The PS5 is one of the greatest video game consoles in the current generation because it is powerful and has so many games from both first-party and other developers. It’s also easily one of the largest and heaviest systems of its type ever sold — as anyone with one can readily tell you. Fortunately, in recent times the PS5 Slim has replaced the monster. I am sure you can guess that the PS5 Slim is less wide and lighter in its weight compared to a regular PS5. It is still large though more manageable in terms of being stored in a computer. The redesigned console is also easier to modularize so it can easily fit a new SSD drive and it is so easy to remove the faceplates. You can even add and remove optical discs as well as the bay for the optical disc drive. The system does not become as unstable as before if it is stood vertically; however, it is necessary to purchase an additional $30 stand for enhanced stability. But more storage is also present in the PS5 Slim. Apart from the new look, the PS5 Slim has the same excellent performance, well-organized interface, and a fantastic collection of games like the initial PS5. You don’t have to get a new system if you own a PS5 because the new system is essentially functionally identical. However, if the decision to become a member of the Playstation family has been hanging by a thread, then you should opt for the slim one since the best PS5 games awaits you. In this review let us take our time to look at some of the significant differences that the PS5 Slim comes with.

Specs

The PS5 Slim comes in two editions: the Standard Edition and the Digital Edition. Both editions also provide a custom AMD Zen 2 Processor with the Facility of 8 cores and 16 threads at a Speed of 3.5GHz and the AMD RDNA 2 GPU of 10.3 Teraflops at 2.23 GHz. Both of them have also incorporated 16GB GDDR6 RAM and 1TB SSD as the storage drive. Standard Edition comes with a 4K Blu-ray disc drive which has the capacity to store as much as 100GB for every disc, but if you want the disc drive to come with Digital Edition, it is an optional component. Both consoles support 4K video output at 120Hz and include ports for modern connectivity: , there are 2 x USB Type C on the front, and on the rear there are 2 x USB-A, 1 x Ethernet and 1 x HDMI. Networking options include Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 for high-speed unlimited access to the networks. In general, it is worth pointing out that the performance of both versions indicated as Standard or Digital Edition is truly remarkable and the availability of the elaborate functionalities is beyond doubt.

Price

The PS5 Slim version which also has the 4K Blu-ray disc drive is priced at $499. The console also comes bundled with either Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 or even Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for the same amount of money. The PS5 Slim Digital Edition will set you back $449 and this system does not have set bundling at present. In case you decide to place the system horizontally, more specifically on its side, there are two see-through plastic legs in the box. Sadly, the new vertical stand as is discussed here and compatible with the older PS5 at the same time is available for an additional price of $30. Talking of add-ons, an optical disc drive for the Digital Edition of the console is offered at $80, which takes the price of this version of the console to $30 more than the console with a disc-drive.

Design

Unfortunately, the PS5 not only remains too large of an object but even has an aggressive hourglass hue which makes me want to keep it out of sight. I wouldn’t describe the design on the PS5 Slim as aesthetic because it is barely different in shape and size. Its slim design, also, is not as gaudy as the former — and, moreover, it’s more fitting to hide behind a TV. It has four plates rather than two; two lay on the bottom of the screen and two up on its top. This separation occurs in a way that forms discontinuity on its own skin. The faceplates and the black body are also extremely glossy and here I had no complaints – in fact, I rather appreciated it.

The new device is actually slim, but it does offer players a large variety of ports on the newly PS5. On the front of the system, there’s two USB-C ports and a white eject button right next to the disc drive. The latter is rather peculiar because the PS5 has black power and eject buttons on its face, located depressingly close to one another — which is nowhere near ideal. At the back of the case there are two USB-A slots and one Ethernet slot. I guess I would have liked to have a USB-A port on the front for my wired peripherals but this is a small issue.

The PS5 Slim system is relatively thicker on the side identified as the ‘bottom’ to accommodate for the disc drive. If you wish to oppose the system horizontally, then you can fix it using the transparent feet that are accompanied with it. The little legs might look stupid but they serve quite a good purpose of maintaining the Slim look of the PS5. This is I consider to be my preferred orientation for the PS5 Slim. As for the option for using the monitor vertically, I have not received the vertical stand together with my review unit, so I cannot discuss it. However, now it’s actually wiser to place the PS5 vertically since the bottom which lies flat on the table is not that curved as on the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. However, especially considering the price of the system, it would have been even better if the stand with the vertical orientation was included in the package.

