It’s been three years since PlayStation 5 first launched, which makes it prime time for an update. Rumours have been circulating for some time that slim versions of the console were on the way, and this has now been confirmed by Sony. These smaller versions were created to “address the evolving needs of players,” which is silly because it’s generally just the same thing in a smaller package. But hey, I’ll take it. The original PlayStation 5 always seemed quite bulky to me.
The new PlayStation 5 is more than 30% smaller in volume, and depending on the model (disc drive or digital) either 18% or 24% lighter. There are four separate cover panels; the top portion is glossy, while the bottom is matte. The most interesting thing here is that if you purchase the digital edition, you will have the option to add on the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive for PlayStation 5 later on. This mean that digital won’t be limited to digital anymore. I don’t hate the idea of a modular console. Each version includes a 1TB SSD.
The new PlayStation 5 model will come with a horizontal stand, but if you want to store it vertically it’ll cost you US$29.99 for that stand. In the US, the disc version of the console will cost $499.99 and the Digital Edition will cost 449.99. The disc drive can be purchased separately for $79.99.
Users won’t be limited to the white console, thankfully. A variety of Console Cover colours will be available starting in early 2024, starting at US$54.99. There will be an all-matte Black colourway, as well as the Deep Earth Collection colours in Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sterling Silver. Additional colours will be released in the future, so I’m holding out hope for a hot pink PlayStation. Or maybe something like GameCube/GBA Indigo. Or something with sparkles!
Related reading: PlayStation’s adaptive controller – the Access controller – launches this December.
The new PlayStation 5 model will be launching beginning this November, rolling out globally over the following months. In Japan, a release date of November 10 has been confirmed. Once inventory of the current PlayStation 5 is sold out, these new versions will be the only ones available.
