PS5 Slim ‘not that much smaller’ according to first teardown videos

The first teardown videos of the new PS5 slim model have been posted online.

One video features content creator Dave2D taking the system apart and comparing it to the base model. Among the comparisons, perhaps the most surprising is his claim that the slim machine is “not that much smaller,” than the original.

Dave2D also commented that the top panels feature a glossy finish. In contrast, the disc drive portion of the machine is a matte finish, similar, but not identical to that of the original PS5.

The new PlayStation 5 digital version weighs 2.6kg compared to 3.4kg for the original digital version. The new disc version of the PlayStation 5 weighs 3.2kg, compared to the original, which weighs in at 3.9kg.

The disc drive is “surprisingly easy to remove,” as it can be removed from the machine without the use of any tools. The disc drive is connected to the motherboard by a single connector. The SSD bay still requires a screwdriver to access.

The new horizontal stand was also criticised heavily in the teardown. The stand, which amounts to two plastic clips, is included with the machine. The verticle stand will be sold separately.

The recommended retail prices for the new PS5 model are as follows:

• PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – $499.99 / €549.99 / £479.99
• PS5 Digital Edition – $449.99 / €449.99 / £389.99

This represents a $50 increase in price for the Digital Edition in the US. Both editions, which come with 1TB storage, will also be more expensive than the launch models in Japan.

Unlike with the current model, those who purchase the new PS5 Digital Edition will be able to add a Blu-ray disc drive later, as one will be sold separately for $79.99 / €119.99 / £99.99.

Images claiming to show the setup process of the new PlayStation 5 console have seemingly confirmed that a one-off internet connection will be required to pair its new detachable disk drive.

The setup process of the new console appears to confirm that a one-off internet connection is required to pair the new PS5’s disk drive, which is designed to be detachable, as suggested by an alleged box shot last month.

This is likely a security measure in order to ensure that the disc drive is legitimate, and to comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.