The PS5 Slim: What the hell?

It’s been three years since the release of the PS5, an event marred by issues and scarcity. Between scalpers wreaking havoc on the launch and a lack of compelling titles, the PS5’s debut left much to be desired. I’ve been buying PlayStation consoles at launch with no fail since the PS1, yet this time, I’m perplexed as to why I haven’t taken the plunge, and my enthusiasm remains lukewarm at best.

Recently, Sony solved all the availability problems and initiated price reductions and promotions to stimulate sales. However, the big news this week is the upcoming release of the Slim edition during this holiday season. This new console is approximately 30% smaller and 18% lighter than its predecessor. Here lies my reservation about the Slim launch: historically, the release of a slim version coincided with a slight price drop. In this instance, though, the price of the standard edition remains unchanged, while the digital version is slated for a $50 price hike. Those interested in upgrading from the digital version to the disc-based one will need to purchase a separate disc drive for around $80.

While I agree that the PS5 was somewhat massive, I can’t help but feel that this slim version is rushed and, to some extent, unnecessary. Personally, I would have preferred to wait another year for a Pro version with enhanced specs or, even better, a more compelling library of games to persuade me to make the purchase.

What are your thoughts on this matter?