PS5 vs PS5 Slim: which should you pick?

PlayStation consoles have long been a staple of gaming culture around the world. Millions of people choose Sony for its convenience, power and huge library of exclusive games, from The Last of Us to Spider-Man. And that's no coincidence: the PlayStation line consistently ranks among the best-selling consoles of its generation. In the 2020s, Sony launched the PlayStation 5 (PS5), a next-generation system that quickly gained popularity thanks to its high performance, support for 4K/120 Hz and impressive backward compatibility with PS4 games.

With the development of the platform came the PS5 Slim, a more compact version of the PS5 with similar gaming capabilities, but with a revamped design and some changes in specifications (e.g., different dimensions, weight and, in some models, the size of the SSD drive).

Many users are wondering:

Which is better: PlayStation PS5 Slim vs PS5, and what exactly is the difference between the two?

In this article, we compare the prices of these devices, discuss the capacity of their built-in memory, and their compatibility with games and accessories.

There are different versions of each model: with and without a disc drive (Digital). The presence of a disc drive, the price and even the storage capacity may vary depending on the region and model (Sony has updated the Slim versions in Europe and in some cases reduced the SSD to 825 GB without changing the price).

Design and housing

The original Sony PlayStation 5 is not just a games console, but more like a work of art. Large white side panels, a black centre piece, futuristic curves – the design looks stylish, but it is bulky. The games console takes up a lot of space under the television, mainly because of the ventilation.

The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim is a more compact and practical version.

Compared to the regular PS5 Slim, it is about 30% smaller, lighter and easier to place in the room. The design has remained the same with two colours, but the side panels are divided in two, with the upper part being glossy and the lower part matte. The Digital version does not have a disc drive, but this can be purchased separately if you want to play physical games. In the version with disc drive (Disc), everything is standard: a built-in drive for Blu-ray and collector's editions.

The main differences between the PS5 and the Slim are the dimensions, weight and usability, not the performance or gaming features.

Price

Prices for Sony PlayStation 5 and Sony PlayStation 5 slim in the United Kingdom:

• Regular/standard PS5 with disc drive: from £475 to £675. Slim disc version between £465 and £585.
• Digital (without disc drive): £449-499, sometimes lower during sales.

With disc (Disc) convenient for collector's editions and buying second-hand games, suitable for people with a slow internet connection.

The digital version (Digital) is more compact, cheaper to buy, games only from the PS Store.

Checklist before purchase:

Before purchasing a console, pay attention to the following parameters:

• warranty, equipment, presence of a disc drive (Disc / Digital);
• promotions and discounts;
• reputation of the store — choose a reliable retailer, for example, Mediamarkt, bol.com or Coolblue.

Price is not a decisive factor when choosing between PS5 Slim vs Normal, as they are roughly comparable in price. The difference lies solely in the equipment and the type of disc drive.

Connectivity, ports and network

In terms of connectivity features, the PS5 and PS5 Slim are virtually identical – Sony has not compromised on functionality.

1. Ports: HDMI 2.1, USB-C and USB-A, Ethernet. The PS5 Slim has a second USB-C port on the front, which is useful for charging controllers and connecting an external SSD.
2. Network: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, for DualSense, headsets and other accessories.

Comparing the PS5 Slim and the standard model, we can conclude that the only differences are in the placement of the ports, while the performance and network capabilities are identical.

Built-in storage capacity

• Original PS5: 825 GB SSD (approximately 660-670 GB available).
• PS5 Slim: 1 TB SSD (approximately 850 GB available).

Games take up a lot of space due to their graphics and textures. Both consoles support expansion via M.2 SSD. The basic storage space is sufficient for most people, but those who enjoy large editions would be wise to consider expansion right away.

Compatibility with games and accessories

The PS5 is compatible with older games and accessories. PS4 games can be played on both models, and backward compatibility is almost complete. PS5 games do not work on the PS4.

Controllers and accessories:

• Works: DualSense (PS5), DualShock 4 (only with PS4 games), racing wheels, joysticks for sims, PS4 headsets, PS Move and VR Aim Controller (with adapter).
• Does not work: DualShock 4 with PS5 games, PS5 HD camera with original PS VR.

In summary, we can say that when comparing the PS5 Slim and Normal, the performance of games and support for accessories are virtually identical. The differences lie in the compactness, ease of use and a few minor options for added comfort.

Who is the PS5 suitable for?

The PS5 is an excellent choice:

• For fans of physical games (discs) and collector's editions.
• If you have space for a large, standard console.
• For those who have found a good deal on the original PS5.

The PS5 and PS5 Slim are identical in terms of performance and capabilities: 4K, 120 FPS, VRR, 3D audio. The only differences are the dimensions, design and ease of use.

Who is the PS5 Slim suitable for?

The PS5 Slim can be easily integrated into a limited space — the compact Slim version fits better into the interior. Other arguments for choosing this version of the console are:

• More built-in SSD — more convenient for digital games.
• Option to purchase a disc drive if you need physical games (Disc).
• Modern design and extra ports (USB‑C on the front).

Slim is a practical option for most buyers, especially if compactness, ease of use and slightly more memory than the standard version are important.

What to choose?

The PS5 Slim is a good choice if:

• You have limited space.
• You want more storage space (1 TB).
• You like a compact design and extra USB-C ports.

Choose the PS5 (original standard) if:

• You like a classic design.
• You don't want to buy extra accessories.

Choose the version with a disc drive if:

• You like physical games, Blu-ray and reselling discs.

Choose Digital if:

1. You buy games through the PS Store.
2. You have fast internet for downloading.
3. You want a compact digital console and want to save money in the beginning.

Frequently asked questions