Highlights
A potential release of a slimmer version of the PlayStation 5 is on the horizon, as indicated by legal documents from Microsoft. These documents suggest that the launch will occur "later this year," offering enthusiasts the same price point as the existing PS5 Digital Edition.
Take this with a grain of salt, but there is a leaked image circulating of a purported slim PS5. If it turns out to be true, this updated console would be approximately 2 inches shorter than the original and feature a detachable disc drive, as evidenced by a noticeable split in the cover plates. Speculation about a slimline version of the PlayStation 5 has been ongoing as the console approaches its third year on the market, and a recently surfaced image provides some potential insights into what this mid-generation refresh could entail. Notably, the PS5 has amassed an impressive collection of games and has outsold its main competitor, the Xbox Series X, by over 10 million units.
The PS5 has seen great success, but some are anticipating an updated version of the console. Historically, Sony has released a slimmer version of each PlayStation iteration around 3-4 years after the initial launch. Rumors suggest that a leaner PS5 may arrive in 2023, with a potential PS5 Pro in 2025, however, Sony has not provided any official confirmation.
A leaked image of the slimline PS5 has surfaced on Twitter, shared by a user named Gust_FAN. According to Gust_FAN, the image originated from an individual in China who received a package containing the new PS5. The reliability of this source is unknown. Based on the rumor, the updated PS5 features a detachable disc drive and is approximately 2 inches shorter than the original model, while maintaining the same thickness. It is important to approach this information with caution. The leaked image only reveals the top half of the console, which closely resembles the original PS5. The most noticeable difference is a split in the cover plates.
While the credibility of this "leak" is questionable, there are indications that a slimmer version of the PS5 might be released soon. According to legal documents related to Microsoft's legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the acquisition of Activision, it is mentioned that a PS5 slim is expected to be launched "later this year" at the same price as the current PS5 Digital Edition.
Although Microsoft did not provide any evidence to support this claim, the approaching 2023 holiday season will provide answers to fans wondering if Sony will indeed release a slim PS5 this year. One fan has already created a custom slim PS5 that is less than 1 inch thick, but encountered some complications with the cooling system. The official PS5 slim is likely to be more practical, even if it is not significantly smaller than the current version.