Sony Announces PS5 Slim Model, Due Out Winter 2023

Sony has confirmed that a PlayStation 5 Slim model is in the works and will be released by the end of the year. Much like the original version that was released in 2020, the PS5 Slim will come with or without a disc drive and can be orientated either horizontally or vertically. The console will have the same graphical spec as the current PS5 but a few tweaks have been made.

The new PS5 Slim is due for a North American release starting in November, with global markets to follow “over the coming months” and will completely replace the launch models when existing stock is depleted. Much of the internals remain the same but the console will now come with a detachable disc drive, a 1TB SSD and two USB-C ports on the front of the console. The machines will cost £479.99/€549.99/$499.99 for the disc version, while the Digital Edition is priced at £389.99/€449.99/$449.99. Both consoles offers around a 30% reduced footprint and 24% reduction in weight.

Somewhat curiously, the console comes with the horizontal stand in the box, but those looking to stand the PS5 Slim upright will have to fork out an additional £24.99. The detachable disc drive will be available separately so those looking to upgrade the digital edition can pay an additional £99.99/€119.99/$79.99 for this. The drive will also come with an additional console cover to accommodate the add-on.

The detachable disc drive has long been rumoured and from a production standpoint makes sense if Sony is trying to reduce manufacturing costs. This change allows the Japanese company to utilise the same motherboard throughout the range.

Currently, the original PS5 digital edition cannot connect to a disc drive. YouTubers such as TronixFix have looked into the reasons for this and noticed that the PS5 digital is missing certain components on the motherboard that’s used by the disc version of the console. This means that if players buy a disc drive, they will not be able to connect it to their current PS5 Digital console.

The PlayStation 5 Slim will begin rolling out in November.

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