Sony's new PlayStation 5 Slim console model will retain its expandable storage feature while coming with more memory than the original version.
A spokesperson for the company said that the PS5 Slim will have a 1TB internal SSD storage instead of the 825GB found in the original model. This was revealed in an email statement that there would be "no changes with the new model," which refers to removing the back cover panel of the console and manually installing an additional SSD.
New PS5 Slim
The continued support for the PS5 Slim's expandable storage feature is expected to be a huge boon for customers planning to buy the new model. The release of the PS5 Slim comes as many blockbuster games will launch on Sony's ninth-generation home console with relatively large file sizes.
The option to add an M.2 SSD to expand the console's storage is a nice added feature, considering that a software update was released last month that allowed support for up to 8TB of additional SSD storage, as per IGN.
Similar to the base model of the PS5, you cannot simply throw any M.2 SSD inside the home console. Previously, Sony has said that the M.2 SSD needs to be PCle Gen4 and while it noted that the read speeds need to be at minimum 5,500 MB/s, several users have tested out that a slower read speed M.2 SSD will still work inside the console.
On top of the expandable storage feature, an announcement noted that the new PS5 Slim model will come with an attachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive. The company said that the PS5 was reduced in volume by more than 30% and its weight by 18% and 24% compared to previous models.
The PS5 Slim also has four separate cover panels, with the top portion having a glossy look while the bottom remains matte. Sony said that if users purchase the PS5 Digital Edition, they can add the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive for the console later as it will also be put on sale.
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Additional Features of the New Model
The company noted that the new model will be available at select local retailers and online at direct.playstation.com where available. It added that the PS5 Slim will continue to roll out worldwide in the following months after the initial release, according to the PlayStation Blog.
The prices for the new model have also been revealed, as the recommended retail costs for the PS5 Slim will vary depending on the region. For US customers, the PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive will cost $499.99, while the Digital Edition will cost $449.99.
Additionally, the PS5 Slim will now have two slits on each side and dual USB-C ports at the front instead of the single USB-C and USB-A ports that are found on the current PS5 model. The Verge says that users who buy the new model will also get a horizontal stand, while a vertical stand will be on sale separately.
