Is it the best games console you can buy in 2026

What is the PlayStation 5 Slim?

The PS5 celebrated its fifth anniversary at the end of 2025, which makes now the perfect time to reflect on the console generation to date, and whether it’s still worth buying a PS5 in 2026.

The original interaction was redesigned as the PS5 Slim in 2023. Functionally the two consoles are largely identical, but the latter (now the default PS5) isn’t quite as big as its predecessor.

There are a few niggling issues that I’ll get into in this review, but the PS5 is a fantastic console. It’s capable of pumping out stunning 4K HDR visuals and silky smooth frame rates, and has a controller that immerses you in your games. The PS5 is also easy to use, putting games at the forefront of its elegantly designed user interface.

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I have been reviewing gaming hardware for many years and have been using the PS5 since the day it launched in 2020. I have also recently reviewed the newer PlayStation 5 Pro, so I know all about the key differences between the two Sony consoles and who each one is aimed at.

When reviewing games consoles for The Telegraph, I concentrate on five key metrics that ensure you get the fullest picture of the experience before you buy. These are design and features, setup, controller, games and software, and performance and graphics.

As well as comparing the PS5 to the PS5 Slim, it also makes sense to weigh it up against the Xbox Series X, which is the console’s closest rival. I have also owned Microsoft’s flagship console for as long as the PS5, and I think there are clear advantages and disadvantages to each machine, which I’ll get into below.

I test all games consoles using a 55-inch Panasonic 4K OLED TV, and if you’re in the market for a PS5, you’ll definitel benefit from a modern TV that makes the most of its best features, such as HDMI 2.1 connectivity for 120fps gameplay and VRR support.

Score: 4.5/5

The original PS5 was notable not only for its eye-catching white-and-black colour scheme, but also its hulking size. A revised Slim model arrived in 2023, which is both lighter and more than 30 per cent smaller than the launch model. Once it’s under your TV you’ll likely never think about it again, but if you need to move the console for any reason, you’ll be grateful for the more slender model.

As with the original PS5, you can buy the PS5 Slim with a built-in disc drive or save yourself some money with the Digital Edition. You can also remove the faceplates to upgrade your storage, a fiddly but fairly straightforward process.

The PS5 Slim has four USB ports: two on the front are USB-C, while the two on the back of the console are USB-A. You also have an HDMI 2.1 port, an Ethernet port and a power port, all three of which can also be found on the rear of the console.

Setup

Score: 4.5/5

Setting up the PS5 is a simple process. Once you’ve plugged in the power cord and connected the HDMI cable to your TV, it’s just a case of turning the console on and following the on-screen instructions.

These include connecting your DualSense controller via USB to pair it, setting up your internet connection, and either signing into your PlayStation account if you already have one, or setting one up. You’ll also need to update your PS5 to the latest version of the system software.

If you’re coming from a PS4, there is an option to transfer data to the PS5 during setup, but you can also download save data for your PS4 games using PlayStation Plus’ cloud storage feature.

If you’re setting up a PS5 for a child, you can access parental controls in the system settings. As well as managing what games your child can play, you can also set limits for both playtime and spending.

Controller

Score: 4.5/5