Last evening brought unexpected news: two new PS5 models are scheduled for release in a few weeks, starting with the US market in November and followed by global availability thereafter, though some regions may experience delays of several months. These are the Slim versions of Sony’s console, even though the company refrains from using the official term. Nonetheless, the slogan clearly indicates that this new PS5 model will be “a slimmer size,” meaning it is smaller and thinner than its 2020 predecessor. While the design does not undergo significant changes—now featuring a horizontal split in the casing—the hardware alteration allows Sony to eliminate the disc drive, transforming the console into a fully digital one without the protrusion that housed the Blu-ray drive. This feature was already considered unappealing in the first model and is even less attractive in this Slim version. To such an extent that when placing the console horizontally, Sony had to add an equally displeasing clear plastic stand for stability and balance. Given Sony’s typically meticulous approach to product design, this decision appears somewhat disappointing.
A decision that is strongly contested and rather puzzling to comprehend. If Sony had released only the digital model in a Slim version, with the disc drive available as an optional add-on, it would have made more sense. However, both models are being sold, making it difficult to grasp the rationale behind offering this standalone Blu-ray player at €119. A customer choosing the disc model would have no reason to remove the drive later on. On the other hand, adding a Blu-ray player to the digital model does make logical sense. Nonetheless, if Sony were to do so, it would have been more prudent for them to exclusively sell the digital model and offer the standalone disc drive as a separate purchase option…
One point that does not garner unanimous agreement is the pricing of this PS5 Slim. The standard version with a disc drive will retail for €549, while the slim digital model will be offered at €449. This decision has sparked reactions from the entire gaming community who struggle to comprehend why the price was not lowered, particularly given that Sony could benefit from economies of scale by using less expensive materials, as seen in the leaked August video. The casing appears to be made of low-grade plastic and seems fragile, which raises questions about the unchanged pricing. It is even more disappointing considering that Sony has historically been known for innovation, especially when releasing slim versions of their previous consoles (PS2, PS3, and PS4). Not only was significant research put into those designs, but they were also priced lower and more attractively. However, this situation pertains to a different era…
At the design level, the PS5 Slim may disappoint more than it impresses; however, the console will be notably smaller, with a 30% reduction in size, which is significant given that the primary complaint about the PS5 has been its large footprint, making it difficult to fit into a TV cabinet. The PS5 Slim will also be lighter by 18 to 24%, depending on the model. The disc drive version will weigh 4.5 kg compared to the full digital’s 3.2 kg. Sony also includes a 1TB hard drive, up from the original PS5’s 825GB capacity, with minor improvements elsewhere. Additionally, it is unclear if additional SSD installation will still be possible in the new console; we will have to wait for further testing to confirm this…
Yesterday evening brought unexpected news: two new PlayStation 5 (PS5) models will be released in a few weeks, beginning in November in the United States and followed by other regions shortly after, though some areas may experience delays of several months. These are the Slim versions of Sony’s console, despite the company’s reluctance to use the term officially. The slogan for these new PS5 models clearly states they will be “a slimmer size,” indicating a smaller and thinner machine compared to the 2020 version. However, the design changes are minimal, with the casing now divided horizontally. This alteration allows Sony to remove the disc drive, turning it into a fully digital console and eliminating the protrusion that housed the Blu-ray drive. While this bulge was already an aesthetic issue in the original model, it is even more noticeable in the Slim version. The design flaw is so pronounced that when placed horizontally, Sony had to add an awkward, transparent plastic stand to maintain balance. Considering Sony’s typically meticulous approach to product design, this development is somewhat disappointing.
As the gaming world continues to evolve, the PS5 remains at the forefront with updates and enhancements that keep players engaged. With the console’s impressive roster of titles, it showcases a diverse array of games from dark and immersive experiences like “Lords of the Fallen” to light-hearted adventures such as “Atlas Fallen,” which features innovative sandboarding mechanics. Sophie Laurent’s article on “TMNT The Last Ronin” offers a glimpse into a gritty, dystopian future where Ninja Turtles navigate a challenging New York City landscape inspired by God of War’s narrative depth.
Beyond console updates, gaming franchises like Mortal Kombat continue to captivate fans with their latest installment, Mortal Kombat 1. Carlos Mendoza’s piece on Sindel and General Shao introduces new characters that promise intense combat scenarios, while Sophie Laurent’s coverage of the EVO tournament highlights intriguing fighters such as Reptile, Ashrah, and Havik.
For those who appreciate intricate storytelling alongside exhilarating gameplay, “Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon” by FromSoftware offers a glimpse into mech-based action with real-time battles and detailed customization options. Additionally, Sophie Laurent’s article on “Alone in the Dark” showcases cutting-edge facial modeling technology featuring David Harbour’s nuanced expressions.
In the realm of retro sci-fi action, “Robocop: Rogue City” from Nacon promises a blend of cinematic storytelling and gameplay mechanics true to the original RoboCop aesthetic, with Anne Lewis as a key companion to RoboCop’s iconic persona. These updates alongside Carlos Mendoza’s piece on Microids’ upcoming “Goldorak: The Wolves’ Feast,” which features reorchestrated music by Marcin Przybyłowicz and French voice acting, provide an immersive beat ’em up experience set for November 17th.
With a lineup of titles that cater to various gaming preferences, the future looks bright for players seeking both classic arcade action and cutting-edge gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re diving into dystopian futures or exploring intricate narratives, there’s never been a better time to explore the vast landscape of gaming.
