

I'm a huge fan of the PlayStation 5 and in my original PS5 review for T3.com I concluded that it was "an awe-inspiring slab of shock and awe technology".
Despite that, though, the recent unveiling of a custom slim-line PS5 console by a talented modder got me thinking about what I would want from an official PS5 Slim.
As such, right here are the 3 key upgrades I'd like to see Sony make when introducing a PS5 Slim console, which if the firm follows the same update cycle as last generation, should be incoming in late 2023.
1. A more power efficient console
I don't know about you, but right now the cost of the living crisis has me running around my home turning off plug sockets left, right and centre. But when it comes round to my PS5, I have it permanently powered so that I can make use of its Rest Mode features like instant on and background downloads. Regardless of if the PS5 Slim was on or in Rest Mode, though, I like the idea of a system that doesn't cost me as much to run and game on. Over a year's worth of gaming even modest energy savings could really add up, so it would be good to see the console's energy footprint shrink along with its dimensions.
2. A compact design that retains style
I was one of the few people who actually really liked the OG PS5's design and size – it communicated futuristic awesome to me like the Xbox Series X's design does not. As such, while I feel the PS5 Slim would obviously have to be smaller than the standard PS5, I'd really want it to retain some sense of flare in terms of design. There's no doubting that the PS4 Slim looked dowdier than the OG PS4, so I feel Sony shouldn't throw away its style lead over Microsoft when it slim-lines the PlayStation 5. I'm not saying keep the same design, mind, and that leads me on to my final must-have PS5 Slim upgrade.
3. Easier and cheaper console customisation
Finally, I feel the PS5 Slim would be a great opportunity for Sony to rethink its console customisation options and how much they cost. Right now PS5 side plates cost too much money by far to make them an easy buy for most gamers in my opinion, so if Sony's smaller PS5 can have easier to swap and buy plates then more gamers would be able to customise their console as they wish. Making a console personal to you is still really important in my opinion to many gamers, so Sony could hit a home run here quite easily. Hot-swap, affordable PS5 Slim console customisation could really highlight the big black box aesthetic weakness of the Xbox Series X more than ever and help Sony foster a culture of creativity and uniqueness among the PlayStation community.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Rob has been writing about computing, gaming, mobile, home entertainment technology, toys (specifically Lego and board games), smart home and more for over 15 years. As the editor of PC Gamer, and former Deputy Editor for T3.com, you can find Rob's work in magazines, bookazines and online, as well as on podcasts and videos, too. Outside of his work Rob is passionate about motorbikes, skiing/snowboarding and team sports, with football and cricket his two favourites.
-
One of the best dive watches I tested last year is a bargain with hundreds slashed from the price!
The Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver is a steal for this price
By Sam Cross
-
Asus Zenbook A14 review: ideal for frequent travellers
Want a lightweight Windows laptop? Asus might have the perfect answer
By Andrew Williams
-
A new age of humanity wins the Sony World Photography Awards 2025
Zed Nelson's Anthropocene Illusion scores him this year's SWPA Photographer of the Year
By Mat Gallagher
-
The 5 luxury PS5 Pro accessories I can't live without – How to upgrade your PlayStation in style
If you want a better experience for your PS5 Pro, you need these luxury upgrades
By Max Freeman-Mills
-
Sony drops a whole host of new Ult speakers, including some chunky units
The Ult lineup grows
By Max Freeman-Mills
-
This handheld Switch 2 alternative blew me away – MSI's Claw 8 AI+ is ace
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is an 8-inch handheld gaming PC that's hard to argue with
By Max Freeman-Mills
-
I can't wait for the Switch 2, but this feature doesn't convince me
Mouse controls? I'm not sure...
By Max Freeman-Mills
-
I think this was the biggest surprise upgrade in the Nintendo Switch 2's reveal
That Switch 2 dock looks like a beast
By Max Freeman-Mills
-
Did Nintendo just give Rockstar permission to make GTA 6 cost $100?
Nintendo's pricing is a challenge
By Max Freeman-Mills
-
I love Nintendo for bringing back kooky gaming cameras for the Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is mad
By Max Freeman-Mills