Ps5 Original vs Slim: Which Playstation 5 Should You Buy?
The gaming world has been buzzing with anticipation for the next generation of consoles, and the PlayStation 5 has taken center stage. But with the release of the Slim version, choosing the right console can feel overwhelming. This comparison dives deep into the details, helping you decide which PS5 is the perfect fit for your gaming needs.
We’ll be exploring the key differences between the original PlayStation 5 and the sleek new Slim. From design and size to performance and features, we’ll break down everything you need to know. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the PlayStation ecosystem, this guide will provide valuable insights.
Get ready to discover the pros and cons of each console, ensuring you make an informed decision. We’ll cover storage, disc drive options, and more, so you can confidently choose between the PS5 Original and the PS5 Slim. Let’s find out which console reigns supreme.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | PS5 Original | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Zen 2-based CPU | AMD Ryzen Zen 2-based CPU |
| GPU | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based GPU | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based GPU |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 825GB Custom SSD | 1TB Custom SSD |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (NVMe SSD) | Yes (NVMe SSD) |
| Disc Drive | 4K UHD Blu-ray Drive | 4K UHD Blu-ray Drive (Optional for Digital Edition) |
| USB Ports | 1x USB-C (front), 2x USB-A (rear), 2x USB-A (front) | 1x USB-C (front), 2x USB-A (rear) |
| Dimensions (approx.) | 10.4 x 15.4 x 2.6 inches | 14.0 x 8.8 x 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs | 7.1 lbs (with disc drive) / 5.1 lbs (Digital Edition) |
| Resolution | Up to 8K | Up to 8K |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Size and Design
- Ps5 Original: The original PS5 is significantly larger and bulkier, featuring a distinctive white and black design with curved panels. It’s known for its imposing presence and can be challenging to fit into some entertainment centers. However, its large size contributes to efficient cooling.
- Slim: The PS5 Slim is substantially smaller and lighter than the original, boasting a revised design with a slimmer profile and more streamlined aesthetic. It’s easier to integrate into tighter spaces and offers a more modern look. However, it may have slightly less airflow due to its smaller size.
- Winner: Slim
Storage Capacity
- Ps5 Original: The original PS5 typically comes with 825GB of internal storage, with approximately 667GB available for games and apps after system software installation. This can fill up quickly with modern game sizes, necessitating the use of external storage or internal expansion via an NVMe SSD.
- Slim: The PS5 Slim features a larger internal storage capacity of 1TB, providing more space for games and other content. This offers a significant advantage over the original model, reducing the need for frequent storage management and expansion.
- Winner: Slim
Disc Drive (Digital Edition vs. Physical Edition)
- Ps5 Original: Available in both a standard edition with a 4K Blu-ray drive and a digital-only edition. The physical edition allows for playing disc-based games and watching 4K Blu-ray movies. The digital edition is more affordable but requires all games to be downloaded.
- Slim: The PS5 Slim also offers both a standard edition with a detachable 4K Blu-ray drive and a digital-only edition. The digital edition is still available. The optional detachable disc drive adds flexibility for those who want to switch between digital and physical games.
- Winner: Tie (depending on edition preference)
Cooling System
- Ps5 Original: The original PS5 utilizes a large heatsink and fan system designed to effectively dissipate heat generated by the powerful components. While generally effective, the large size of the heatsink contributes to the console’s overall bulk.
- Slim: The PS5 Slim features a redesigned cooling system aimed at maintaining performance within a smaller chassis. It aims to provide efficient cooling in a more compact form factor, although performance impact needs thorough testing.
- Winner: Tie (performance needs further testing)
Power Consumption
- Ps5 Original: The original PS5’s power consumption can be higher due to its larger components and design. This can result in increased electricity costs.
- Slim: The PS5 Slim is expected to have lower power consumption compared to the original, which leads to lower electricity costs and potentially less heat generation.
- Winner: Slim
Ports and Connectivity
- Ps5 Original: The original PS5 offers a range of ports, including USB-A and USB-C ports for connecting peripherals and external storage, as well as an HDMI 2.1 port for 4K gaming at 120Hz.
- Slim: The PS5 Slim maintains a similar selection of ports, including USB-A and USB-C, and HDMI 2.1. The layout may be slightly adjusted due to the redesigned chassis.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Ps5 Original: The original PS5’s price can vary depending on availability and retailer, and may be found at a discount in the used market.
- Slim: The PS5 Slim is generally sold at a price point comparable to the original, though the digital edition may be more affordable.
- Winner: Tie (prices vary)
Availability
- Ps5 Original: The original PS5 is still available in the used/refurbished market, however, new units are no longer being produced.
- Slim: The PS5 Slim is the current generation PS5 and is widely available at major retailers.
- Winner: Slim
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size/Portability | PS5 Slim |
| Storage | PS5 Slim |
| Availability | Tie (Availability may vary) |
| Overall Value | Tie (Depends on individual needs and deals) |
What They Have in Common
- Processing Power: Both the original PS5 and the Slim model share the same powerful AMD Ryzen Zen 2-based CPU and AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based GPU, ensuring identical gaming performance and visual fidelity. You’ll experience the same high frame rates and stunning graphics on both consoles.
- RAM: Both consoles feature 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, providing ample memory for handling complex game environments, textures, and assets, resulting in smooth and responsive gameplay. This ensures that games load quickly and run efficiently.
- Game Library: The entire library of PS5 games is compatible with both the original and Slim models. You can enjoy the same selection of titles, regardless of which console you own.
- 4K Gaming: Both consoles support 4K resolution gaming, delivering sharp and detailed visuals on compatible displays. This ensures a premium gaming experience with enhanced clarity and immersion.
