Sony unveils a slimmer PlayStation 5 model, launching this November

Today, Sony Interactive Entertainment revealed the long-rumored PlayStation 5 model refresh, with a slimmer form factor and optional attachable Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive. The new model is launching in November, but it’s not a “PS5 Slim”, as Sony took great care to not use the word in the entirety of the PlayStation Blog announcement. However, it certainly is a slim PS5, boasting 30% less overall volume, and weighing 18% and 24% less than the current SKUs of the console.

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Perhaps the most welcome news is the increase of internal SSD storage from 825GB to 1TB. The new form factor certainly looks sleeker, accented by a break in the cover plates, which means that there are now four such plates on the new model. The new PS5 also comes with a new vertical stand featuring a metal ring that looks quite nice in contrast to the basic plastic stand we have now.

In terms of pricing, the disc drive model will remain $499.99, but the digital model is increasing $50 to $449.99. The new vertical stand will be available a la carte for $29.99, as will the new covers, which retail for $54.99. It is unclear if the current PS5 cover plates will fit the new model moving forward, or if you’ll need to pony up for new ones.

Sony also noted that once inventory of the current PS5 model is sold through, the new slimmer versions will be the only ones available at retail going forward. A slim PS5 with a detachable disc drive was first reported by Insider Gaming last year, and had been expected to launch by the end of 2023, but now that it’s official, Sony may potentially turn its attention to a PS5 Pro model.