Modularity

Thus, like the old PS5, you replace this device’s SSD. In addition to that, you can also take out the disc drive from the excessive PS5 Slim as well. If you purchase the Digital Edition there is an extra $80 disk drive that is attachable. Getting the faceplate covering the SSD on the Slim version of PS5 is slightly easier than on the previous version of this console. That’s why one can easily screw off a small faceplate instead of a big one as is required by the traditional lamps. If you want to disassemble an SSD, then you will have to use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws used to secure the SSD but other than that it is very easy.

For instance, eradicating the optical disc drive is also easy because it is simply screwed in and held by clips such that one only has to twist and pull gently. That’s good for you, probably, but I don’t really understand the point of removing the optical disc drive. For the most part, the only version that is a little lighter is the PS5 Slim without disc drives. And since the faceplate is intended to contain an optical drive, there is a centrally positioned hole in the case where the access point was before.

Performance

The only anticipated upgrade that has been introduced is the one dealing with the storage capacity of the PS5 Slim, which is now a bit higher, 1TB SSD. This console also has 16 GDDR6 GB memory and utilizes the AMD Ryzen Zen 2 CPU. Since the internals are identical, that means you are limited to Wi-Fi 6 instead of the more advanced Wi-Fi 6E orWi-Fi 7 standards.

Titles such as Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Street Fighter 6 all play exceptionally well on the PS5 Slim. During my time testing the unit, we get the same insanely fast reaction and loading time as in the previous console. As with other games on the PS5, these titles have performance modes that prefer faster frames per second over resolution. This is the kind of gameplay that I like since almost all movement, and everything is silky smooth. Besides this, if you are a gambling terminal aficionado, you will be glad to know that there are a multitude of online casino games that can be launched on this console, including The Four Kings Casino and Slots, Pure Hold’em, Poker Club, Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA 5 Diamond Casino & Resort, and Texas Cheat ‘Em. Here are some things you can do on this console besides gaming: watch the latest movies and shows, play DVDs and Blu-ray discs, listen to music and news, browse the Web, discuss games with partners and teammates in Party Chats, and call friends on your phone.

Overall, if you were satisfied with the performance of the PS5, the PS5 Slim should not let you down. It is still a very strong console to this day.

Verdict

The PS5 Slim is the Sony console that should have been released right at the start of this current generation. Thus I do not think that overall design is impressive, but in terms of size it is much better now. Apart from the new design, this is still the best phenomenal system that it has ever been; with a focus on speedy performance, ray tracing, and tons of marvelous games. More storage is nice and the new system is more modular even though I have to pay extra for the Digital Edition. Nitpicks aside, the PS5 Slim is an improvement of the already great console that Sony released last year. Still, the current PS5 owners do not need to consult the system because it is already out in the market. But if you have not upgraded to PlayStation 5 or you are still using PlayStation 4, then the PS5 Slim should be your ultimate gaming console.

Over the past two decades, the face of PlayStation multiplayer gaming has changed dramatically, injecting fresh energy into the way gamers connect, cooperate, and go head-to-head in vastly imagined digital universes. From the get-go, PlayStation threw its hat into the online gaming ring, and that bold move changed the game. Gamers now organize their social calendars around virtual meetups, and PlayStation’s pioneering multiplayer innovations have unwittingly engineered this sense of community – but how did this journey unfold?

The Evolution of PlayStation Multiplayer

Pioneering Online Console Gaming

PlayStation has been at the forefront of online console gaming since the early 2000s. The PlayStation 2, with its network adapter, introduced players to the concept of online multiplayer, offering titles like “SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs” that allowed gamers to connect over the internet. This pioneering step laid the groundwork for future advancements in online gaming.

The PlayStation Network Revolution

Gaming got a serious boost when the PS3 hit the market, largely thanks to the radical innovation of the PlayStation Network. In a remarkable convergence, PSN combined the thrill of online showdowns, dizzying digital treasures, and chatty meetup spots under one vibrant banner. Beyond the screen, the PlayStation created a shared virtual space where players could mingle, trade strategies, and connect on a global scale, entirely rewriting the gaming narrative.

