, and more energy-efficient.
Industry insiders have also hinted at Sony’s intention to clear stock of existing consoles, potentially paving the way for the PS5 Slim. Sony’s next move could come as a response to Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, maintaining a competitive edge in the gaming market.
This year’s May PlayStation showcase garnered attention as the most viewed gaming event, albeit falling short of the fans’ expectations. The speculation about another showcase fuels hopes for a more satisfying reveal of new first-party games, including the likes of Marvel’s Wolverine and a potential remaster of The Last of Us Part 2.
In addition to the PS5 Slim, Sony might elaborate on the Project Q, a handheld device capable of streaming games directly from the PS5 console, predicted to retail for under $300. Moreover, rumors have suggested Sony’s development of a PS5 Pro set for a potential 2024 release.
Sony’s showcase might also extend to the work of prominent studios such as Sucker Punch Productions, Bluepoint Games, and Naughty Dog, with possible teasers of 2024 titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Death Stranding 2, Silent Hill 2 Remake, Rise of the Ronin, and Stellar Blade.
While the gaming community eagerly awaits Sony’s confirmation, a healthy dose of skepticism remains essential. However, if Sony is gearing up to unveil the PS5 Slim, the coming months promise an exciting ride for PlayStation fans worldwide.
