Arriving three years since pre-orders landed on the doorstep of excitable owners on launch day, the PlayStation 5 is set to receive a smaller format factor.
Reminding us of the PlayStation 2 ‘Slim’ days, the ‘new’ PS5 will simply replace existing inventory as it’s sold through from November 2023 onwards.
Sony claims that it is 30% smaller than the original unit, and while the two versions still exist – the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition – the weight for each drops by 18% and 24% respectively.
There’s no performance bump here, the console has simply shrunk and while the overall shape (and colours) are unmistakably a PS5, it looks as if it’s been to the gym.
Inside both models have a 1TB solid-state drive for storage, as opposed to the outgoing model’s 825GB.
Those who plump for the digital edition this time around will now have the option of adding a disc drive at a later date, something not possible with the forebearer. A side panel can be removed, then an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive can be added for games and movies. This will be available separately for $79.99/€119.99/£99.99.
Another optional extra is a newly designed vertical stand that is said to work with ‘all models’ of PS5 for $29.99/€29.99/£24.99.
According to Sony, sales of the console grew 37.5 per cent year-on-year in Q1 2023, shifting 3.3 million units in those four months.
In Europe (excluding the UK and Germany), GSD data revealed sales of the PS5 were up 197% in August 2023 compared to the same month in 2022. Speaking of Germany, according to GfK, sales of the PS5 were three times as many year-on-year in August. Q2 figures are expected in November, with VGCHartz estimating similar growth in the US and Japan.
Following a tricky start, the current generation of consoles now have a steady flow of driving games designed specifically for the hardware, such as the new heavily-updated Assetto Corsa Competizione, Ride 5 plus the upcoming EA SPORTS WRC and Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown.
‘New look’ 2023 PS5 pricing
- U.S.
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – $499.99
- PS5 Digital Edition – $449.99
- Europe
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – €549.99
- PS5 Digital Edition – €449.99
- U.K.
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – £479.99
- PS5 Digital Edition – £389.99
Source: PlayStation