The Rise of Social Gaming

With the PlayStation 4, social gaming became a central focus. Built-in streaming capabilities and integration with social media platforms enabled players to broadcast gameplay, share highlights, and connect with friends and followers seamlessly. Gaming’s socially connected era was catalyzed by the rise of experiences like “Destiny” and “The Division”. These groundbreaking titles expertly fused traditional game design with modern social cues, entwining players in persistent, high-stakes worlds where danger lurked around every corner and camaraderie was the difference between victory and defeat.

Cross-Platform Play and Accessibility

A notable trend in the past decade has been the push towards cross-platform play. PlayStation gamers now compete against or cooperate with players on different consoles and PCs. What was once a fragmented community is now a vibrant, united front, where players from all walks – or rather, platforms – come together to game. Consider Fortnite and Rocket League – they’ve already proven that a more connected gaming space is not only possible but also incredibly exciting.

Major Trends Shaping PlayStation Multiplayer

Battle Royale Dominance

Get ready to join the frenzy where only one player remains standing. What do you get when you mix adrenaline, strategy, and a healthy dose of competition? Fortnite and Apex Legends are the one-two punch that’s keeping gamers on the edge of their seats worldwide. Imagine a battleground where only the strongest, smartest, and most resilient would survive. That’s what these games brought to the table – an intoxicating mix of cutthroat competition and survival instincts on high alert. It’s the constant surprises that keep fans coming back for more – a delicate balance of tension and uncertainty that amounts to an impossible-to-resist formula. The online battleground has found a home on PlayStation, where the war drums beat strongest, and competitors gather for all-out war.

Esports and Competitive Gaming

Esports has grown from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon. PlayStation has been at the forefront, hosting numerous tournaments and leagues for a wide range of competitive titles. Games like “Call of Duty,” “FIFA,” and “Street Fighter” have thriving esports scenes, with professional players and teams competing for substantial prize pools. PlayStation’s commitment to competitive gaming has helped legitimize esports and attract a diverse audience of players and spectators.

Persistent Worlds and Live Services

The concept of games as a service (GaaS) has become increasingly prevalent, with developers creating persistent worlds that evolve over time. Games like “Destiny 2,” “Warframe,” and “Final Fantasy XIV” offer ongoing content updates, seasonal events, and community-driven experiences. These live-service games keep players engaged long after their initial release, fostering communities that grow and change alongside the game. PlayStation’s infrastructure and support for these titles have been instrumental in their success.

VR and the Future of Multiplayer

On PlayStation, the line between player and game is blurring fast, as virtual reality unlocks fresh multiplayer adventures that feel almost too real to be true. With PlayStation VR, gamers suddenly found themselves lost in immersive experiences that felt ridiculously real, and the social connections they forged were a natural byproduct. Whether it’s the gripping gameplay of “Firewall Zero Hour” or the limitless possibilities of “No Man’s Sky VR”, these games pioneering a brave new world of multiplayer gaming, where virtual environments envelop and captivate players like never before. Get ready for a gamer’s paradise: as VR tech rockets forward, it’s set to turn the PlayStation multiplayer scene on its head.

The Role of Digital Marketing in the Success of Online Games

With its potent mix of social media charm, influencer firepower, and targeted ad potency, digital marketing has been the ace up the sleeve of online games, catapulting them to stratospheric success. In today’s interactive media landscape, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch serve as a trio of amplified megaphones for multiplayer game advocates. Within these cyber arenas, influencers captivate audiences by replicating breathtaking feats, showcasing handy walkthroughs, and, above all, forming symbiotic connections with their target demographics. PlayStation has adeptly utilized these channels to create hype around new releases, updates, and events. Audiences respond to personalized messaging – and we make it happen by pouring over data insights to find the sweet spot where brand and customer connect conversions skyrocket. 

Ash Aryal, CEO and Co-founder of Digital Spotlight Australia, commented, “Your Instagram ads can look almost as aesthetically pleasing as other posts, opening opportunities to attract potential customers.”This perspective underscores the potential of Instagram as a platform not just for interaction but also for aesthetically integrated advertising that resonates with users, enhancing the engagement strategies PlayStation employs. By leveraging the visual appeal of Instagram ads that blend seamlessly into the user feed, PlayStation can further capitalize on the platform’s extensive reach and engagement capabilities. For PlayStation multiplayer games, smart digital marketing is the secret to amassing a dedicated fan base that will keep coming back for more, time and time again.

