Tom Henderson was one of the first to leak a lot of things earlier this year, including Project Q, the Access Controller, and many more. And, while Henderson once said that Sony was prioritizing work on the PlayStation 6 over a potential mid-gen refresh like a PlayStation 5 Pro, he’s adamant that a “slimmer” version of the current PS5 console is coming. Now, he claims that the PS5 Slim isn’t going to be an alternative for those who want a less bulky model of the flagship console. Instead, it will replace the current iteration of the PS5, which has admittedly slimmed down a bit compared to the launch version.
According to Henderson, we should expect to see an improved model of the existing PS5, with “different dimensions” and not necessarily something slimmer, presumably similar to the original PS4 and the PS4 Slim that came out.
Given that the bulk of the PlayStation 5 comes from the disc drive, it’s possible that Sony came up with a radically different design for the new SKU, which is in line with the earlier rumors that Sony will sell a detachable disc drive separately as soon as the toned down model hits the market.
I don't know anything about the recent PlayStation Slim rumors and when it will be revealed.
Logically, with a release set for September, a reveal soon makes sense. As for if it will be called the "Slim" or not, I'm inclined to believe it will just be called a PS5 and branded…
— Tom Henderson (@_Tom_Henderson_) July 19, 2023
Mid-cycle redesigns are nothing new for Sony. Every iteration of the PlayStation was bulky at launch, with Sony slimming it down over time. Thus, it was only natural if not expected for Sony to do the same for this generation. Its chief rival had also corroborated this during its recent court case with the FTC over the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
As part of its legal discourse, Microsoft revealed that a new PS5 model would debut later this year. Further bolstering these leaks, co-host of the XboxEra podcast, @Shpeshal_Nick, has hinted at a potential PlayStation event in August, setting the stage for a potential reveal.
Another factor in this unfolding narrative is the price point. Conversations around the new PS5 SKU’s potential cost have centered on a figure of $399, though Sony has remained notably silent.
Without confirmation from the tech giant, these numbers remain in the realm of speculation, despite grapevine talk saying otherwise.
There’s also the cryptic tweet from The Snitch, a known industry tipster, reading “P x S”. Some joked the leaker was talking about Pokemon Sleep, an upcoming app for the best-selling franchise, but it’s now believed this points to a potential PS5 announcement.
What’s clear amid all this speculation is that an announcement feels close. If the past serves as an indicator, the PlayStation 4 Slim was released just a week after its unveiling. Therefore, we might be looking at a similar strategy for the new PS5 SKU, potentially providing us with a late, but quick, reveal.
Hardware revisions are a mainstay in the gaming industry. Three of the leading companies, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, have a history of releasing either slimmed, enhanced, and/or upgraded versions of their consoles midway through their lifecycles. The rumored PS5 SKU, whether it turns out to be a slim version or an improved model, is part of this tradition.
But until Sony itself breaks its silence on the matter, everything remains conjecture. Regardless, it seems undeniable that there’s a lot in store for PlayStation fans in the near future. It may not be the “Slim” we expected, but the anticipation is no less intense.
For now, the only thing that’s confirmed from PlayStation is the arrival of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on October 20. A demo isn’t going to be available, much to the dismay of fans. However, a pre-release showcase, which, we’re hoping ends with a PS5 Slim reveal and a custom-themed PS5 console, would be Christmas come early for PlayStation fans all over the world.
