The new slim PlayStation 4 is about 30 percent thinner and adds one notable new feature, support for , which allows for greater dynamic range in lighting, for brighter, bolder-looking visuals (although we're still waiting for games with HDR modes, so it's not the most useful new feature at the moment).
Hardware-wise, it's pretty much the same, with either a 500GB or 1TB of storage, and plays the same library of downloadable or disc-based of games as the older PS4. If you want improved graphics, you'll have to look at the upcoming , which supports 4K output and content.
Side by side against the older PS4, the difference in size is readily apparent. While the footprint is mostly the same (the older PS4 is just a little bit wider), the slim version shows off its successful weight-loss program results by being about half an inch shorter.
The PS4 Slim also looks a lot better. There's a new matte sandpaper finish, which is a lot nicer to look at than the half glossy finish of the original, and Sony says it's about 25 percent lighter as well.
There's no longer an optical audio jack, a space and component cost savings. On the plus side, this new PS4 is supposed to run cooler and quieter.
Other improvements include a new tweaked DualShock 4 controller that features a lighted strip above the touchpad, as well as the ability to be plugged into the PS4 Slim's USB port for better response times while gaming.