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PlayStation 5 Slim: Sony Reportedly Rolls Out New Version With Smaller Design, Modular Drive and Regional Storage Changes

By Freedom251 Team · · 5 min read

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Sony’s PlayStation 5 Slim is a smaller redesign of the original PS5, not a faster console. The 2023 model cuts the enclosure’s volume by more than 30%, weighs 18% less in the disc version and 24% less in the Digital Edition, and initially moved both versions to a 1TB SSD. Its Digital Edition can accept a separately sold Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, unlike the 2020 PS5 Digital Edition.

A later European revision reported in September 2025, identified as CFI-2116, complicates the buying decision: it reportedly returns the Digital Edition to 825GB and uses an all-matte exterior. Check the exact model number, included drive and advertised storage before ordering.

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What changed on the PS5 Slim?

The 2023 redesign changes the PS5’s physical design and purchasing options while retaining the same practical gaming performance. Sony split the side covers into four panels, combining glossy upper sections with matte lower sections on the launch models. The new shell is substantially smaller, and the Digital Edition can be converted to a disc model later.

Feature Original 2020 PS5 2023 PS5 Slim launch models
Enclosure volume Baseline More than 30% lower, according to Sony
Weight change Baseline 18% lower for the disc model; 24% lower for Digital
Advertised SSD 825GB 1TB in both launch editions
Digital-to-disc upgrade Not compatible with the Slim drive Optional attachable Ultra HD Blu-ray drive
Horizontal setup Original base design Horizontal feet included
Vertical setup Stand requirements vary by package Vertical stand sold separately

Sony’s Sid Shuman said the form-factor work was intended to provide “greater choice and flexibility” as player needs changed. That flexibility is most significant for buyers who want a cheaper digital console now but may later purchase physical games.

Is the PS5 Slim more powerful than the original?

No. Published reviews describe the Slim as delivering the same practical PS5 performance. It is a chassis and convenience revision rather than a Pro-style upgrade, so games, graphics capability and target frame rates should be treated as equivalent to the corresponding original PS5.

The redesign does alter connectivity and expandability details. Reviews noted a USB-C port change, the larger SSD on initial Slim units and the modular disc-drive option. None of those changes represents a new graphics processor or a higher performance class.

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Can I add a disc drive to the PS5 Slim Digital Edition?

Yes. The Slim Digital Edition has a removable side section designed for Sony’s separately sold Ultra HD Blu-ray drive. The drive was announced at $79.99 in the United States, while regional pricing can differ, and it is the practical route to playing boxed PS5 games or Blu-ray discs after buying the digital console.

This compatibility is specific to the Slim design. The original 2020 PS5 Digital Edition is not compatible with the detachable drive, so do not assume an older console can be upgraded with the same accessory. When comparing a listing, confirm whether the drive is included in the box or sold separately; “Digital Edition” does not by itself mean a drive is present.

Why does a newer PS5 Slim reportedly have 825GB instead of 1TB?

VGC and TechRadar reported in September 2025 that a European Digital Edition revision marked CFI-2116 advertises 825GB, reversing the 1TB specification used by the first Slim models. Teardown and retail evidence also pointed to an all-matte shell and an approximately 120g lower weight for that revision.

That report should be treated as region-specific, not as a universal replacement for every Slim. Sony’s cited United States product page lists the CFI-2100 slim group with a 1TB SSD, while the company has not published a revision-by-revision engineering log or an official explanation for the reported storage reduction. Do not present a cost-saving motive as confirmed.

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Advertised capacity is not the same as free space: the operating system and reserved data occupy part of any PS5 SSD. If you are choosing between an 825GB and 1TB listing, compare the model code and market first, then budget for a compatible M.2 SSD expansion drive if your library is large.

Which PS5 Slim model should I buy?

Choose according to how you acquire games and how certain you are about needing a disc drive. Use this checklist before paying:

  • Want physical games now: select the disc model and verify that the Ultra HD Blu-ray drive is installed.
  • Mostly download games but want an upgrade path: select a Slim Digital Edition that explicitly supports the detachable drive, and price the drive separately.
  • Comparing storage: check for 1TB on CFI-2000/CFI-2100 listings and 825GB on reported CFI-2116 European listings; do not infer capacity from the word “Slim.”
  • Checking placement: horizontal feet are supplied, while a vertical stand is an additional purchase.
  • Comparing value: include the local console price, optional drive, optional vertical stand and any M.2 SSD expansion in the total.
  • Checking availability: prices, stock and the geographic rollout of CFI-2116 can change, so a current local Sony listing is more reliable than an old specification sheet.
Launch configuration US launch MSRP What it includes
PS5 Slim with disc drive $499.99 Console with Ultra HD Blu-ray drive
PS5 Slim Digital Edition $449.99 Digital console; detachable drive sold separately
Detachable drive $79.99 Optional accessory; regional prices differ

Those figures are the United States launch prices reported in 2023, not a guarantee of today’s retail price. A lower-priced Digital Edition can become more expensive than the disc model once the optional drive is added, particularly if the drive is difficult to find.

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How do I verify a PS5 Slim listing?

  1. Read the model code on the box or product details. CFI-2000 and CFI-2100 identify Slim-family listings; CFI-2116 has been reported for a European 825GB Digital revision.
  2. Confirm the SSD capacity in the specifications rather than relying on a product photo.
  3. Look for “disc drive included” versus “Digital Edition” and check the package contents.
  4. Identify the finish: the reported CFI-2116 uses an all-matte shell, while launch Slim units used mixed glossy and matte panels.
  5. Check the seller’s region, warranty and current price, because availability and specifications can vary by market.

What does the redesign mean for existing PS5 owners?

Existing owners should not expect a performance reason to replace a working PS5. The Slim’s benefits are reduced size and weight, a 1TB SSD on the initial models, and the option to add a drive to a compatible Digital Edition. The reported CFI-2116 storage change makes model-level checking important for anyone buying new, but it does not turn the Slim into a different performance tier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a PS5 CFI model number tell me?

The CFI code identifies a particular hardware family or revision, helping distinguish the original console from Slim variants and later regional changes. It is more dependable than a retailer’s generic “new PS5” wording, but storage and included accessories still need to be checked separately.

How much PS5 storage is actually available to games?

The advertised 825GB or 1TB capacity includes space reserved for system software and other console data. The usable figure is therefore lower, and the exact free space can vary with software updates.

Are PS5 Slim prices the same worldwide?

No. The $499.99 disc, $449.99 Digital and $79.99 drive figures were United States launch prices reported in 2023. Sony’s regional pricing, taxes, bundles and stock can produce different totals elsewhere.

Is the all-matte PS5 Slim the standard model everywhere?

No. The all-matte exterior was reported for the European CFI-2116 Digital revision. Other Slim listings may retain the mixed glossy-and-matte panel design, so photos and the regional model code matter.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Console Buying Guidegaming hardwarePlayStation 5PS5 SlimSony

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