Impact on Gaming Culture

Community and Collaboration

As gamers converged in multiplayer arenas, an infectious camaraderie took hold, fuelling dazzling team plays and epic wins. Flanking the vast expanse of online gaming, communities are springing up, crafted by players for players – and through these connections, are forming unwavering friendships that endure beyond the reset button. In today’s gaming landscape, it’s not just about individual players; it’s about the collective energy of the community. Events like PlayStation’s “State of Play” show us the impact of coming together.

Diversity and Inclusion

The multiplayer gaming space has become more diverse and inclusive over the past decade. PlayStation’s game design takes into account the needs of a wide range of players, resulting in a more welcoming online gaming community. As developers prioritize diversity, we’re seeing a surge in innovative games and a vibrant community that’s as diverse as it gets.

The Future of PlayStation Multiplayer

Looking ahead, the future of PlayStation multiplayer gaming is promising. Multiplayer gaming is about to level up. Credit the boosted internet speeds, cloud-based excitement, and refined matchmaking that make online interactions faster, smoother, and more social. When the next generation console hits the scene, get ready for a multiplayer gaming experience like no other – its powerful tech and fresh features will change the game, period. Imagine a decade of endless possibility, where innovators and enthusiasts collaborate to redefine the limits of what’s achievable – that’s the future we’re hurtling towards, and it’s going to be a blast.

Conclusion

In just the past two decades, PlayStation multiplayer has undergone a stunning transformation, shifting from fledgling online infrastructure to enormous, interconnected environments that unite gamers worldwide. Gaming’s evolutionary arc is steepening, propelled by gamers’ constant craving for richly detailed worlds, electrifying competition, and pulsing social connections that mirror the thrill of real-life interactions. With PlayStation at the helm, the next ten years are shaping up to be a wild ride for multiplayer gamers, filled with heart-stopping action, heartwarming camaraderie, and boundless excitement.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree isn’t your average DLC. It might just turn out to be the biggest DLC release in all of gaming.

Occasionally, a video game is released that unites millions of gamers worldwide in their excitement for it. Upon its original release in 2022, Elden Ring was just such a game. As the next work from heralded developer studio FromSoftware, the game arrived with massive expectations on its shoulders, and yet still somehow surpassed what most players had expected.

Shadow of the Erdtree is generating similar levels of excitement, even though it’s only an expansion to the original game. In fact, it’s DLC, an acronym that has become something of a controversial subject as developers and publishers alike use it to try and squeeze further revenues out of already-released games.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is different, however. Not only are players accepting of this particular batch of DLC, their excitement for it is off the charts, and might just lead to it being the biggest and most successful DLC release of all time.

How many players will play Shadow of the Erdtree?

FromSoftware recently announced that Elden Ring surpassed 25 million games sold to players. That’s a big deal not only because it’s an immense number of sales, but also because of what it could mean for the prospects of Shadow of the Erdtree.

Many of those sales were surely made in recent weeks in the runup to Shadow of the Erdtree’s release date. That shows tangibly just how excited players are, even those who hadn’t played the original Elden Ring campaign prior to now.

What’s more, active player counts have been shooting up. The number of players in the game can be seen at any given time via Steam, and this only accounts for a particular subsection of the game’s overall base of players.

After falling to near 30,000 active daily players, Elden Ring began seeing close to 200,000 players each day, numbers not seen since when the game was still quite new in 2022. Players are just that excited about this new release.

There are even players collating information on how best to start the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC story as quickly as possible, rushing to the in-game events and bosses that need to be checked off in order to begin playing Shadow of the Erdtree.

This level of excitement is rare for any video game release, on any platform. That these levels are being reached for downloadable content, an expansion being made to a game that is already more than two years old, speaks to the faith that players have in FromSoftware to deliver a great experience.

Early critical response seems to be justifying that expectation, as most are aligned on Shadow of the Erdtree living up to the standard set by the original game. That’s no surprise, not only because Elden Ring was itself of such quality, but also because FromSoftware has a solid track record with its previous DLC releases. That includes DLC created for the Dark Souls games, which inspired Elden Ring and stand as the game’s spiritual predecessors.

So while it’s hard to say just how many copies of this new DLC FromSoftware will sell, one thing seems clear: This is going to be one of the biggest DLC releases in all of gaming history.