Sony
PlayStation 5 Slim
2023
88
/ 100
From $499
VS
Sony
Sony DualSense (Black)
Controller · 2020
88
/ 100
From $69
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, PlayStation 5 Slim lands at 88 and Sony DualSense (Black) at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick PlayStation 5 Slim if…
- ✓Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
- ✓Store ecosystem
- ✓Cross-gen compatibility
Pick Sony DualSense (Black) if…
- ✓Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- ✓Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- ✓Cross-platform compatibility
PlayStation 5 Slim 88
vs 88 Sony DualSense (Black)
Score breakdown
PlayStation 5 Slim
88 performance 88
games 86
features 86
value 82
Sony DualSense (Black)
88 performance 88
games 86
features 86
value 82
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | PlayStation 5 Slim | Sony DualSense (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2023 | 2020 |
| Type | — | Controller |
| Color | — | Black |
PlayStation 5 Slim
Pros
- +Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
- +Store ecosystem
- +Cross-gen compatibility
Cons
- −Storage expansion pricey
- −Dashboard UX ages
- −Subscription required for online
Sony DualSense (Black)
Pros
- +Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- +Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- +Cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- −Battery replacement paid on some
- −Software dependency
- −Stick drift still possible (non-Hall)
FAQ: PlayStation 5 Slim vs Sony DualSense (Black)
Which is better, PlayStation 5 Slim or Sony DualSense (Black)? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is PlayStation 5 Slim worth the price? +
At $499, PlayStation 5 Slim delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in performance.
Is Sony DualSense (Black) worth the price? +
At $69, Sony DualSense (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in performance.
Does PlayStation 5 Slim or Sony DualSense (Black) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.