PlayStation®5 Slim Review: Solid Performance with Some Trade-offs

The PlayStation®5 Slim is the latest iteration of Sony's flagship console, and it promises a balance between performance, design, and value. While it may not have the same initial hype as the original PS5 launch, it's a more refined version for those who missed out or are looking for an upgrade.

In my experience, the PS5 Slim offers several improvements over its predecessor. However, it also comes with a few areas where it falls short. I spent a couple of weeks testing this console to see where it stands in the current market.

If you're considering making the jump to this model, there are a few things you should keep in mind. From the look and feel to the performance and features, I've got plenty to cover. Let's dive into what makes the PS5 Slim tick and whether it's worth your time and money.

Whether you're a hardcore gamer or a casual player, there's something here for everyone. But is it the right choice for you? Let's find out.

With the PS5 Slim, you get a lot of bang for your buck, but it's not without its trade-offs. The inclusion of a wireless controller and pre-installed game adds some value, making it a decent starter package for newcomers to the PlayStation ecosystem.

The console is priced competitively, especially considering the integrated tech features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. These features enhance gameplay and give it a fresh feel, though they are mostly dependent on the game's support for these functions.

Compared to its competitors, it holds its own, offering a good mix of performance and features. However, the need to purchase things like the vertical stand and potentially additional storage might add to the overall cost, which is something to consider.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable console that offers a lot of the current-gen features without breaking the bank, the PS5 Slim is a solid choice. Just keep in mind that it's not the cheapest option out there, and you'll need to weigh how much the additional features and performance improvements mean to you.

One of the first things you'll notice about the PS5 Slim is its design. It's clearly a more compact version of the original PS5, which is a welcome change if you're short on space. The slimmer profile makes it easier to fit into entertainment units without looking like an eyesore. Its dimensions, 17 x 14 x 6.6 inches, reflect a more modern and space-saving approach.

I found the design to be pretty solid overall. It's not groundbreaking but it gets the job done. The matte finish is a nice touch, and it doesn't pick up fingerprints easily, which was a problem with the shinier surfaces of past models. The vertical stand, unfortunately, is sold separately, which is a bit of a downer.

Compared to the original, it's less bulky but still retains a futuristic aesthetic that PlayStation is known for. In practice, if you're a fan of minimalist setups, this design will complement rather than clash with your existing setup. It's more about functionality than flash, which isn't a bad thing.

What I didn't like? The console feels a bit plastic-heavy, which sometimes makes it feel less premium than its price tag suggests. But overall, the design is a step in the right direction.

When it comes to performance, the PS5 Slim doesn't disappoint. It's equipped with a custom CPU, GPU, and the well-touted ultra-high-speed SSD. During my testing, load times were impressively fast, which makes a huge difference when jumping between games or loading your saved files.

Ray tracing is supported, which adds a layer of realism to the games that support it. The lighting and reflections look pretty solid, lending a bit more immersion to the gaming experience. If you're a fan of current-gen graphics, this is where the PS5 Slim shines.

While playing titles like Astro's Playroom and other PS5 exclusives, the console handled everything without any noticeable slowdown. The 1TB storage is decent, but if you're someone who likes to keep a large library of games, you'll probably need to look at external storage options.

On the downside, while the performance is good, it's not a giant leap over the original PS5. If you already own the first model, the differences might not justify an upgrade. But for new buyers, it's a capable console that handles everything you throw at it.