STACK #232 February 2024

GAMING FEATURE

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THE PS5 FACEOFF: OG VS. SLIM

Words Amy Flower

On the outside Beyond those obvious differences size-wise, there are some subtler changes

the right of this dividing line, with matt finish to the left. With the disc drive now being removable, the eject button has been moved next

front panel bends around to the right is now concave on the updated model. While the OG included a separate stand that allowed the unit to be installed either vertically or horizontally, the PS5 slim comes with two small plastic foot inserts that keep the PS5 grounded stably for horizontal use. If you wish to use it vertically, a separate stand is available. On the inside Here’s the big bonus that the PS5 slim brings – extra storage. While the OG included an 825GB SSD, the new model upgrades that storage to 1TB. That’s

Vital statistics PlayStation claim that the updated PS5 is 30% smaller than the original PS5. Seen side by side, the difference in real estate isn’t actually as huge as that may sound. Mind you, when we first excitedly pulled the original PS5 from its box we were surprised at just how big it was – cue a certain infamous Star Wars quote. The newer PS5 is probably best described as being more what we’d expect a console to be size-wise.

to the PS5 with the introduction of the slimmed down unit. This one

includes a removable disc drive

(meaning that the digital-only version now just has a panel in its place, but users can easily upgrade

Slim

OG

to the drive slot, leaving the power button on its lonesome above – and us not stressing over button confusion, as they were right next to each other on the OG. Win! In the really small change department, where the black

down the track), which has brought a separating line to proceedings, which has been echoed atop the unit for design consistency. While the original was all matt white, the update features a glossy panel to

USB-c

quite a significant leap, enough for a couple of AAA games, meaning less of the delete this/ download that shuffle.

Slim

FRONT

OG

USB-c

USB-a

Here are the vital statistics: PS5 (original): 104mm (h) x 390mm (w) x 260mm (d) PS5 (slim): 96mm (h) x 358mm (w) x 216mm (d)

Ports There are a couple of changes to the front panel of the updated PS5. While the OG featured one USB-A and one USB-C connection, the PS5 slim dispenses with the USB-A option for a pair of USB-C sockets. The included DualSense charging cable reflects this change, with a USB-C to USB-C number now packed in. A more subtle change has happened to the rear ports, which remain the same – power, two USB-A, ethernet, and HDMI – in that the latter port has been shuffled along Power USB-A Ethernet HDMI

In use The only difference that you’ll encounter

in use with the updated PS5 is

during initial setup, where the disc drive requires a very quick registration to the PS5 itself – noting that you do need to be connected to the internet to get it up and running. Otherwise, it’s business as usual. Game on!

The PlayStation boffins were gradually working on weight reduction through the original design’s lifespan, with various component changes and suchlike. Our first release example weighs in at a fairly hefty 4.5kgs, while the new slimmer version is a decidedly more svelte 3.2kgs. That really is a significant weight saving.

towards the centre of the unit, rather than being wedged between the power and ethernet connection, while the two USB ports have swapped places with the ethernet port.

Slim

BACK

OG

USB-A

Ethernet

HDMI

Power

48 FEBRUARY 2024

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