The smaller PS5—often called the “PS5 Slim”—is a redesign of the base PlayStation 5, not a new performance tier. The important differences are the chassis, weight, storage configuration, front USB layout, removable disc-drive design, and stand arrangement.
Quick answer: If you already own a working base PS5, switching to the smaller model does not give you PS5 Pro-level graphics or frame-rate gains. If you are buying a standard PS5 today, the smaller chassis is the normal new-console design, while the 2020-style chassis is mainly relevant on the used or refurbished market.
PS5 Slim vs Original PS5 at a Glance
For a clean comparison, the table below uses the 2020 launch PS5 with a disc drive and the current U.S. CFI-2100 disc model. Sony revised the original chassis more than once before the smaller design arrived, so a specific used PS5 can differ in weight from the launch model.
| Feature | 2020 launch PS5 Disc | Current smaller PS5 Disc |
|---|---|---|
| Performance class | Base PS5 | Base PS5 |
| Built-in SSD | 825GB | 1TB |
| Approx. dimensions | 390 × 104 × 260 mm | 358 × 96 × 216 mm |
| Approx. weight | 4.5 kg | 3.1 kg |
| Front USB | 1× USB-C + 1× USB-A | 2× USB-C |
| Rear USB-A | 2 | 2 |
| Disc-drive design | Integrated on disc model | Removable drive architecture |
| Vertical setup | Original base included | Vertical Stand sold separately |
Does the PS5 Slim Perform Better?
No. Sony introduced the smaller model as the same base PS5 technology in a smaller enclosure. The redesign is not the equivalent of moving from a base PS5 to a PS5 Pro .
That distinction matters because PS5 Pro is now a separate product. Sony launched PS5 Pro on November 7, 2024 with an upgraded GPU, advanced ray tracing, and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). If higher graphics performance is the goal, compare the base PS5 with PS5 Pro rather than expecting the smaller chassis to create a new performance class.
Comparing performance rather than chassis size?
See our separate PS5 vs PS5 Pro guide for the GPU, storage, disc-drive, and feature differences.
How Much Smaller Is It?
The physical redesign is one of the clearest changes. The 2020 launch disc PS5 measured approximately 390 × 104 × 260 mm and weighed about 4.5 kg. The current CFI-2100 disc model measures approximately 358 × 96 × 216 mm and weighs about 3.1 kg.
When Sony introduced the smaller CFI-2000 family in 2023, it described the new enclosure as more than 30% smaller by volume than the preceding models. That can matter in a tight media cabinet, but the smaller dimensions do not indicate faster gaming hardware.
Storage Is More Complicated Than “Slim = 1TB”
Older comparisons often say the original PS5 has an 825GB SSD while every smaller PS5 has 1TB. That is no longer a safe rule.
- The current U.S. CFI-2100 PS5 with disc drive is listed with a 1TB SSD.
- The current U.S. CFI-2100 Digital Edition is listed with an 825GB SSD.
- The original 2020 PS5 family launched with an 825GB SSD.
Sony originally announced the CFI-2000 smaller design in 2023 with 1TB storage, but later revisions changed the Digital Edition configuration. Check the exact model and current product listing rather than assuming storage from the “Slim” nickname.
Both generations can also use a compatible internal M.2 SSD for expansion , so the factory SSD is not the console’s final storage ceiling.
The Removable Disc Drive Changes the Buying Decision
The launch PS5 made disc versus digital a fixed chassis decision. The smaller design adds a dedicated disc-drive connection: a compatible smaller Digital Edition can add Sony’s separately sold Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive later.
This modular design is useful if you start with an all-digital setup but may want physical games later. It does not mean every PS5 model supports the add-on drive; compatibility depends on the relevant smaller chassis.
The Front USB Ports Changed
The 2020 launch PS5 has one front USB-C port and one front USB-A port. The smaller CFI-2000/2100 design uses two USB-C ports on the front while retaining two USB-A ports on the rear. Sony documents both layouts in its PS5 USB port guide .
That difference can affect accessory placement. A USB-A gaming-headset dongle, for example, may need a rear USB-A port on the smaller console unless the accessory includes or supports another appropriate connection method.
Does the Smaller PS5 Include a Vertical Stand?
The current smaller PS5 includes feet for horizontal positioning, while Sony sells the Vertical Stand separately. By contrast, the launch PS5 included its original base for supported horizontal or vertical positioning.
If you plan to place a current PS5 vertically, include the stand arrangement in your setup comparison instead of looking only at the console dimensions.
PS5 Slim vs PS5 Price in 2026
Price needs a date attached to it. The 2020 launch MSRPs are historical figures, not useful “current prices” for a chassis Sony has already phased out of normal new-console inventory.
Effective April 2, 2026, Sony’s announced U.S. recommended retail prices are $649.99 for PS5, $599.99 for PS5 Digital Edition, and $899.99 for PS5 Pro. Retail promotions and bundles can still change the amount you actually pay.
For an original-chassis PS5 in 2026, compare the real used or refurbished price, condition, included controller and accessories, warranty, exact model revision, and storage—not its 2020 launch MSRP.
Should Existing PS5 Owners Switch to the Smaller Model?
For gaming performance alone, there is little reason to replace a working base PS5 with another base PS5. The practical reasons are narrower: you may need a smaller enclosure, prefer the revised USB layout, want the modular disc-drive architecture, or specifically want the storage configuration of a current model.
If your real goal is better graphics performance in supported games, PS5 Pro is the relevant upgrade path.
Should a New Buyer Choose an Original PS5 or the Smaller PS5?
In 2026, this is mainly a new-versus-used question. Sony stated when it introduced the smaller design that it would become the standard PS5 after existing inventory of the earlier model sold through.
A used or refurbished original PS5 can still be reasonable when its price and condition are attractive. When prices are close, the current smaller model gives you a more compact chassis and the newer modular drive design. Always check the exact model number instead of treating every “original” PS5 revision as identical.
What Does This Mean for PS5 Headsets?
The chassis change does not create a new headset standard. Compatible 3.5mm headsets can use the DualSense controller, and supported USB audio devices can use the console’s USB connections. See our wired PS5 headset guide for the analog and USB paths, and our PS5 Bluetooth guide for wireless-audio limitations.
Need a straightforward wired PS5 audio setup?
Browse gaming headsets and verify the connector and PS5 compatibility on the exact product page before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PS5 Slim more powerful than the original PS5?
No. The smaller PS5 remains in the base PS5 performance tier. Its major changes are physical design, storage configuration, ports, weight, and the removable disc-drive system.
Does every PS5 Slim have a 1TB SSD?
No. The current U.S. CFI-2100 disc model is listed with 1TB, while the current CFI-2100 Digital Edition is listed with 825GB. Check the exact model before buying.
Can the smaller PS5 Digital Edition add a disc drive later?
Compatible smaller Digital Edition models support Sony’s separately sold Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive through the dedicated drive connection.
Does the smaller PS5 include the vertical stand?
No. Sony currently sells the Vertical Stand separately. Horizontal support feet are included with the smaller console.
Bottom Line
The PS5 Slim is best understood as a smaller revision of the base PS5, not a performance upgrade. Choose it for the newer physical design and current retail availability. Choose PS5 Pro only when the higher-performance hardware and supported-game enhancements are the point of the purchase.
