We’ve been thinking about Sony’s plans for an intergenerational refresh of the PlayStation 5 for months, plans in which the most anticipated for many users was the now-traditional Slim model, which the company always launched more or less half way through the life cycle of this generation. A model that, yes, as we already told you in July, could not be present in this generation, given the leaks that were already happening.

A few weeks later, more information emerged that also pointed in that direction, except that its design might not be particularly attractive, which was confirmed (as part of what we can believe was a leak) with an image that was released a few days later . afterwards. And just a few days later, we went from image to video of what appeared to be a cover for the then-unreleased console.on. All signs pointed to it not being Slim or at least not as Slim as one would like.

Well, the rumors are over and the suspicions have been confirmed. Sony has unveiled a new PlayStation 5 design that, while smaller and lighter than the original, doesn’t carry the Slim moniker and in fact it is supposed to replace the original design with which the brand’s console debuted on the market in December 2020. A redesign that applies to both versions of the console and that brings not only aesthetic changes.

The most relevant thing about this redesign of PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition is limited to SSD storage. As you may remember, the original design of the PS5 in its two editions integrated an 825 gigabyte drive, from which we had to subtract the space occupied by the operating system and its various elements, which was reflected in the actual capacity. just over 650 gigabytes. This at the time made many of us focus on the size of the games coming to Sony’s console. Now, while it’s not a huge jump, we’re seeing good movement at this point The new PlayStation 5, both versions, include a one terabyte SSD.

Another interesting change has to do with the Blu-ray drive, which as you know is part of the standard model but not the digital edition. Now with this design update The optical drive is removable in the standard editionand also unit can be purchased separately by those users who originally purchased the digital edition. In the image below you can see the removable side panel system that these new models have for this purpose.

As indicated at the beginning, we are facing the PlayStation 5 Slim, which is not called Slim, but is slightly smaller and lighter than the original design from 2020. Specifically, Sony introduces This reduction in size by 30% and weight by 18% to 24%., depending on the release we’re talking about. Here are the dimensions and weights of both, both the 2020 versions and the ones Sony unveiled today:

You will see that we have added an asterisk in the dimensions, a classic sign that some note needs to be made in this regard, and that in this case set means that these measurements do not include the protruding parts of the consoles. So while we’re not actually facing a reduction in size and weight that would justify the Slim surname, It’s a noticeable difference in size and weight.which were two aspects (especially the first) that were somewhat criticized in the 2020 editions.

Sony has confirmed that not for the launch of these new versions, but in early 2024, Marketing of various colored covers will begin, with which it will be possible to modify the appearance of the console. Characteristic, “all matte black color combination and Deep Earth collection colors in volcanic red, cobalt blue and sterling silver«. Although we still don’t know the exact date, we do know this Their prices will start at 54.99 euros.

In both standard and digital editions, this redesigned PlayStation 5 will feature a horizontal stand and Sthey will also market vertical supportwhich you can see in the picture below this paragraph, the price of which will be 29.99 euros.

However, there is no mention of another rumor that circulated last summer that suggested this PlayStation 5 redesign would arrive with a new 5-nanometer APU, more efficient and not requiring liquid metal. This development, which ultimately seems not to have happened (or if so, Sony didn’t mention it) would mean a significant improvement not in performance, but in energy efficiency and consequently the thermal profile.

And when will this PlayStation 5 2023 edition go on sale? Well, its marketing will start in the United States sometime in November and will expand to other countries. while supplies last for 2020 modelssomething that confirms what we told you a week ago, that Sony delayed the launch of these Slim not Slim precisely because of the high volume of inventory it still has.

This in turn leads you to the clue of what comes next, that both versions (2020 and 2023) will not co-exist in the market, the production of the original editions has already been discontinued and in Subsequently, when the units that are still in stock run out, The new one will only be available for purchase in the standard and digital editions.. So if you prefer 2020 for some reason, don’t wait too long or you could end up without it.

As far as Sony’s recommended prices are concerned, there are no differences from the current ones, i.e. The standard edition will cost 549.99 euroswith, while The digital edition will be sold for 449.99 euros. Regarding the Blu-ray drive, which, as mentioned above, can be purchased separately for use in the digital edition, Its price will be 119.99 euros. This option can be interesting for those who have a limited budget and prefer to buy first the console and later the Blu-ray drive, although it is true that the final amount they will pay will be 569.98 euros, 19.99 euros more What if we were to buy the standard edition.

More information: Sony