Revealed to the public in 2020, the initial images of the PlayStation 5 presented it as a behemoth in the world of gaming consoles. Despite hopes to the contrary, the PlayStation 5 lived up to its massive first impressions, presenting a challenge to seamlessly integrate into living room setups. The Xbox series adopted a more minimalist approach, further accentuating the PS5’s bold design. Durable as it was, the console’s size remained noticeably larger even when custom plates attempted to slim its appearance. But, as the calendar page turns to April 5, a new chapter begins for gaming enthusiasts in India with the launch of the PlayStation 5 Slim.
Doubling down on sleekness, the PlayStation 5 Slim measures up to its name. Extracted from its packaging, the console’s reduced size and weight are immediate. Sony has impressively shrunk the unit without sacrificing its signature design style, maintaining the aesthetic that has both its critics and admirers. The tick-tock cadence of Sony’s design philosophy oscillates between edgy and rounded year on year, with the PS5 Slim choosing boldness. This characteristic ensures that it will not go unnoticed on your entertainment unit, although those less inclined towards its futuristic look will appreciate its discrete concealability behind a TV screen.
The original PlayStation 5 saw various iterations, with minor weight reductions, yet the gargantuan dimensions remained. The standard model, especially the disc-equipped version, tipped the scales at 4.5 kilograms with dimensions spreading out to a width of 390mm, a height of 104mm, and a depth of 260mm. Enter the slimmer sibling, which boasts a 24% lighter weight at 3.2 kg and a 30% smaller size with proportions of 358mm x 96mm x 216mm for the disc edition. Even more striking is the disc-less Slim, weighing a mere 2.6 kg. These are welcome changes for anyone yearning for a PlayStation experience without commandeering significant living space.
Stylistically, the PlayStation 5 Slim remains faithful to the original with its distinctive white V or Y shape. However, design tweaks include a split panel side with contrasting matte and glossy finishes. Sony extends customization options with various colors for the Slim’s plates, including a sleek black option. All panels are replaceable independently. Notably, the Digital Edition Slim offers a clever feature: users can retrofit a drive into the disc-equipped side panel, making it a versatile and budget-friendly option for digital library aficionados. Disc enthusiasts have not been forgotten, with the Disc Edition serving their needs.
For the symmetry-biased, the Slim Digital Edition’s streamlined appearance is a plus. Upright placement is possible with the purchase of a vertical stand, an additional accessory, while the in-built side stands cater to horizontal mounting. While able to stand vertically on its own, the Slim may require caution around energetic little ones.
Despite the build quality being robust, the necessity of shedding weight is noticeable in features such as the air vents. The original’s intricately cut fins have been replaced with broader openings, potentially a dust magnet in urban environments.
Technologically, the PlayStation 5 Slim mirrors its predecessor’s prowess, maintaining consistent processing power. An upgrade to this edition is the 1TB SSD, compared to the original’s 800GB. The storage is further expandable with a compatible NVME SSD, easily accessible under one of the panels. I/O ports have shifted towards USB-C in the front, with continued USB-A support at the rear. Core specifications, including the 8-core Ryzen Zen 2 AMD RDNA 2 architecture, Tempest 3D Audio, and support for dynamic refresh rates and 4k, remain unchanged. Performance testing has confirmed that the Slim delivers the robust gaming experience expected of a PlayStation 5, now in a more pliable package.
For those contemplating a PlayStation 5, the Slim version should be at the top of the list. Its smaller footprint and enhanced storage capacity justify any price differential over its predecessors. Specifically, the Slim Digital edition’s price point of ₹44,990 makes it an attractive proposition, particularly with its future-proof design allowing for a modular disc drive addition.
As the Sony PlayStation 5 Slim makes its grand entrance, it revives an age-old adage: good things do come in smaller packages.
