• PlayStation has revealed new slimmer PS5 console, following leaked images surfacing of the hardware in August.
• The new PS5 console include an attachable 1TB SSD model and a pure Digital Edition.
• Along with being slimmer than the predecessor model, these new consoles feature a diagonal slit across the chassis.

Sony has just revealed its new slimmer PS5 console, although the hardware in question is seemingly not referred to as the PS5 Slim by the company, with it instead just calling them the new PS5 console. As such, depending on the region, they are set to replace the previous generation of PlayStation 5.

That will no doubt prove confusing for consumers, especially given how similar the designs look, but the telltale difference between the two lineups is the diagonal slit that runs across the chassis of the new offerings, along with being slightly slimmer and compact compared to the previous generation.

“The new PS5 has been reduced in volume by more than 30%, and weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous models. There are four separate cover panels, with the top portion in a glossy look, while the bottom remains in matte,” it explained in a blog post.

“If you purchase the PS5 Digital Edition, you can add the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive for PS5 later, as it will also be sold separately,” it added.

As for pricing and availability, the US will be the first region to receive the new console in November, although a precise date has not been mentioned at the time of writing.

In terms of pricing, Sony shared the following for four different regions:

• “U.S.
  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 499.99 USD
  • PS5 Digital Edition – 449.99 USD
• Europe
  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 549.99 EUR
  • PS5 Digital Edition – 449.99 EUR
• U.K.
  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 479.99 GBP
  • PS5 Digital Edition – 389.99 GBP
• Japan
  • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 66,980 JPY (includes tax)
  • PS5 Digital Edition – 59,980 JPY (includes tax)”

Sony adds that those who purchase the Digital Edition and wish to add the drive after the fact can purchase it separately for, “79.99 USD | 119.99 EURO | 99.99 GBP | 11,980 JPY.”

Sadly, South Africa does not feature on the above-recommended pricing list, so it remains to be seen when the new PS5 consoles will land locally and how much they will cost.

If we take US pricing as an example, the more expensive model with the Ultra HD Blu-ray dic drive translates to ~R9 471 at the current exchange rate. Looking at local retailer KOODOO, the PS5 disc version is listed for R13 699, so it will be interesting to see whether PlayStation South Africa will be able to beat that pricing to make the new offerings a bit more appealing.

We have contacted PlayStation’s local distributor, Gamefinity, for more information on the new PS5 consoles, and will share any details should they arrive.