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PlayStation 5 Slim — 2023
Sony

PlayStation 5 Slim

2023

88
/ 100
From $499
VS
Sony DualSense (Black) — Controller · 2020
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
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Performance

Tie

Compared on the performance sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Games

Tie

Compared on the games sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Features

Tie

Compared on the features sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Sony DualSense (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony DualSense (Black) more score per dollar ($69 vs $499).

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

PlayStation 5 Slim versus Sony DualSense (Black) — full spec comparison
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.

Which is the better value, PlayStation 5 Slim or Sony DualSense (Black)? +

Sony DualSense (Black) — more score per dollar ($69 vs $499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.