The PlayStation 5 Slim first reached stores in late 2023, and by 2026 it has become the standard PS5 that most people buy. The original model was huge, the size of a small amplifier, and it struggled to fit into many TV cabinets. Sony fixed that with the Slim without changing what matters inside. Games run the same, load the same and look the same. What changed is the shell, the storage and the way the disc drive works. For South African families and gamers, it is also worth knowing how pricing and stock have moved since launch, and what to check before you buy from any shop. Here are the three changes that matter most, counted down.
First, a quick word on the two versions. There is a Standard Edition with a disc drive already fitted and a Digital Edition without one. Both use the same custom AMD chip as the original PS5, so performance is identical to the launch console. The PS5 Pro, which came later, is a separate and pricier machine aimed at players with high-end 4K TVs. For most homes the Slim remains the sensible choice, with the best balance of price, size and game library. Now on to the list.
3. A detachable disc drive option
The biggest design change is the disc drive. On the Slim it clips onto the side of the console, and on the Digital Edition you can buy it later and add it yourself. That is handy if you start digital and then find a pile of cheap second-hand discs at a market or from a friend. The drive needs an internet connection once to pair with the console.
Buying physical games still makes sense in South Africa. Discs often go on sale, you can trade them in later, and you avoid huge downloads on a capped data plan.
That last point matters. Many modern games are over 100GB, and patches can add plenty more. If your home fibre is fast and uncapped, digital is easy. If you rely on mobile data or a slow line, a disc plus a smaller update can save you real money every month.
The Standard Edition ships with the drive already attached, so there is nothing to set up. Just note that the vertical stand is no longer in the box. If you want the console standing upright, you will need to buy the stand separately, and it is not always easy to find locally. Many owners simply lay the Slim flat, which works fine and keeps it steady around kids and pets. Whichever way you place it, leave a little space around the vents. Our summers get hot, and good airflow keeps the fan quieter and the console happier.
2. Storage finally gets a useful bump to 1TB
The original PS5 came with 825GB of storage, and after the system software only about 667GB was free. That filled up after a handful of big games. The Slim moves to 1TB, which gives you roughly 848GB of usable space. It is not a huge jump, but it means one or two extra games.
The good news is that storage is easy to expand. There is an M.2 slot inside for a fast NVMe SSD, and Sony's own guidance lists the speed and size you need. You can also plug in an external USB drive to store PS4 games and keep PS5 titles you are not playing right now. Moving them back is much quicker than downloading again.
At Joltbox we focus on the gear around your gaming, from fast USB-C cables to power banks that keep controllers going. For a console SSD upgrade, check the speed rating and heatsink size before you pay, and buy from a shop that gives you a proper local warranty.
The Slim also has two USB-C ports on the front instead of one USB-C and one USB-A. That suits modern controllers and headsets. Charging the DualSense controller from the front is simple, and a short, good quality USB-C cable does the job well. Keep a spare cable handy, because the one in the box always seems to go missing.
1.A smaller, lighter body for small lounges
Sony says the Slim is about 30% smaller in volume than the original, and it is noticeably lighter. In practice it finally fits into most TV units without a fight. The glossy top and matte bottom panels look neat, and the whole console feels more like a normal home device now.
It is still not tiny. Measure your cabinet before buying, especially if you plan to stand it upright, and remember that the disc drive bump adds a little width too.
Should you buy a PS5 Slim in 2026? If you do not own a PS5 yet, yes. It runs every PS5 game, most PS4 games, and is easier to live with.
If you already own the original model, there is no real reason to switch. Games play the same. Instead, spend the money on more storage or a spare controller. And if you are a PC gamer, browse our gaming PCs and laptops, like the HP Victus 16 from R16,999 or the ASUS ROG Strix G17 for bigger budgets.
