PS5 Slim review: the console that has everything a great

The PlayStation 5 Slim is a PlayStation 5 almost like any other. This test could stop there and refer to the one that Numerama published in November 2020, a little over three years ago. It would be forgotten that the Sony console has evolved a lot since its launch. It has built a catalog of major titles and received crucial features through updates. In short, the PS5 is today a much better console, more complete and more generous in terms of memorable experiences.

The PS5 Slim – which is indeed called that according to the official store – corrects one of the biggest flaws of the original model: its size. By losing 30% of volume, the console is a little more acceptable. On this subject, it is important to remember that the weight loss cure is not reflected in the bill. The PS5 Slim costs the same price, i.e. €450 or €550 depending on the version (with or without removable drive). It’s even €50 more than at the exit. The old PS5, however, is dropping in price.

Strong points

• More compact and prettier design
• 3 years of updates
• An unparalleled catalog of games

Weak points

• Still a little too big
• The optional vertical base for €30, really?
• Smaller but not cheaper

You have to get used to the idea: the PS5 will always be a little big

Many were disappointed when they saw the first images of the PS5 Slim, believing that the shrinkage was not significant enough. An observation which was confirmed with the revelation of the measurements. Yes, the PS5 Slim remains a big console, but we must remember that the 2020 PS5 is a very, even too big console (the biggest ever designed, all brands combined). A point which is partly explained by the huge fan installed inside, essential to properly cool a powerful machine, which you can hear running when you stand near it. Moreover, the air expelled by the PS5 Slim is not hot; proof that it works.

If the disappointment is understandable, we must recognize that the few centimeters gained here and there can prove decisive when placing the PS5 in its cabinet. Sometimes it doesn’t matter and being able to acquire a smaller console remains a welcome option to highlight. In Slim format, the PlayStation 5 gains in integration potential (Ikea will appreciate it), when we still wonder how Sony was able to take on a console as impractical as the original version.

Comparison of the measurements of the PS5 and the PS5 Slim (with disc drive) :

In any case, the reduced measurements of the PS5 Slim allow us to appreciate its convoluted curves much more. Sony thought of it as a product of the future, which results in an ad-hoc design. It reveals its full potential when the console is placed vertically and when its disk drive is removed. A point which highlights Sony’s pricing policy, which now charges for the base for the vertical position (€30) and does not even provide the plate to get rid of the disc player. Instead, we end up with two little plastic feet that are quite ridiculous, but necessary so that the console does not tip over when it is placed horizontally.

We would also have liked Sony to think about offering several options in the series colors: it will be white – glossy and matte (a tribute to the first PS4) – and nothing else. Later, we will be able to purchase shells of another color, but it will still be a few dozen euros to spend. In black, the PS5 Slim would be even slimmer, since, it is well known, black makes you thinner.

The PS5 has some interesting little improvements :

• The front now sports two USB-C ports, rather than one USB-C + USB-A (too bad for your wired controller to plug into a USB-A port). You will therefore no longer have to unplug your PlayStation VR2;
• The disk drive eject button is no longer next to the power supply button, which will avoid confusion;
• The storage space goes from 825 GB to 1 TB, a few GB which are always good to have (it’s a little less in reality).

The PS5 has never been better

The PlayStation 5 Slim is not a PlayStation 5 Pro. Consequently, it does not improve the gaming experience in any way: same power, same performance. The DualSense controller is still the same (good, it’s excellent). Which means that owners of a normal PS5 will have nothing to be ashamed of. God of War Ragnarok will never look better on PS5 Slim, which is released at a time when the game catalog is incredible. Those who will discover the PS5 universe with the Slim model will not lack experiences to dream, thrill or be amazed. It is not for nothing that the console is a huge commercial success.

As a bonus, the PS5 Slim arrives with all the features added by Sony since 2020, some of which were really essential for a so-called “new generation” console.

PS5 Slim arrives with the following features :

• The possibility of expanding the storage by inserting a compatible SSD, up to 8 TB, in the dedicated compartment (this can be done in a few minutes, without any risk to the warranty). Good news: there is a price war on the component and, today, you can get a 1TB SSD for less than €100. This guide will help you choose wisely;

Added to this is the multimedia portal of the PlayStation interface. There you can find all the popular applications, from MyCanal to Netflix, including Disney+ and even Amazon Prime Video. The PS5 also plays UHD Blu-Rays, if you opt for the version with the player (you can buy the player later). In short, the PS5 knows how to do lots of things and is truly a product that is reaching maturity.

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