Sony has released a refreshed PlayStation 5 (PS5 Slim) digital console in Europe, but instead of offering 1TB of storage for €499, it only offers an 825GB Solid-State Drive (SSD) for the same price.
However, while the refreshed PS5 is said to have 825GB out of the box, YouTuber Austin Evans found that it only has 667.2GB of available storage due to the operating system and other apps included with the console. Meanwhile, the older, digital-only version of the console with a 1TB SSD has 848GB of available storage.
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Sony initially released a more limited version of the PS5 in 2023, with an upgraded 1TB SSD (as opposed to the original PS5's 825GB of internal storage). At launch, the digital-only console cost $449.99, before Sony increased its price worldwide to $499.99 in the US and €499.99 in Europe.
In addition to the change in storage, the refreshed PS5 Slim features a new matte finish, along with smaller components that make it about 100 grams lighter than its predecessor. Sony hasn't given a reason for the change, but its recent post about the price increase cites a "difficult economic environment."
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PS5 Slim in Europe with less storage space
The change has sparked backlash from consumers, who are questioning Sony's strategy. The reduction in storage space could impact the user experience, especially for gamers who download a lot of games. Sony, however, appears to be focusing on reducing production costs, likely due to rising raw material prices and general economic pressure on the market.
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Sony has not officially announced whether the revamped PS5 will be released in markets other than Europe, but analysts predict that the company will closely monitor sales performance before making any decisions. This strategy may be part of a broader effort by Sony to adapt to changing market conditions and remain competitive.
