PS5 Slim: when will we see a smaller, lighter PlayStation 5?

Date:
Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:53:33 +0000

Description:
Sony is almost definitely working on a PS5 Slim, but when can we expect to
see it?

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There neednt be any doubts that Sony will release a PS5 Slim in the coming years. The Japanese company has always released a smaller and lighter
revision of its home consoles from the original PlayStation to the PS4 , which means a PS5 Slim is surely a matter of when, and not if.

Sony will be looking to shave off a few inches and knock a couple of pounds off the PS5s original polarizing design , then, but a PS5 Slim isnt just
about appealing to consumers who may have been put off by the consoles gargantuan size.

Slim consoles are essentially a cost-cutting exercise for companies. As manufacturing costs begin to wane and more efficient parts are available,
Sony will be able to create a smaller version of the PS5 that not only costs less to make, but will deliver the same experience as its bulkier predecessor but in a significantly smaller package. PS5 Slim: Cut to the chase

* What is it? A smaller, lighter redesign of the PS5

* How much will it cost? We expect it will cost $399 / 349

* When will it be released? Probably sometime in 2023

In fact, Sony has already started to trim down the PS5, at least internally. New models of the PS5 Digital Edition , CFI-1100B, is a whopping 300 grams lighter than the launch model was, and Sony even decided to change the screw that comes with the PS5s stand, too. The console also has a redesigned heatsink, which resulted in a lighter system.

There are a few caveats to keep in mind when it comes to hardware revisions, though. Slim consoles can have a tendency to feel cheaper than launch models, which can sometimes be over-engineered. While thats not always the case, sometimes the cost-savings can be felt, and sometimes features are even removed. The PS4 Slim , for example, removed the optical port which was found on the launch model.

Still, the smaller, lighter design of a PS5 Slim should outweigh most of the negatives a cheaper design can bring, and Sony will ultimately replace the original console design with its new model as it looks to maximize its profit margins during production.

If youre interested in picking up a PS5 Slim, heres everything you should expect to see from Sonys slender new hardware revision. PS5 Slim price and release date (Image credit: TechRadar)

The PS5 Slim will likely be cheaper than the original PS5s launch price of $499 / 449. Wed expect it to be around $100 cheaper, so $399 / 349, which was the launch price of the PS4. The original PS5 price tag of $499 / 449 will likely be replaced by the PS5 Pro , as was the case when the PS4 Pro was released.

Its unclear whether Sony will release a PS5 Slim Digital Edition, but wed expect it to follow the same pricing scheme as before, with a discount of
$100 / 90 over the disc version. That could make Sonys all-digital console incredibly appealing, but were not sure if Sony will pursue another digital model at this stage.

Historically, Sony tends to release a Slim version of its consoles three
years after launch. This was the case with PS3 and PS4, while the PS2 Slim
and PS One took four years and six years to arrive respectively. Its likely, then, that a PS5 Slim could arrive sometime in 2023 or early 2024. PS5 Slim design (Image credit: Sony)

While its impossible to predict exactly how the PS5 Slim will look, were expecting a fairly drastic reduction in the consoles overall size and weight. Its likely that the consoles design wont stray too far from Sonys original vision, so expect a smaller, more compact version of the PS5s current design.

The PS5 is the biggest console Sony has ever made, and can demand a fair bit of room in your home entertainment center, especially if you plan on placing it vertically. Wed love to see Sony do away with the stand completely for those who put the console on its side, and imagine it will be a lot shorter than the current PS5.

Sony has already knocked 300 grams off the current PS5 models, but wed also expect to see further improvements to the consoles hefty frame as its the second heaviest system Sony has made to date at 8.6 pounds, which is only a touch lighter than the PS3. PS5 Slim specs (Image credit: ff)

The PS5 Slim will likely be identical from a technical perspective to the current PS5, but we have seen some Slim revisions get a slight performance boost. Microsoft improved the Xbox Series Ss performance ever so slightly,
and Nintendo also added a bit more grunt to the New Nintendo 3DS which
enabled it to play specific games. Sony hasnt generally improved the hardware inside its Slim models, however, and with a PS5 Pro on the horizon, it
wouldnt make much sense.

Sony could increase the PS5 Slims storage, or at least offer two SKUs for those who want a bit more wiggle room when it comes to storing games. Theres also a chance that the consoles ports could change or move around, as we saw with the PS4 Slim which axed the optical port. Should I wait for a PS5 Slim?



With the PS5 continuing to be hard to find, waiting for the PS5 Slim might be a wise choice if youre patient enough to wait, that is. The PS5 Slim will undoubtedly be cheaper than the PS5s current $499 / 449 price tag, and the smaller profile will appeal to those who might think the PlayStation 5 is simply too big. PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition : what's the difference?



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/news/ps5-slim/


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