The original PlayStation 5 is a whale of box that won't fit anywhere in my entertainment system. It is currently rammed down the back like an unloved cousin.
The new Slim doesn't look that much smaller, perhaps an inch shorter. But that's still an improvement, and slightly more aesthetically pleasing. Sony says "The new PS5 has been reduced in volume by more than 30%, and weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous models."
But without a photo next to the OG version who really knows. I'm sure someone will mock it up, but that's another Sony PR fail. Also missing from the photo, likely one of PlayStation's biggest news pieces of the year is the Portal, but Sony always lives in fear of confusing its audience.
And the elephant not in the photo, I guess the PS5 Pro is being earmarked for a release next spring to continue the hardware push.
Hopefully there will be a tandem or integrated marketing campaign for the PlayStation Portal to give it a kick into life. Or, the new PS5 could slurp the life out of any Portal sales as people focus on upgrading to the new model or making the leap up from PS4/Xbox/Switch.
The recommended retail prices for the new PS5 models (again BD and Digital editions), hitting stores in November, are broadly the same with current prices, so not exactly a 30% reduction to match the new size, in fact the digital model is up in price by $50:
U.S: PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 499.99 USD, PS5 Digital Edition – 449.99 USD
Europe: PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 549.99 EUR, PS5 Digital Edition – 449.99 EUR
U.K: PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 479.99 GBP, PS5 Digital Edition – 389.99 GBP
A horizontal stand will be included with the new PS5 model while digital model owners can splash out and get a disc drive to upgrade their model for $80. Also, there's a new Vertical Stand compatible with all PS5 models at 29.99 USD | 29.99 EURO | 24.99 GBP.
Read the full specs and see the 20 second product trailer (really, was it worth it?) on the PlayStation Blog.
