PS5 Slim Review: 9.0/10 - Sony's Refined Powerhouse
Overview
The PS5 Slim is the mid-generation revision of Sony’s flagship console, shrinking the original design by over 30 percent in volume while keeping the same custom AMD hardware. Launched in late 2023 at $449 for the disc version and $399 for the digital edition, it packs an 8-core Zen 2 CPU, an RDNA 2 GPU delivering 10.3 teraflops, and a custom 825 GB SSD that delivers blazing fast load times. The detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive is a welcome addition, letting digital edition owners upgrade later.
Design and Build
Sony reduced the PS5’s bulk significantly with four removable panels that snap off for easy access to the SSD expansion slot and the optional disc drive. The console ships with a horizontal stand included, but a vertical stand is sold separately, which felt like an unnecessary cost-cutting move. The cooling system remains effective with a large dual-sided fan and heat pipe assembly that keeps noise levels low, though the console still runs warmer than the Xbox Series X.
Performance
The custom RDNA 2 GPU with 36 compute units running at up to 2.23 GHz delivers smooth 4K gaming with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. First-party titles like Spider-Man 2, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, and Horizon Forbidden West demonstrate exceptional optimization, often targeting 60 fps with ray-traced reflections at dynamic 4K resolution. The SSD’s raw throughput of 5.5 GB/s is significantly faster than the Xbox Series X’s 2.4 GB/s, enabling near-instant level loading and the Kraken decompression engine that reduces game install sizes.
DualSense Controller
The DualSense is the generation’s defining innovation, with adaptive triggers that provide variable resistance for actions like drawing a bowstring or pressing a brake pedal, and haptic feedback that delivers nuanced vibration textures from rain on glass to footsteps on gravel. The built-in speaker and gyroscope add immersion in supported titles, and the USB-C charging and improved battery life over the DualShock 4 make it a genuine leap forward. The light bar has been subtly integrated into the touchpad for a cleaner look.
Exclusive Games
Sony’s first-party output remains the strongest argument for choosing PS5, with critically acclaimed exclusives like God of War Ragnarok, The Last of Us Part I and II remasters, Gran Turismo 7, Final Fantasy XVI, and the upcoming Wolverine and Ghost of Yotei. The PlayStation Plus catalog has expanded to rival Game Pass, offering hundreds of titles across Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers including classics from PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP.
Storage and Expansion
The 1 TB SSD in the Slim model offers roughly 850 GB of usable space, a welcome improvement over the original 825 GB. An internal M.2 SSD expansion slot supports standard Gen4 NVMe drives, and installing one is straightforward thanks to the tool-less panel access. USB external drives can store and play PS4 titles directly, while PS5 games can be stored externally and moved back to the internal drive when needed.
Verdict
The PS5 Slim earns a 9.0 out of 10, delivering the same exceptional gaming experience as the original in a more practical package. The DualSense controller remains the standout feature of this generation, and Sony’s exclusive lineup gives the console a compelling reason to own it. The removable disc drive is a smart design choice, though the separate vertical stand feels nickel-and-dimey at this price point.
Where to Buy
Looking for the best deal on a PS5 Slim? Check current prices and available listings on eBay to find new, open-box, and certified refurbished units at competitive prices.
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