PlayStation's Latest Console Redesign Draws Mixed Reactions from Gamers
Sony's newly updated PlayStation 5 Slim has started hitting store shelves in Europe, and it's already sparking heated debates online. While some fans are celebrating one particular design change, others are voicing frustration over what they see as a step backwards in hardware.
A Leak That Turned Out to Be True
Earlier this month, French outlet Dealabs Magazine leaked details of an updated PS5 Slim model. At first, many players dismissed the information, worried that the rumored specifications suggested some disappointing compromises. But those leaks proved accurate: the refreshed PS5 Slim is now available in select regions, and tech enthusiasts have begun tearing it apart—literally.
Popular YouTuber Austin Evans , known for his hardware teardowns, managed to get his hands on the revised unit and posted a detailed breakdown. One change in particular caught the community's attention, and surprisingly, it's not about performance—it's about aesthetics.
Matte Finish Wins Fans Over
The original PS5 design featured glossy side panels, a choice that many gamers disliked because of its tendency to attract fingerprints, scratches, and scuff marks. The new Slim version replaces that shiny plastic with a matte finish , and gamers online are praising Sony for finally addressing the issue.
On X (formerly Twitter), players expressed their excitement:
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"This should've been the standard from day one. Glossy panels look cheap on any device," wrote one user.
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Another added, "I'm not even kidding, I might buy a PS5 just for this change. Glossy plastic is a nightmare—it scratches if you breathe on it."
For design-conscious gamers, the update feels like a small but meaningful improvement. But as is often the case, the positive comes with a negative.
Storage Capacity Takes a Hit
The more controversial change lies beneath the hood. According to tech outlet VGC , the new Slim now ships with an 825GB SSD , compared to the 1TB storage capacity found in the earlier PS5 Slim model. For many, this reduction feels like a downgrade in an era where blockbuster titles regularly exceed 100GB in size.
To make matters worse, Sony hasn't lowered the retail price. The console costs the same as before, meaning buyers are essentially paying the same amount for less storage.
Community Pushback
It didn't take long for the gaming community to react. On the r/gaming subreddit , frustration poured in almost instantly:
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"They DE-MADE the PS5," one commenter complained.
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Another added, "Oh great, shrinkflation has officially hit consoles."
This kind of backlash highlights a growing frustration in the gaming world, where companies are often seen as cutting costs without lowering prices.
Why Did Sony Make the Change?
While Sony has not given an official explanation, analysts suggest the move was financially motivated. By reducing the SSD size, manufacturing costs go down, allowing Sony to maintain profit margins without increasing the retail price.
This strategy may be linked to the ongoing global trade tensions, particularly tariffs imposed on electronics entering the United States. Instead of hiking the console's price—something that could harm sales—Sony likely chose to trim costs internally.
The Bigger Picture: Storage Demands in 2025
Even with cost-cutting in mind, an 825GB SSD raises practical concerns. Today's biggest releases demand enormous amounts of storage. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III , for instance, can exceed 200GB with updates. And with the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI on the horizon, some gamers joke that the PS5 Slim might not even be able to hold the game on its own.
Sure, players can expand storage with external drives or additional SSDs, but that requires extra spending—something that may leave new buyers feeling short-changed.
A Case of Priorities
The reaction to the new PS5 Slim highlights an interesting divide among gamers. For some, aesthetics and design are key. They appreciate the matte panels and sleeker look, especially since the PS5 has often been criticized as bulky and awkwardly shaped. For others, performance and storage capacity far outweigh cosmetic tweaks. For them, Sony's decision feels like prioritizing style over substance.
What It Means for Sony's Future
Sony is no stranger to hardware revisions. Previous PlayStation generations all received "slim" redesigns that aimed to cut production costs while offering a sleeker product. But in most cases, those revisions either maintained or improved specifications. This time, however, many players see the reduced SSD as a downgrade that doesn't match the premium price tag.
If history is any guide, the backlash may not significantly impact sales. The PlayStation brand remains incredibly strong, and demand for the PS5 continues to outstrip supply in many markets. Still, the mixed reception should serve as a reminder to Sony that gamers are paying attention—not just to graphics and gameplay, but also to the value they're getting in their hardware.
Final Thoughts
The new PS5 Slim proves that even small design tweaks can spark big reactions in the gaming world. While the matte finish has won praise, the cut in storage has left many disappointed, especially since prices remain unchanged. For now, buyers will need to decide what matters more: a sleeker look or more room for their growing game libraries.
One thing is certain—Sony's decisions around hardware design will continue to be closely watched as the next generation of gaming looms.
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