Sony’s new PS5 is slim and has few perks, although the (slightly) smaller design is a nice bonus.
Sony’s New PlayStation 5 Slim is a Mixed Bag
A Long Time Love of Slim Consoles
I’ve been a fan of Sony’s re-skinned consoles since the PS One. Each Sony console I owned was the original, bigger version, which always seemed bigger and less cool than the eventual redesigns – and I felt like I missed out. For many gamers, the slim consoles represent a more refined approach, function, and form. But I think my love of “slim” PlayStations has reached its limit with the new PS5.
The PS5: A Design Problem
If any PlayStation has needed a redesign, it’s the PS5. The current white-and-black monolith is a big console, one that many gamers get used to rather than really like. Its sleek futuristic look was cool at first, but as time went on, the bulk became more of a hassle than a feature. Many gamers felt the PS5 was too big to fit in entertainment centers and required creative solutions to place it properly.
A redesign was expected, like what Sony did with the George Foreman Grill PS3. A smaller, more streamlined design would be nicer and more practical. However, the disc version of the PS5 is still bigger than the digital version, which affects its fit in many setups. The new PS5 for $499.99 and the PS5 Digital Edition for $449.99 are more half-measures than a full reimagining.
Performance: Same Power, New Face
In terms of performance, both new PS5s have the same specs as the original, so gamers won’t have to sacrifice performance for a sleeker design. With ray tracing, 4K gaming, and fast load times thanks to the SSD and a bunch of compute units, the core gaming experience is still solid. But with no major upgrades or new features in these slim models, some gamers may feel meh.
User Experience: Getting Used to Changes
While the slim design and detachable disc drive bring new things, getting used to those changes won’t be as smooth as expected. The digital model without a disc drive has a different user experience and is seen as the more affordable option compared to the disc drive versions. The user interface has evolved over the years and still gets tweaked, but many gamers still want a more intuitive and streamlined experience. The lack of major upgrades or new features in the latest models will only add to the feeling of missed opportunities.
The Design of the New “Slim” PS5
Smaller Frame But Still Big
The new “slim” PS5 is smaller, but Sony says it’s more than 30% smaller. But seeing it in person is mixed. One minute, it feels smaller. The next, it’s hard to get over the feeling that it’s still a big console. The swooping curves and contours make you change your mind about its design depending on the angle you look at it. This is because of a design that some might call too complicated or even ugly.
Tweaks and Quirks
On the surface, the slim PS5 looks more refined than the bigger one. The shorter white plates concave top curves, and panel lines that create a contrast between glossy and matte finish make it look more polished. But the redesign also brings some weird choices. The disc drive sticks out awkwardly; it looks like a tumor rather than a part of the console. And the lack of vent fins on top makes it feel incomplete, like a prototype rather than a finished product.
A Vertical Stand That’s a No
The cat-ear-shaped feet for horizontal placement might elicit some laughs, especially when you consider they’re part of the “included” stand. The console can stand vertically on its own, but the option to buy a vertical stand for $29.99 is just frustrating. The original PS5 had a convertible stand for both horizontal and vertical placement without extra cost.
Practical Upgrades
Despite the questionable design choices, the new PS5 has some practical upgrades. As part of the evolution of Sony consoles, it has the upgrades seen in the original PS5, PS5 Slim, and the upcoming PS5 Pro. It has 1TB of built-in storage, which is an increase from the 825GB of the original model. This is good since game sizes are getting bigger. It also has two front-facing USB-C ports, which is a welcome change from the previous 1 USB-C and 1 USB-A port. This is in line with the trend of USB-C and makes it more accessible.
Button Changes for Usability
One good thing about the redesign is the new location of the removable disc drive’s eject button. This finally solves the problem of confusing the power and eject buttons, which have looked too similar since PS4. Users can now differentiate between the two without stopping a game or removing a disc during play.
The Removable Disc Drive in the New PS5 Slim
Tool-Free Convenience with a Weird Reason
One good thing about the new PS5 Slim is the removable disc drive, which Sony designed to be tool-free. This is great, especially when compared to the hassle of adding an M.2 SSD to the PS5, which is still possible with the new model. But this convenience raises a question: Why is the disc drive removable in the first place?
The option to add a disc drive might appeal to those who regret buying the Digital Edition PS5, but the financials are hard to ignore. The Digital Edition now costs $449.99, and the disc drive is $79.99. So, potential buyers might end up spending more just to have physical media.
Internet Required and Issues
Another thing to add to the confusion of the disc drive is the requirement to be connected to the internet during setup. Reports say that even if the disc drive is pre-attached to the console, you still need to connect to Sony’s servers to complete the setup process. This is a problem for those in areas with limited internet or those who want to set up their console offline. Without at least one internet connection, you can’t play any games, even if you have discs.
Also, the console displays a warning about factory resets, saying that unpairing the disc drive requires an internet connection. This raises questions about secondhand sales and ownership. What if someone buys a secondhand disc drive that hasn’t been unpaired? This can cause problems and confusion in ownership experience.
Confusing Mid-Cycle Refresh
The disc drive complexities and design choices of the PS5 Slim resulted in a confusing mid-cycle refresh. Beyond the smaller form factor, slightly more storage, and rearranged port layout, this update feels like Sony prioritized its profits over the consumers. The need for accessories to fully utilize the console feels like a way to extract more money from the buyer rather than an actual improvement to the gaming experience.
If you already own the original PS5, there’s no real reason to upgrade to the Slim model. The changes don’t warrant the switch, especially with the new disc drive complications. For those planning to buy a new one, maybe the original “fat” PS5 is the better choice, at least until the Slim becomes the only one available in stores.
On the other hand, the PS5 Pro has PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), an AI-driven technology that enhances the PS5 Pro’s graphical capabilities by filling in image gaps with more detail and quality. This feature improves visual performance without sacrificing frame rates, which is a big step up from the standard PS5 rendering.
Prioritize Customers in Future Designs
In summary, the removable disc drive in the new PS5 Slim is tool-free, but it also complicates the user experience. As Sony does its mid-cycle refresh, it should focus more on customer experience rather than profits. It should simplify features and minimize complications so gamers feel valued and supported as they use the latest PlayStation technology.
Mixed Reception
Gamers react to the new PS5 Slim models with mixed feelings. For those who have been following the evolution of Sony’s consoles, this redesign feels like a step back rather than a step forward. The 30% smaller size and detachable disc drive might be good for some, but many will find it hard to ignore that the core of the original PS5 remains the same.
The original design had flaws but was also the bleeding edge of gaming at the time. The PS5 was supposed to be a bold step into the future of gaming with advanced tech and big features. The Slim model plays it safe with minor tweaks instead of significant innovations. It’s all about aesthetics and portability rather than actual gaming experience.
The Nostalgia Challenge
Nostalgia plays a significant role in how consumers perceive console redesigns. The excitement around slim versions of gaming consoles has always been about performance and design improvements. But the new PS5 Slim can’t deliver on those promises. Many long-time PlayStation fans are asking themselves if the changes really improve the gaming experience or just a marketing gimmick.
Forward
As Sony progresses with gaming, there’s hope that future models will be more innovative. Gamers want a console that combines aesthetics with functionality and is good for both new and old players. The journey of the PlayStation brand has always been about creativity and forward-thinking design, and we want that to continue.
While the new PS5 Slim models might get some attention with their smaller size and detachable disc drive, they still fall short of the expectations set by their predecessors. As the gaming landscape evolves, Sony should stay committed to pushing the boundaries so that future consoles deliver innovation and a user experience.