- Hdr Support: Both consoles support High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, enhancing the visual experience with a wider range of colors and improved contrast. This results in more vibrant and realistic images on HDR-compatible TVs.
- Connectivity: Both consoles offer similar connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and USB ports, allowing you to connect to the internet, accessories, and other devices seamlessly.
Ps5 Original Vs Slim Buying Guide
Price and Availability
The price and availability of the PS5 Original and Slim can fluctuate significantly depending on retailers and market conditions. The PS5 Slim typically launches at a slightly lower price point than the original PS5, reflecting its updated design and potentially reduced manufacturing costs. However, both consoles are often subject to stock shortages, especially during peak sales seasons. It’s crucial to compare prices from various vendors and consider bundles that may offer additional value, such as extra controllers or games, when making your purchase decision.
Design and Aesthetics
The most immediately noticeable difference lies in the design. The PS5 Original boasts a striking, oversized aesthetic with its curved white panels and black center. The PS5 Slim, on the other hand, is significantly smaller and features a more streamlined look. It has a flatter profile and detachable side panels, offering a more modern and potentially space-saving design. The Slim’s smaller footprint might be particularly beneficial for those with limited entertainment center space.
Size and Portability
Size is a critical factor for many consumers. The PS5 Slim is substantially smaller and lighter than the original PS5, making it considerably easier to move and transport. This is a significant advantage if you frequently relocate your console or have limited space in your entertainment setup. The reduced size of the Slim doesn’t compromise on performance, offering the same gaming experience in a more compact package. The Slim’s portability makes it a great option.
Storage Capacity and Expansion
Both consoles offer the same base storage capacity, but the PS5 Slim often has a minor storage upgrade out of the box. Both consoles allow for storage expansion via an NVMe SSD slot, allowing you to increase the available space for games. This is important as game sizes continue to grow. Consider the cost of expansion when budgeting for your console purchase. Properly installed NVMe SSDs will provide the best game load times and overall performance.
Features and Performance
Both the PS5 Original and the Slim deliver identical gaming performance, offering the same powerful AMD Ryzen processor and RDNA 2 graphics. This means you can expect the same high frame rates, resolution, and overall visual fidelity across both consoles. The Slim maintains all the core features of the original, including support for 4K gaming, HDR, and ray tracing. The key difference is the form factor and potentially the included storage, not the underlying performance capabilities.
Disc Drive Considerations
The PS5 Slim is available in two versions: one with a built-in disc drive and one without. The digital-only version is more affordable but requires you to purchase all games digitally. The disc drive version offers the flexibility of playing physical game discs and allows you to play Blu-ray movies. The original PS5 always included a disc drive. Consider your existing game library and preference for physical media versus digital downloads when deciding which version of the Slim to choose.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy PS5 Original If…
- You prioritize having the classic, established design.
- You prefer the larger size and don’t mind the extra space it takes up.
- You found a great deal on a used or refurbished original PS5.
- You already own the original and don’t see a compelling reason to upgrade.
Buy PS5 Slim If…
- You want a more compact and space-saving console.
- You want the latest model with a slightly updated design.
- You are looking for the Digital Edition and want to save on the disc drive cost.
- You want the updated 1TB storage as a standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the PS5 Original and the PS5 Slim?
The primary differences lie in size, design, and potentially price. The PS5 Slim is significantly smaller and lighter than the original PS5, offering a more streamlined aesthetic. The Slim may also launch at a slightly lower price, and it comes in a digital-only version, while the original PS5 has a disc drive. Performance is identical on both consoles.
Does the PS5 Slim have the same performance as the PS5 Original?
Yes, the PS5 Slim offers the same gaming performance as the original PS5. Both consoles utilize the same AMD Ryzen processor and RDNA 2 graphics, ensuring identical frame rates, resolution, and overall visual fidelity. You can expect the same high-quality gaming experience on both consoles, with the Slim offering a smaller footprint.
Is the PS5 Slim more expensive than the PS5 Original?
The PS5 Slim might launch at a slightly lower price, particularly the digital-only edition. However, prices often fluctuate based on retailer promotions and availability. The original PS5 can be found at varying prices. The disc drive version of the Slim may be similar in price to the original. Always compare prices from different vendors to find the best deal.
Can I still play physical games on the PS5 Slim?
Yes, if you purchase the PS5 Slim with the disc drive. The digital-only version of the Slim does not have a disc drive and requires you to purchase all games digitally. If you have a collection of physical games or prefer the option of buying and selling used games, ensure you get the disc drive version of the Slim.
Does the PS5 Slim have more storage than the PS5 Original?
The PS5 Slim may have a slightly larger storage capacity than the original PS5 out of the box. However, both consoles allow for storage expansion via an NVMe SSD slot. This is important as game sizes continue to grow. You can easily increase storage on both consoles to accommodate your growing game library.
Which PS5 is better for small spaces?
The PS5 Slim is the better option for small spaces. Its significantly smaller and lighter design makes it easier to fit into tighter entertainment centers. The Slim’s more compact form factor is a major advantage for those with limited space, making it a more convenient choice for smaller apartments or rooms.
Is there a digital-only version of the PS5 Slim?
Yes, the PS5 Slim is available in both a standard version with a disc drive and a digital-only version without a disc drive. The digital-only version is typically more affordable but requires you to purchase all games through the PlayStation Store. This provides a more streamlined console and a lower initial cost.
Final Verdict
The PS5 Slim offers a compelling upgrade with its smaller size, updated design, and potentially lower price point. While performance remains identical to the original PS5, the Slim’s more compact form factor makes it a more convenient choice for many. Consider your space and preferences for physical media when deciding. The choice is primarily based on form factor.
Winner: PS5 Slim